ABSTRACT
Tom Duane, who had been involved in New York politics for fourteen years, knew he was breaking political ground with his announcement. Duane personalized the issue when he addressed the need for the city to play a greater role in health care and education. Duane had been involved in New York gay politics and tenant rights issues most of his adult life. Duane remembers the earlier days of the AIDS crisis when every case of the flu or every fever was a cause for alarm. An important accomplishment that Duane has made since serving on the council is saving the Division of AIDS Services. Duane was there to give the commencement speech at the school’s “completion” ceremony. The speaker who introduced Duane commended him for his commitment to public education and his support of the school.
