It's Time...To Define What "Second Chance" Means

As a teacher and as a principal, there were many times when students made a mistake. It may have been about behavior, academic work, or any number of things, but I always had to make a decision as to whether there'd be any consequences and, if so, what those consequences would be. One of the factors that I considered was if the situation was unique, rather than part of a pattern. That's what my response was based on. A second chance was often appropriate unless the behavior was extreme.

I wasn't really surprised then, when Andrew Cuomo announced this week that he's running for the position of New York City Mayor. He resigned as Governor of NY amid a variety of charges, including sexual misconduct. I've seen articles that suggest he's a favorite to win at this point. Will voters care or is this a situation where someone deserves a second chance?

In Albany, NY I read that a young man named Lukee Forbes is running for the Common Council and already has the backing of at least one political party. Forbes served time in prison after pleading guilty to felony assault. Will voters in Albany care or is this also a situation where someone deserves a second chance?

Far be it for me to determine who deserves, or doesn't deserve, a "second chance". I will suggest, though, that in these two cases the term "second chance" should not be taken lightly for two reasons. First, I'm not suggesting that the person involved should have every employment option removed from their grasp. I am suggesting, though, that representing the public should be off the table. Second, the offenses that the two men seem to have committed resulted in real victims who suffered as a result of their actions. Neither individual was accused, as in Cuomo's case, or convicted, as in Forbes' case, of a victimless crime. I suppose we'll see what voters think come election day.

Jim