Newark - Ledger - Letter: Newark Values

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Published in the Star-Ledger, Monday, June 5, 2006

READER FORUM

Newark values

Editor:

Brad Parks' May 28 article, "Can Cory Booker transcend the politics of race?," addresses im portant issues that Newark now must face. One can only hope that Booker will realize his goal of uniting Newark around core values characteristic of flourishing communities, values that transcend race, class and gender. However, Booker's election is not primarily about the mayor-elect. It is about Newark. Our city has experienced remarkable progress in recent years. And throughout Newark many groups and individuals are contributing to the city's revitalization. Newark has grown beyond its reputation in the suburbs.

Booker is neither the savior of Newark nor a miracle worker. We hope and expect him to be what he claims to be: an honest and able leader who can continue the progress that Newark has already experienced. To achieve his vision for Newark, the new mayor will need support from within and outside the city. The values he has embraced, like those of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, transcend the politics of race. When practiced, these values contribute to the quality of life of all of us.

-- Rev. Douglas Bendall, Newark

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