Change in train of thought could move city forward
If Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora only could finish his train of thought, perhaps we could move this city toward guaranteed capital city revitalization.
Gusciora spoke recently after three persons were shot and one man died when Trenton experienced another bloody day in the capital city.
Robert Smith, 38, of Trenton, died Saturday after being shot while Earlie Harrell, 44, a Former Bloods set Sex Money Murder gang kingpin, suffered a shot in the back and a Hamilton Twp. 19-year-old survived a shot in the arm.
Harrell had allegedly left the gang scene. Gusciora offered comments that seemed appropriate for cocktail discussion with Princeton supporters.
“Not saying that he’s a saint, but he’s tried,” to remake himself, Gusciora said. “I don’t know if you could ever get it out of you once you’re at that level. There’s still young people that have that reverence toward him. I think he would tell you [gang life] is not worth it, and obviously it’s proved to be that,” The Trentonian reported.
“A lot of it is economic. Young people in Trenton, they lose their hope. They have lost their economic opportunities. [They believe] drugs are the best way out of poverty,” Gusciora continued.
See, right there? Gusciora has a perfect opportunity to continue his train of thought before derailment or heading across the trestle to nowhere.
Let’s take it from “They believe drugs are the best way out of poverty.” Ready? Action!
Gusciora said, “They believe drugs are the best way out of poverty but we know that a good education or finding a professional trade job can offer hope and positive lifestyles. Of course, we need trade unions to open their doors to qualified minority and female applicants.”
“And it’s government aligned with parents, community investors and religious leaders who must provide our children with safe and healthy opportunities for success. Our successful future demands a focus on education. Education. Education. We must invest in books, not cater to crooks.”
No matter how many words fall into print here — no matter how many times readers say or write they “don’t agree with” all ideas espoused here — education remains a major selling point, particularly, attention to early-reading ability.
Since a correlation exists between literacy and incarceration — on average an adult inmate reads at a 6th grade level when admitted — then we should understand that reading competently early on, sets the foundation for successful learning.
If over 80 percent of the incarcerated population represent high school dropouts, and since this lack of learning drives crime, then we need discussions on education combined with initiatives that alter horrific incarceration numbers.
By the way, mass incarceration of juveniles remains an unsuccessful enterprise that rarely alters behavior. Sure, detention of some youth seems appropriate but society needs other options for low-level youth offenders.
Remember when Trenton officials closed satellite libraries in each of the city’s four wards a decade back? Warned everyone that those shuttered buildings played key roles in education and community stability. The budget cutting move caused minimal public concern and green-lighted a disinvestment in education.
Yes, Trenton enjoys a $155 million new high school which features many students lacking reading comprehension skills.
An identification of those students combined with initiatives to improve their reading abilities remains crucial to keeping them educationally engaged and in school or they will rank as prime candidates for criminal lifestyles or live as unproductive members of society.
While Mayor Gusciora and police Director Sheila Coley must implement immediate initiatives to stem the tide of violent crime, their eyes must look forward.
Investments exist as long-term actions that payoff over time. Trenton can assure revitalization and social stability with a robust education project that builds pathways to success and closes the urban pipeline to prison.
One last time. Let’s take it from, “And it’s government aligned with parents, community investors and religious leaders .....