Dear Editor:
I am neither for nor against a contract expansion for Charles Epps. What I try to do is gain perspective on the issue by relating it to my life. I am a poet, having written over 200 poems. I have published a book of poetry and will soon have the second one published. When I apply to be Poet Laureate, I welcome national competition. It brings out the best in us. Should I win, I will know that I was the best. Some may think, well, the school superintendent of Jersey City is not a national thing. If the citizens, parents and grandparents want for Jersey City children to rank as high as possible nationally, then a national search is in their best interest. I don’t write these words as discouragement to Charles Epps but rather encouragement. If Mr. Epps knows that he is the best qualified to be school superintendent, then he might want to say “Bring it on.”
Jersey City people are competitive by nature. National competition can bring about the best results. Everyone is in agreement that what is sought after are the best results for the children. I wish Charles Epps good luck. I wish each and every school board member the good luck to reach down deep inside and to vote their conscious. I wish good luck to anybody around the country that has amazing credentials and wants to come to Jersey City to serve as school superintendent. I wish good luck to the parents and grandparents but most of all I wish good luck to the school children of Jersey City.
James Francis Waddleton,
Lifelong Resident