John Dereszewski
John Dereszewski was the District Manager of Bushwick’s Community Board 4 in the 1970’s and has been closely involved in the issues affecting Bushwick since that time. He is also an expert on Bushwick’s history, from its origin in the 1660’s to the present and has written several articles and led a number of walking tours that have explored these events.
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This is very good idea from a very impresive Council Member. The only problem that I have with it is the department to which it would be assigned. I just don't think that the DOC has the expertise to manage such a program; this is not their primary job. On the other hand, the City's Dept of Health and Mental Health is probably better equipped to ceate and manage this endeavor. While th progrm will have to bee closely coordinated between the two agencies, this should not be a reason for not taking this path. And it will ensure that the proper partie are delivering the appropriate services. But, with this caveat in mind, kudos for Espinal.
This is a very interesting article. Along these lines, you should note that, prior to the Civil War, several midwestern states provided the francise to non-citizen immigrants who agreed to move into them. (And of course, women had the vote in a number of (mostly western) states before the 19th amendment became law.) So this is not a recent phenomena. While I have concerns about making non-citizen voting a general policy, creating an experiment in NYC in selecting our local elected officials is certainly worth pursuing. (And also thanks for acknowliging Vito Lopez' prior positive role in this issue.)
Congratulations on a successful sale. I am also looking forward to read what will almost certainly be a terrific novel. Alec, welcome aboard!