Newbie Dem says he returns to legislature as a "servant"

The last time Oscar Braynon II stepped foot on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives he wore a blue jacket with a circular patch -- his uniform as a page for political up-and-comer Rep. Kendrick Meek.

Thirteen years later on Tuesday morning, a career came full circle for Braynon. The 31-year-old legislator was sworn in as Miami-Dade's newest lawmaker, representing District 103, which covers areas of North Miami-Dade and parts of Miramar.

One of the first to greet him with a hug and handshake was Meek, now a U.S. congressman.

''It seemed like it was so far away,'' Braynon said of his early start in politics working for Meek. ``I never thought one day that I would be here. I knew I wanted to serve the community, but I never knew that I would get an opportunity like this.''

Braynon, a Miami Gardens Democrat, was elected in February to fill the post vacated by Rep. Wilbert ''Tee'' Holloway. Holloway, who was facing his last year in office due to term limits, left when he was appointed to the Miami-Dade School Board.

Braynon will fill the remainder of Holloway's term and plans to run for the seat again during the November general election.

In a speech to his fellow representatives, Braynon recounted his first trip to Tallahassee to work as Meek's page, a temporary job given to middle and high school-aged students who fetch files and meals for legislators while they are in session.

'One of my friends said to me, `What are you going to do up there?' '' Braynon recounted. 'I said, `I'm going to take him some juice, water, carry around some files.' ''

He said his friend questioned why he wanted to be somebody's ``servant.''

Braynon said his whole perception of politics changed after he watched Meek interact with other lawmakers and answer constituents' questions during the week. He returned home and told his friend, ``I wasn't a servant, I was a helper. The people who were elected, those are the real servants.''

Aside from working closely with Meek, Braynon is the former vice mayor of Miami Gardens.

Meek said he was proud of his former aide: ''I knew he was a leader,'' he said.''From serving orange juice to now serving the residents of House District 103, this is just a very emotional moment,'' he said.

Braynon's parents and wife Melissa -- pregnant with the couple's first son -- attended the ceremony. Braynon looked at the name plate on his new desk on the House floor and soaked up the moment: ''It just sends chills up the spine,'' he said.