In August 2014, New Jersey banned the box on job applications that require job applicants to disclose criminal history information.
This new legislation, the Opportunity to Compete Act (the “Act”), originated as a way to give individuals who have “paid their debts to society” opportunities for employment. The Act became effective in March 2015.
This news about Trenton mayoral candidate Paul Perez being arrested for DUI in Virginia in 2002 should not mean disqualification from leading the City of Trenton despite this dirty-tricked up attempt to hijack the run off election.
By the way, Perez’ ginormous misstep appeared on social media websites manned by people intent on skewing this important municipal election.
Several of Perez’ social media political sociopaths, live outside Trenton which does not mean their insights loom as unimportant. Serious issues matter involving candidates but not this Perez DUI, a distant 16-year historical note.
After living in or near Trenton for more than 40 years, a certain understanding exists about how people will behave as we move toward the Tuesday, June 12 run off election.
As stated last week, expect a Malcolm X “By any means necessary” effort to pull out all stops in muddying the waters. A DUI in 2002? Stop the presses. Sure, drinking and driving remains a serious issue and luckily Perez rebounded from his poor decision.
If Perez fulfilled all conditions attached to his DUI incident and apparently has encountered no other incidents then we need to move on. The fact that we fail to step forward connects with this same notion that people who did time should pay for their indiscretions forever.
If such a system exists, then society should push for no jail or prison time for any criminal or person who breaks the law. Allow them to live out their lives chained to the past since a conviction means a life sentence.
Trenton residents should pay no attention to the men behind the curtain and their disruptive attempts to make this mayoral election about almost everything but issues. By the way, this Perez news will work against these interlopers as most voters understand that everyone deals with adversity.
Yes, we care when people make mistakes but our real concern deals with how people like Perez or his mayoral rival, Reed Gusciora, responds when they fall or fail; or when life delivers troubles.
Perez told The Trentonian that he rebounded from his 2002, that’s 2002, incident and reshaped his life.
“I’m proud to say that I don’t even miss (drinking),” Perez said. “And what I learned from (the DUI)…was that I don’t want to ever drink again because I don’t want to ever jeopardize my life, my family’s life and everything that I’ve accomplished.”
This column hardly serves as endorsement for Perez although admiration exists for anyone who ends dangerous behaviors that threaten their livelihood. A similar appreciation exists for Mr. Gusciora who survived all the fears about coming out and chose to live as an openly gay man.
Both men have exhibited courage in the face of life. So, as people scurry for one crumb of news, even heading back to 2002 to disrupt this important election, Trenton voters must disregard the white noise and black hearts.
Our next mayor and city council members should understand that we will guide your decisions because this remains our government.
Come on Trenton voters. Disregard all the silly-season behaviors and demand that all candidates discuss the issues.
We deserve answers about how these remaining candidates intend to empower residents and bring positive change to this capital city.
L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist still undecided about his run off vote selections. Reach him at laparker@trentonian.com.
