At Rutgers-Newark, journalism students reacted to Sharpe James' conviction with measured recognition of James' legacy, scorn for corruption, and sorrow for the city of Newark.
I think it’s sad that Newark,
a city with so much to offer, is still deeply troubled after all these years.
It’s also disappointing when high officials get caught up in scams that affect
the people and their city. This reminds me of the Elliot Spitzer case and how
he used tax money for his prostitution ring scandal. When does it stop? Are the
girls that politicians involve themselves with really worth the huge
consequences that follow? I think the problem is that people with that much
power think they won’t get caught, but guess what: the truth always reveals
itself. Lanette Espy
Another
politician has brought disgrace to a city and his own name. James is an addition to a list of politicians who experienced humiliating public fallout.
From reading his history on websites, he seems to be the type of individual who
was well respected by the public. He also carried an amazing political career.
It is shameful to see James, who led one of America’s cities for many years,
become a convicted felon. Moreover, if he is convicted of spending the $58,000 in
city money he suspiciously spent on Caribbean
trips, then his punishment will certainly be extended. James has brought
nothing but shame to the city of Newark.
The city’s inhabitants will perceive him as man who cheated the public of their
money. His personal image has been tarnished and his name will be viewed in a
negative light forever by the people of Newark. Anne P. Rivera
The conviction of former Mayor Sharpe James on federal corruption charges does little to focus Newark citizens on a positive approach
towards the future development of their city. Newark is mired in a history of dirty
politics and easily corruptible city officials. The people of the city may have seen improvements
on the horizon, but officials charged with their protection didn't live up to their end of the
bargain. The people's trust has been tampered with once again. The
exploitation of properties intended for the people, and the pocketing of
profits on these properties, is a disgrace. What hope can there be if
city programs constructed to dredge the poverty out of Newark can't get off the ground because the
very government putting them into place only did so for its own
benefit? The legacy of Sharpe James is officially tainted; it leaves
those who lived under his reign questioning just how much of
their rights and liberties were looted by what, in the end, amounted
to a criminal thug posing as mayor. Arthur Kleinberg
Your verdict has been read. The city of Newark that once welcomed you is now condemning you to a federal prison. You may be wondering why after you did so much for the people of Newark. Well, Mr. James, the answer is simple. You sold city-owned property to an ex-girlfriend at a low cost. She then improperly resold it for profit without any renovations. You let the city of Newark down. The promises of change that you once made were replaced by deceptions that are much too common in this city. In conclusion, Mr. James, although I was not surprised by your politics the outcome of your trial was unexpected. I am glad there was an attempt to bring justice to a city that is desperately awaiting prosperity and reliability. Damary Rivero
To understand the magnitude of James' conviction, it is important to understand what Sharpe James meant to the city of Newark. Because of Newark's condition and reputation, James tried hard to meet the public's expectation for change. He delivered. From the outside, it seemed that James was indeed improving the city. Then, in 2007, he was indicted. When he was convicted, some Newarkers were disappointed, but others were not surprised. "It's refreshing to see someone get caught for wronging citizens," said one Newark resident and Rutgers-Newark student. Zaib Ahmed
My only reaction to this verdict is that as a public official, all you have to do is say you're sorry and you get off with a slap on the wrist. If you're an ordinary person, just saying you're sorry will not cover it---you'll probably get the maximum sentence. So if Sharpe James does go to jail, it will not be for the time we all expect and that he deserves. Buki Elegbede
Sharpe James' conviction comes as no surprise to people in Newark, but the James administration did in a sense improve the city. His actions brought economic growth and a sense of prestige to the city, even as James abused Newark's trust. This is not to say that Newark residents were dim in believing in James, but they didn't challenge him and they were too complacent. The full implications of James' conviction are yet to be known. What is sure is that now Mayor Cory Booker will be scrutinized more than ever. Everybody will be watching to see if he falls into the Newark trap. What we can all hope for those who live, work and study in Newark is that Mayor Booker will be a great hope instead of a great tragedy. So long and good riddance, Sharpe James. Fernando Villar Jr.
I've been hearing allegations regarding Sharpe James since I started attending Rutgers-Newark and never knew whether to believe them until now. I can't say that it is too much of a surprise since I had already heard rumors of his using Newark tax money to take vacations to the Caribbean and Brazil. What I was surprised to learn is that he is just one of more than 100 public officials convicted of corruption in the past five years in the state of New Jersey. The relationship between city officials and those they conduct business with needs to be watched closely from now on. Newark is the last city that needs to be robbed of its tax money. Mario McCalla
When someone that a whole city trusts with their well-being lets their greed get the best of them, it only ends in disappointment. As much as the former mayor had done to build up Newark as a city, what good is it when it becomes tainted with something like this? It was obvious that a trial like this was coming for James. Finally everybody knows the truth about the former mayor, and the truth hurts. Selin Senyilmaz
The contributors are all students in Robert Snyder's urban journalism course at Rutgers-Newark. Posted April 2008.
