Opinions & Observations: Nonviolent offenders should help de Blasio distribute face masks, hand sanitizer
Here are some ways for Mayor Bill de Blasio to honor the MTA New York City Transit request to find 3,000 volunteers to hand out masks and hand sanitizer. The following could also apply to Long Island Rail Road, Metro North Rail Road, New Jersey Transit, PATH and NYC DOT Staten Island Ferry.
Every year judges sentence thousands of non-violent offenders to perform many hours of community service. Why not assign some of these individuals the task of helping the MTA NYC Transit distribute masks and hand sanitizer? Do the same for the hundreds of people recently arrested for disturbing the peace, committing arson, breaking windows, destroying public property, looting or assaulting police or other law enforcement officers. Virtually all are being released without bail with no consequences for their illegal actions.
Larry Penner is a transportation advocate, historian and writer who previously worked 31 years for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Office.
Brooklyn Boro
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