There has been some follow-up in the press about the Mark Wallace appointment.

The Times Herald-Record published a letter to the editor Friday December 14, 2007 that is supportivee of the appointment.

December 14, 2007
Newburgh choice right

I write in support of the decision of the Newburgh School District to appoint Mark Wallace as the school youth violence prevention coordinator. Mark's story -- and the compassion and skill he has developed through his remarkable education and rehabilitation while in prison -- uniquely equip him to do this very important work.

As general presbyter of Hudson River Presbytery, I oversee the 91 Presbyterian congregations within the seven counties north of New York City. We have an active Prison Partnership heavily involved in the art, mentoring and educational programs that Mark participated in when he was in prison, and the transformation that these programs bring about in human lives is extraordinary.

The unfortunate title for the article about Mark labeled him as a "convict." Mark is an honest, wise, and energetic leader -- no longer incarcerated. He deserves our respect and support.

The Rev. Susan R. Andrews

Ossining

The Mid Hudson Times, published an editorial on Wednesday, December 12, 2007, page 8, in the Opinon section (not online afaik). They raise the point that some volunteer organizations feel they have not gotten an adequate response from the Newburgh School District.

[...]

Why an ex-con?

And why a paid position?

"They're going to pay him for what others are willing to do for free," complained a volunteer associated with Carlie's Crusade, a not-for-profit program that teaches kids self-defense and predator prevention.

The Carlie's Crusade volunteer said he ahd heard that day from several Newburgh teachers who were upset with the idea of an ex-con working with city youths already heavily into gang activity.

"I don't understand the officials' reticence to use help from organizations and people already in place and willing to step in," he said. "For some reason we just don't seem to get the cooperation in Newburgh that we get in other communities."

These are legitimate points.

Has the School District listened to the concerns of residents opposed to the Council for Unity project?

Surely School Superintendent Annette Saturnelli isn't deflecting those concerns in her zeal to back Wallace and the Council for Unity. Newburgh and many mid-size cities located along the Hudson are growing more and more concerned with the increase in gang activity.

Local law enforcement officers, educators and ordinary citizens are willing to help keep kids on the proper path in order to comat the growth of gangs.

Let's not be blind to what they have to offer.