Assembly Member Chris Holden Holds Local Swearing In Ceremony, Vows Jobs, Education

Newly-elected state Assembly Member Chris Holden vowed to create more jobs and ensure that public education really works at a local swearing ceremony conducted Sunday afternoon in Paseo Colorado before 250 supporters, local and state officials, friends and family members.

Holden said that the election is over and that the real work has now started.

“We have to create a lot of jobs and ensure that public education works,” he told the crowd, which was largely a “who’s who” of Pasadena and California leaders in politics, civic, education and business affairs. He went on to say, “We don’t want to be on the bottom. California is better than that.”

Holden said he needs the support of the whole community to achieve these goals, saying it is the duty of all Californians to be active and involved.

“We are going to make the system work for the people in the state of California,” Holden said.

He also vowed to ensure that the interests of the district are duly represented, and said he will work to establish a harmonious relationship with the State Assembly.

“I look forward to all of us making a difference,” he added.

Congresswoman Judy Chu officiated and swore in Holden.

“He is a man who is the youngest person ever to be elected to the Pasadena City Council at the age of 28, and devoted 24 years of his life as Council Member,” Chu said. She added, “This man went on to become first African-American mayor in Pasadena. He effected some
of the most significant changes in the city’s history, including affordable mass transportation, school improvement and airport improvement. He knows transportation, education and small business.”

For his part, Pasadena City Mayor Bill Bogaard said he joined the city in “celebrating the success of one of Pasadena’s own.”

Mayor Bogaard said Holden “grew up in this great city and established his credentials serving the public for more than 20 years in the Pasadena Council. Chris will be hard working [as a State Assembly Member] and he’ll remember the needs of this community and other communities in his district. He’ll remember the needs of the state of California as a whole. Tonight we pay tribute to him.”

The event was decidedly festive. The ceremony featured music produced by Rachael Worby, Founder, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Pasadena-based orchestra, MUSE/IQUE.