QNE_p031

QC07182013

for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com juLY 18, 2013 • The queens CourieR 31 oped street talk  Do you think disgraced politicians deserve a second chance? I feel like everyone deserves a second chance, but when you mess up in a position of power, people will always have their judgments about you. Latoya Brooks BY JOHANN HAMILTON I don’t think that any sexual offender should be given a second chance. Why would anyone want someone like that working in our government? Justin Michaud Even though people say you should give everyone a second chance, I say that the only way these politicians should get a second chance is if they promise to make a change for the better. Laura Galarza I think it depends on the nature of how they were disgraced. If what you did doesn’t affect your policies and how you conduct business then you should be given a second chance. Brandy Bacala I think there could potentially be a second chance for these politicians, but when they’re supposed to be setting a good example for the population, shameful actions aren’t good. Aaron Densham Yes, they should have a second chance; I believe everybody deserves a second chance. People should be able to come back and redeem themselves in the public eye. Jonathan Duhon For me I think it should be left up to the voters and whether they personally feel like the politician deserves another chance. I think it all depends on what they did. Corey Abel Yes, they should be given a second chance, but definitely not a third one. Anything can happen and sometimes people make mistakes. Linda Martin ELECTION EQUALITY LONG OVERDUE By State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Assemblymember David Weprin Last Friday, we joined many leaders of the South Asian community from across Queens to commend the Board of Elections for its plan to provide voter assistance in Bengali for the upcoming elections. While we were heartened by the plan put forth by the Board of Elections, which would include translated ballots at 60 Queens polling sites and expanded language assistance, these necessary improvements to our election process are long overdue. On October 13, 2011, the Census Bureau indicated that Queens County was required under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act to provide language assistance to Bengalispeaking voters. Since then, four primary and general elections have come and gone and Bengali-speaking citizens, 60 percent of whom have limited English proficiency, have not been provided the assistance they deserve to fully participate in our democratic system. To live in, to work in and to vote in Queens is to be a part of one of the most diverse communities in our state. This diversity must be reflected in our electoral process. We have been assured that the Board of Elections will follow through with their plan to provide Bengali language assistance in the upcoming primary and general elections, critical contests that will decide the future of our city. Also on the ballot this November will be six constitutional amendments, including casino gambling. An informed electorate is essential in determining how to vote and voters need to understand these proposed amendments. We also urge the state legislature to reconsider our bill that directs the Queens Board of Elections to provide written language assistance in Punjabi in addition to the languages currently available. We’re both so proud to represent such vibrant communities made up of voices from all over the world. Now it’s time to make sure those voices, no matter if they’re English-speaking, Bengali-speaking or otherwise, are fully heard this coming Election Day. State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky represents District 16 and Assemblymember David Weprin represents the 24th Assembly District.


QC07182013
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