OUT TO PASTOR
Every once in a while I get up early on Saturday and visit with the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis. They are a group of predominately African-American pastors who meet and try to solve issues in the Black community. What made this week interesting was a conversation about jobs. The pastors are preparing a plan to create summer jobs for youth and will go to the candidates in this year’s local municipal elections and ask them for support.
As the conversations were occurring I couldn’t help but think how over the past year local incumbents have dropped the ball on so many opportunities crucial to their base. The pastors were very upset over what the city has failed to do help ex-offenders get jobs and not return to a life of crime. Although former U.S. Attorney Alberto Gonzales was in Indianapolis earlier this year with grant money which could be used in part for an ex-offender program, when outgoing Councilor Ike Randolph had an ordinance which would have incentivized hiring ex-offenders the incumbent party shot the measure down. In addition, when the Black pastors went to the Mayor’s office last year seeking help in raising money for summer programs for youth, there were all but asked to leave.
To most of the pastors they find it reprehensible that a city that can come together and raise $25 million in private money for a Super Bowl bid can’t do the same thing to create a foundation for youth. They are also offended at a city that gives out millions in tax abatements and incentives for businesses and developers will not tie any of those dollars to helping youth or ex-offenders.
As upset as the pastors are, I really wonder how much of this anger will carry forward to election day or will they simply turn the other cheek?
