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Representative Gaines delivers lengthy retirement remarks reflecting on mentors and initiatives
Summary
Representative Gaines delivered a personal retirement speech recounting 16 years in the legislature, citing mentors (including Representative Beth Wessel-Kreschel and former Representative Veil Abdul Samad) and initiatives she helped found such as the Jordan Scholars and the black legislative caucus.
Representative Gaines addressed the House to mark her retirement after 16 years of service, delivering a personal reflection on mentors, initiatives, and lessons learned.
Gaines recounted being mentored by colleagues, including Representative Beth Wessel-Kreschel and former Representative Veil Abdul Samad, and described initiatives she helped create such as the Jordan Scholars program and the formation this year of the black legislative caucus. "Everything comes to those who wait," Gaines said as she opened her remarks, and she reflected on how colleagues across the aisle supported her career.
Her remarks mixed programmatic accomplishments and personal anecdotes about learning the work of a legislator, developing constituent forums and "lunch and learns," and the friendships formed in the chamber. The speech was delivered during an on-the-record retirement recognition and included expressions of gratitude to staff and fellow members.
