In a letter to the editor, Jersey City Ward A council candidate Kristen Zadroga-Hart explains why “I’m proud to say that Frank Gilmore is an absolute success story.”
Dear Editor,
As an educator who has worked with at-risk youth, both in the classroom and in the community, my entire career, I am proud to say that Frank Gilmore is an absolute success story. He is who I hoped every one of my students would become.
He is a living testimony of the idea that it’s not about where you start, it’s about where you finish.
About eight years ago, I asked Frank to come to my school to speak with the students about choices you can make in life and the consequences that can come along with those choices.
What was supposed to be a 30-minute assembly turned into a 3-hour therapy session discussing issues that are too heartbreaking to even mention.
Frank took the time to answer each question openly and honestly and showed the students that he really cared about them. I have no doubt that Frank changed the course of lives that day, including mine.
Frank has been brutally honest about his past and we have witnessed how he has worked to transform himself. Not only has he turned his life around for himself and his family.
He has also dedicated his life to helping the youth in the community avoid the path that he took when he was younger.
While others have no problem using people as stepping stones, putting their foot on the necks of those around them to selfishly try to climb up some proverbial ladder, Frank has worked hard to not only pick himself up, but to then reach back and help others behind him rise up right alongside him.
It is the very definition of selflessness.
While nasty and negative campaign tactics are nothing new in Hudson County, especially with certain individuals closely connected to the current administration in Jersey City, the racist and sickening flyers that blanketed targeted neighborhoods have taken us to a new low.
I would hope that as a community we can see through this Trump-like stunt and focus on the real issues. The hard work that is being done by the community. The neighborhoods that are being left behind and helped out only by local activists.
I know I am not the first person to come to Frank’s defense on this, and I am sure I won’t be the last person either, but just allow me to say – Frank – we are proud of you and keep up the amazing work!
I am calling on every candidate who is running for election on November 2nd to publicly denounce the racist flyers and agree to stick to the issues. The people of Jersey City are tired of the negativity and deserve better.
Kristen Zadroga-Hart
Candidate for Ward A Jersey City Council
