Dear Editor:
Watching former Governor Jim McGreevey trying to sell his re-entry program reminded me of Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard”. McGreevey resigned in the midst of a scandal ten years ago and then sought redemption by studying for the Episcopal priesthood. After two years in the seminary he was denied that privilege due to the messy divorce he put his wife through. Norma Desmond was a top movie star for years and now was reduced to repeatedly watching her old films in her decaying mansion convinced she could once again be the star everyone once loved. Here was Jim McGreevey, once a shining political star, standing in a decaying “cathedral” as a failed minister convinced he could pull this one off and regain a portion, at least, of the status he once held. It didn’t work. He couldn’t connect with the community despite repeating prayer and scripture.
This project was doomed from the start because the community was not informed. Halfway through his presentation McGreevey was shouted down by irate citizens who had come to protest the placement of an ex-offender facility on the grounds of a school. Speaker after speaker berated McGreevey and finally, appearing overwhelmed, McGreevey pledged to relocate the facilities at Martin’s Place and Sacred Heart School to another location in the city. The community has spoken. They acknowledge the need for a program like this but they have an obligation to protect their children first and foremost. The lesson the city must learn is not trying to slip programs like this past the community. Everyone with an interest in seeing this formally eliminated should attend the City Council meetings.
Charles Balcer