The loss of someone special is often difficult to understand. When the situation is compounded by the loss of a leader who was an extraordinary, sensitive, and compassionate person it makes the situation even more difficult to comprehend.
Such are the feelings I share with so many others who respected and cared deeply about our Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald. It’s not supposed to happen this way.
My years before and while holding public office were ones of great admiration and respect for our Congresswoman. She had such a deep commitment to the people of our city and the resolve to work for a better life for all of us.
My numerous meetings in Washington, DC and locally were dictated by her unrelenting passionate resolve to help take care of so many of our city’s challenges. Her opening greeting was always “What can I do for Long Beach today.”
Leaders are born, not made. As we absorb the enormity of this loss to our city, it’s people, and all those who have a great deal of respect and admiration for our tireless friend, we can find consolation in her sincere, radiating smile. We will dearly miss you Congresswoman.