NEW: State Sen. Stands By RIPTA’s Hiring of Ex-Cons
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sen. Harold M. Metts (D-Dist. 6, Providence) said he supports re-entry initiatives for ex-offenders and applauds RI Public Transit Authority CEO Charles Odimgbe for his actions in that regard.
“Both spiritually and politically, society has a duty to help those who have turned their lives around, who are seeking employment and who want to be productive members of society,” said Senator Metts.
Senator Metts, a deacon at the Congdon Street Baptist Church, has been a religious volunteer at the Adult Correctional Institutions for more than a decade. He cautioned that before people become critical of others, they need to be reminded of Romans 3:23, which says that “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Where would any of us be if God didn’t forgive us our sins?” asked Senator Metts, who said he is reminded daily that Jesus Christ “has given us the ministry of reconciliation, and that the same way we judge others is how god will judge us.”
Aware of the success that Mr. Odimgbe has had with re-entry initiative prior to coming to Rhode Island, he said he prays that the RIPTA board does not retreat from this positive program because of fear tactics and negative political pressure.
The RIPTA Chief Executive Officer has come under fire recently after a recent report that he entered into a partnership between RIPTA and Open Doors, an organization that helps former inmates return to society. As a result of that partnership, Mr. Odimgbe hired two individuals to drive RIde buses.
Senator Metts said he feels strongly that “once someone has paid their debt to society, served their time, repented and turned their lives around for the better, they deserve another chance.” Speaking of the current negative climate in society, Senator Metts said that “we need to show more love, and stop the continued punishment that goes beyond the sentence these individuals have already served.”
The question this matter raises, he said, is what is the alternative for those who are not allowed to work and take care of their families? Senator Metts, a senior citizen, said he was less concerned about those who are gainfully employed. “The last person I want to face on the street is someone desperate and who has no hope, because as a society we won’t allow them to work.”
“Mr. Odimgbe’s past success in this area speaks for itself,” said Senator Metts. “Society needs to support re-entry programs and give deserving individuals a second chance. For that reason, I laud and support RIPTA’s efforts.”
