District Leader Comes Back

 News outlet, City & State,  published a horrible piece about an idea that I, your District Leader have been, only, considering. 

 As we all are aware, Parolees who return home are isolated and have a tremendous time adjusting back into society. As a Leader in my community, I've always tried to find creative ways to assist people in need. My idea, which is only what it is right now, creates a way for parolees to also participate and have a voice in the political process, which should be honorable. I would like to head up the first program that would allow parolees to become active and volunteer on campaigns, but right now, nothing has materialized, with ANY officials to make this a reality. Right now, no fulfillment of community service is in affect because currently it appears that they are not allowed to take part in local politics, even though, they are affected by the decisions of the politicians.  I have seen first hand how the two members of my Democratic club, who happened to be on parole, have become more aware of the issues in our City and have stated how grateful they are for volunteering, with me, and are thrilled about actually seeing politicians, up close for the first time, which helped to foster a new belief in the electoral process. Their responsibilities are small but they want to become more and more involved. This is about transforming lives and not just talking about it. I am outraged that an idea that was meant for good, was turned into something negative. This is not the idea of the Democratic Party. This idea does not include any Party or Elected Officials. It is solely my idea. Stephen Witt, who reported this story and whom I've known for more than 10 years, initially raved about how important this idea was and how other papers should be covering my efforts, then within a couple of hours, he began calling it "unethical" and went on a serious attack against me and the Democratic Party, in a phone conversation comparing us to the Communist Party merely because he said that he "asked for a job and no one would help me". However, I have not sat down to officially speak with the Parole Board, therefore, there is no contract in place for community fulfillment requirements and such. There hasn't, even been, a handshake. There was no "signing off" of anything, by anyone. When one says "sign-off", it gives the impression that I asked for approval. Quickly mentioning my idea, at a crowded event, to others, is not called seeking "approval".  This idea was presented to my constituents, and received a warm reception. I was not given the "go ahead", by any government entity, as stated by Stephen Witt. We should all be against implicating innocent people, that have nothing to do with this story.  I've worked for years to only build a good name for myself and serve my community and would never try to hurt anyone in the process, only help. Parolees deserve a second chance, like everyone else and civic engagement would be a plus for them certainly, it's better than only, sweeping the streets. Honestly, this City is trying everything else, why can't we try this?

I hope that this incident doesn't halt this idea that was meant to support the least of them, in our community.