In Our Opinion...

As We Sow, So Shall We Reap

It’s beginning to look as though Mount Vernon Mayor Ernie Davis’ broken promises, and repeated failure to respond decisively to serious problems, is catching up with him. Certainly the City’s youth are very disappointed with the virtual absence of after-school activities and summer employment and recreational opportunities
available in New York State’s second most densely populated city. Something about “idle hands and the Devil” crosses our collective consciousness as We consider the current spate of youth violence and killing gripping the City.

We are not suggesting for one second that the Mayor’s broken promises, the Hip-Hop Museum that never was, the conversion of federal monies intended for recreational facilities, the grabbing up of employment and summer camp opportunities by politically connected families, are any justification for youthful violence and killing.

However, the lack of productive and meaningful recreational and employment opportunity surely contributes
to the inventory of idle, bored, and vulnerable youth on the streets of Mount Vernon. Worse yet, it implants a mentality of poverty in those same youngsters, particularly difficult to accept when they look around at, and
travel to, other Westchester communities where opportunities are more plentiful and young people appear more positive and secure.

The lack of material wealth has never been any excuse for criminal and violent activities. Ironically, fifty years ago the tree-lined streets and private houses of Mount Vernon seemed idyllic to a boy bicycling up from Fort Apache, the Bronx. It’s really all about mindset, one’s image of oneself and his surroundings, and potential.
There is nothing inherently criminal about the young people of Mount Vernon. The violence and killing that we continue to witness is more about how the City’s youth view themselves, how much value they place on their
own lives, their own futures, and, in turn, on the lives and futures of others.

Unfortunately, as they look about they see signs of neglect and indifference all around them. Where once a Hip-Hop Museum, something commemorative of their City’s contribution to entertainment, was promised, they see
only a vacant, littered lot. The library lacks books, lacks equipment, and lacks a waterproof roof, for years. They get the message.

Kids can be very forgiving, but they are smarter than many adults, particularly politicians, often give them credit for. Like a dog, they know the difference between being tripped over and being kicked. And, the kids in Mount Vernon have been kicked far too many times not to know it.

Truth be told, the Ernie Davis Show has become a very tired act. The Mayor is far too concerned about image and not nearly concerned enough about substance. Twelve years of progressively increasing broken promises
is about enough. In fairness, though, the Mayor has done one thing right recently. He hired a terrific, energetic, and dedicated Police Commissioner, who hopefully will survive the change of city administration so desperately needed if Mount Vernon is to move forward.

The new administration must shift the focus from memorials for youth who have died to care and concern for those who are living.