By The TimesLedger
Assemblyman William Scarborough''s 29th A.D. Issues Task Force meeting on June 30 covered a number of topics.
At that point, although the budget had not yet been set, Assemblyman Scarborough told us his Education Committee had a successful trip to Albany, and the campaign for fiscal equity for education continues. It appears there will be $1.7 billionfor education this year from which every district will get its share.
Tests continue to be done on toxic sites. Eleven homes were tested for water contamination by the Department of Environmental Protection and all were found to be negative. The West Side Chemical site is still considered a hazard to health and the environment.
Money for the Summer Jobs Program for youths between 14 and 21 has been cut. The Assembly''s effort to create a permanent program, A8372, has been passed, but in the state Senate, s5254 has been stuck in the Labor Committee. Mr. Scarborough asks that we write to our state senators asking for support.
There is to be a one-day exhibit at Roy Wilkins Park on Aug. 11 introducing the plans for a 2002 Youth Summer Olympics. First graders to high school seniors will be eligible to participate. Some of the sports are baseball, basketball, golf, marshal arts, soccer, tennis and track and field. If you would like to contribute refreshments for the event please contact assemblyman Scarborough''s office at 718- 657-5312.
The guest speaker at the June 30 meeting was Lt. Michael Blake of the N.Y.P.D. Gang Unit. Gangs are not just groups of innocent youths hanging out together. Some of them have committed serious crimes, and some are planning to do so. The smug attitude many of them have often is admired by those who may be impressionable, especially if that person is all too often left without adequate supervision, is unsure of himself or herself, or is unhappy at home or school. A gang recruiter may approach such an individual like that in a friendly way – maybe offering to treat him or her to a slice of pizza, a burger, or soda. There might be a promise to introduce the person to some “great friends” or maybe a “hot chick.” The main idea, of course, is to make the innocent feel welcomed into “the family.”
Then comes the questions: Do you REALLY want to be part of the family and get our full support? Are y you willing to prove it? Will you do whatever we tell you? Three “yes” answers may require a change of clothes. If they are “Bloods,” they will want red to be prominent. “Crypts” will want blue. Each gang – and there are many others – has some obvious outward sign that distinguishes its members. It is unfortunate that these “secrets” are not known to everyone who might come in contact with them, because some gang members have been known to hurt, or even kill, someone for wearing the wrong color at the wrong time in the wrong place.
This is especially difficult for those who think it sounds good, they “buy the package,” and then think better of it when their “assignment” is some kind of major crime – maybe even against their own parents. It''s a lot easier to join a gang than to leave. Once in there, they tell you too much to let you go. I am not saying it''s impossible to get out, but I am saying it is better not to fall for joining in the first place. Family members should try to stay close to their young people. Listen to them. Get to know their friends and their activities. Notice if they change their appearance or clothing. Check their books for graffiti-like writing. A red line through a blue “C” could indicate that it is the sign of a “Blood” against a rival “Crypt” member.
For more information, contact the N.Y.P.D. Gang Unit at 718-626-6630, or Lt. Michael Blake directly at: 718-6269348.
