Good afternoon friends and neighbors. It's hard to believe that my third State of the Borough Address has come so quickly. I want to recognize my colleagues in government and my staff for working with me to lead this great borough. As you know I stand on the very broad shoulders of men and women who have dedicated their lives to making this a place of opportunity for everyone.

I asked you to come here today because this school has a rich history of graduates who have gone on to greatness and I am committed to ensuring that we continue that tradition. Last year I served as Principal for a Day here. I was here to break ground for a new sports field and track and visited on several occasions to talk to parents, students and teachers.

I'm glad to welcome all of you to Evander Childs High School , named in honor of a great educator and considered one of the best school principals in our City's history. The new Evander houses three distinct schools -- The School of Aeronautics, which offers a curriculum in aviation and aerospace, the School of Contemporary Arts… this is a program that prepares students in the arts, using cutting-edge art forms and technology, and the Academy of Travel and Tourism, this school prepares students in all aspects of travel, tourism and hospitality careers.

Over the past few years, students have made some extraordinary accomplishments at Evander. They've returned to the Con Edison Science Bowl as defending champions last year. Evander Child's Robotics Team has participated in the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Competition for the last five years and has won the Judges Award in 2000 and 2001, the Spirit Award in 2002 and made the quarterfinals in 2003. Please recognize the Robotics Team from Evander Childs High School .

Evander has had its share of successful graduates. One of the century's best-known comedians, Red Buttons, once walked these halls. Harry Helmsley, a successful New York real estate entrepreneur also bopped around these hallways. Beatrice and Barney Tobay, who provided the New Yorker magazine with artwork for over 50 years, met as classmates here and later married. Hey, you never know!

I thought I could easily start today's address by giving you a rundown of the work we're doing in education, the environment, housing and community development, infrastructure, commercial and retail development, healthcare, public safety and every other issue we tackle every day. As I was preparing for this address though, I thought it would be best if we first address the economic conditions we are facing at the national, state and local levels, and what this means for people in the Bronx who are simply trying to take care of themselves and their families.

In my newly elected role as Vice President of the County Executives of America I am seriously trying to become a good student of our economy. According to many economists the recession ended three years ago. Meanwhile we have seen the loss of 2-million, three hundred thousand jobs.

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