Press Release
Office of Senator Aaron Bean
November 30, 2020
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On November 17th, Senator Aaron Bean was unanimously elected by his fellow senators, and consequently sworn in, as Senate President Pro Tempore for the 2020-2022 term.
“As you know, Senator Aaron Bean has a contagious energy, boundless compassion for our state’s most vulnerable, and an abiding respect for each person he meets,” President Wilton Simpson remarked in a message to the senate. “First and foremost a family man, devoted to his wife Abby and their boys Bradley, Gray and Walker, Senator Bean brings a diverse range of personal and professional experiences to the Senate that allow him to relate to people from all walks of life and to build consensus without compromising principle.”
Normally a day of pomp and circumstance, the organizational session was smaller this year because of the COVID-19 virus. With heartfelt comments, Bean was nominated by Senator Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg and Senator Kelli Stargel of Lakeland seconded the nomination. Although there were far fewer attendees than in a normal year, Senator Bean was able to be joined by his wife, Abby, for the ceremony. In accepting the nomination, Senator Bean addressed the senate from the dais, and spoke passionately about his parents and the lessons of growing up in a large family. The full content of his speech follows:
“Thank you President Simpson and Senators for this tremendous honor. To Senator Brandes and Senator Stargel, thank you both for your kind words. Fellow Senators, I stand before you today, humbled for the opportunity to serve you and the citizens of the great state of Florida. In running for and serving in public office, having support is a requirement. Like many of you, my family has allowed me to pursue public service. The reason I am standing here, is because of my wife Abby. She is my advisor, campaign manager, partner, confidant and best friend. Thank you Abby – I love you.
“When we first ran for the Legislature in 1999, our three sons Bradley, Gray and Walker, were known as the “Bean sprouts,” two were in diapers and our oldest, Bradley, was 5. I am grateful to each of them for their support. All of our sons are taller than I am now-and Bradley was just elected to the City Commission of Fernandina Beach.
“Just a moment ago, I talked about the importance of first times. (Senator Bean also nominated President Wilton Simpson during the session, and this refers to that speech) There are also last times. For the senate class of 2012, including President Simpson, Senators Gibson, Stargel and Brandes – this is our last two years in the Florida Senate. Senator Hukill was to be with us, but the Lord called her home earlier than expected. Sometimes, we never know when the last time will be.
“My father was the son of a coal miner in Kentucky. He served his country – crossing the ocean to arrive on the beaches of Normandy on day 5 of the D-Day invasion and spent his 19th birthday carrying a machine gun across Europe. He was awarded a purple heart. My Mom had not traveled and had never even seen the ocean. So, when my Dad was offered the opportunity to teach at Fernandina Beach Junior High School, they jumped at the chance to follow the American Dream and raise their family in the Sunshine State.
“When my father arrived at his shop class, he was surprised to find that there were no classroom materials. Instead of thinking about what might have been, he decided – “Let’s make the best with what we have.” My Dad had his students bring in something broken from home- kitchen chairs, vacuum cleaners, even a grandfather clock-and together the class worked to fix each item. I believe the greatest lesson we can learn is making things work with what we have.
“When I say that my parents raised a family, I mean they really raised a family. I am the last of nine children. Somehow they kept us all fed and clothed, on a teacher’s salary. We lost my 94 year old mother in April of this year. At her service, I said one of the reasons she was amazing was because I never knew we were poor, until I was in college.
“My parents were part of the Greatest Generation. The generation that saved the world from tyranny, came home to build families and businesses, and made our country the greatest in the world. In those times, instead of complaining, people just forged on- knowing that if they worked hard and made the best out of what they had- the American Dream would be a reality for them and for their families.
“My fellow Senators, those days are here again. We are in the midst of a pandemic that has wrought pain and suffering on families, businesses, and our American way of life. We have literally walked through the “valley of the shadow of death.” So, for me, during my last term in the Senate – my focus will be on making the best out of what we have.
“We have a college and university system ranked as the best in the nation. As my parents knew, we have some of the most beautiful beaches and parks in the world. We have a diverse economy other states dream about.
“Just as it was for many of our parents and grandparents, Florida remains that beautiful dream for many across our country. Can you imagine how many people save all year long just to come and spend one week in Florida? And we… live here.
“We have been through the valley, but together we will scale the mountain.
“As we embark on what for some, is their first time, and for some, will be their last time, let’s work together-with what we have. Let’s keep Florida the symbol of the American Dream-the best place to enjoy our freedom as we live, work, raise a family, start a business, or retire.
“I look forward to serving with each of you.
“Senators- Florida is a resilient State, and the best is yet to come! “
The surge of Corona Profits should be a concern for all voters. Many elected officials have financial connections to the Medical Industrial Complex. Senator Bean is one of them. We need separation of medicine and state.