Categorized | Editorial

EDITORIAL: That’s All They Wanted

For the past few years, during the Perth Amboy Council Meetings, residents has come up to complain about the lack of transparency of the City reporting crime. Former Police Chief Benjamin Ruiz regularly would have his staff submit press releases regarding criminal arrests/activity to the paper. When Larry Cattano assumed the title of Acting Police Chief, some press releases were sent but they became few and far between.

A few weeks ago, when complaints from residents continued to escalate more and more, the Amboy Guardian received a press release about an arrest that had taken place recently. Recently, Chief Roman McKeon said, “The police blotters will start being released again to the newspapers.”

McKeon also wanted to clarify some of the statements and crime stats that residents had quoted and were inaccurate.

Chief Roman McKeon was true to his word and the Amboy Guardian this past week has been sent several press releases with photos and explanations of crimes committed in the City.

All towns, no matter how small or pristine they look are not immune to crime. Those that are unblemished are very fortunate. I have to agree with Chief McKeon when he said that most of the crimes that are committed, the assailants and victims are acquainted.

McKeon also stated that a victim of crime committed in Staten Island was dropped off in Perth Amboy. Have there been other cases such as this?

I know criminal activity is not something to be proud of, but knowing that the Police Department is watching and very active in capturing people involved in criminal activity is a credit to our men and women in law enforcement.

Another glaring problem that is taking effect all across the nation is the opioid dependency problem. Unfortunately, a lot of it not only starts with what people consider a mild drug, marijuana but with people abusing prescription medications. We can understand cases where a person who is physically healthy, then gets into an accident in which they suffer severe injuries causing tremendous pain. Strong prescription drugs may have to be administered in the emergency room.

Babies were born addicted to hard drugs because of the mother’s usage during pregnancy. How sad is that?

I remember watching the movie “Ray” with Jamie Foxx. The legendary late singer Ray Charles was addicted to heroin for over 16 years. After one of his arrests, the judge told him if he could stay clean for one year, he didn’t have to go to prison. Ray Charles decided to do a self-imposed quitting drugs cold turkey. For 96 hours he went through hell to get out of hell. But he did it. He got off the heroin.

Recently, I was having something to eat at the RBMC coffee shop in the lobby and I overheard a conversation where someone said that there were a number of people brought into a hospital emergency room in Newark from overdosing on synthetic marijuana or designer drug K2 or “spice.” I’m at a loss for words.

I may sound cold-hearted but there’s got to be a time when it comes to taking responsibility for your own actions. If you willingly take a drug knowing the harm it causes you’re playing with fire.

On a side note, I wish to commend those who have been hooked on hard drugs or other substances and have been able to overcome this addiction. You are an inspiration and a role model to help others who are still fighting this battle. C.M.

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