The headline in today’s Virginian Pilot raises that question. The story is of a a man with a criminal past who turned his life around 15 years ago and has helped other ex-felons do the same. You might remember him – I mentioned his appearance in a hearing conducted by Senator Jim Webb before the Joint Economic Committee in this post.
Alphonso Albert’s story is a compelling one – of tremendous failures and equally tremendous successes. I met him when a group of people used to gather for breakfast once a month to talk about the issues of race. I knew him only as the director of Second Chances and had no reason to know about what he had done before that. I have no doubt that many others in that room were in the same boat.
Only because he got a new job – one with some oversight of the Police Department – was his past so publicly outed. In reading the article, there seems to be no question that he is qualified for the job. The niggle is whether his criminal past overrides everything that he has done since.
At what point does turning away from criminal behavior and embracing what we all believe is the right thing earn someone the privilege of removing the scarlet F? Is it 5 years, or 20? Or never?
And if never, what does that say about us?
There’s an old gospel song that says “May the work I’ve done speak for me.” Fifteen years ago, Alphonso found himself at a fork in his life’s road. He could have chosen the easier path, continuing to do what he’d always done. Instead he chose a more difficult path, one more narrow, more winding. And he’s been a success.
So let the work he’s done be the barometer by which we measure him.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 
I’m a big believer in redemption. In my line of work I often encounter people in the system – lawyers, probation officers, clerks, secretaries, counselors, etc. – who will tell me in private, “there but for the grace of God go I”. Many people have made poor choices early in their lives. Some were never caught and some were caught. And all of them had the opportunity, either through an increase in maturity or a realization of the consequences of bad behavior, to turn their lives around. Those who never were caught were the most fortunate. They put their misbehavior behind them without being slapped with a label and relegated to the category of “felon for life”. Others were granted second chances through the justice system, with suspended imposition of sentence which allowed for the case to be dismissed after a period of time and with the performance of a number of obligations. The third, and least fortunate, category is of those who not only got caught but also caught the designation of felon. I have met such people, many of whom have turned their lives around and sought to become contributing, active citizens and good parents and members of the community, but always they are followed by the label – felon – and it is a heavy burden indeed. We need more redemption and less retribution in this system. It’s the only way to reclaim a lost generation.
I certainly believe in giving people a chance (or two) to make up for their past. It appears to me that Mr. Albert has done just that. I’m not at all sure that he is the best person for the position he now holds, but I think that I would trust Ms. Williams judgment since City Council does. He should get a chance to perform in his new job.
Vivian,
Alphonso said God turned him around. Who are we to argue with God? I guess the so-called believers who pick and choose those that can receive God’s grace.
Absolutely, Carla. Well put.
Vivian,
You are so wrong! What’s next? Are we going to start letting pedophiles be school teachers? This man deserves to be in jail, not have a six figure salary that i as a taxpayer will be paying for! We need to recall Paul Fraim because obviously that is the only way we are going to get rid of Regina Williams!
I happen to think there is a big difference between pedophiles and ex-cons.
so are you saying it is ok to murder 2 people and then hold a position of power where you oversee the police force?
First of all, there was only one murder, not two. Secondly, the article says “some oversight” of the police.
I am not defending his criminal record – and neither is anyone else. No one is saying murder is “ok.”
The question is do you believe in redemption? Fifteen years of clean living means nothing?
Vivian,
Here are the facts:
The guy murdered 2 people.
He was dealing cocaine
This guy should still be in prison and what about the victims? Not to mention, exactly what are his qualifications, he has no education which qualifies him for a six figure salary with the city! I do not want my taxpayer dollars to pay his salary! And lastly I wish most of you including Riddick would stop playing the race card! I would not care if this guy was from Mars, he has no business in this job!
Randy Wright is the only one on the city council who has the courage to stand up to this garbage!
Show me where the article says he murdered 2. It says one.
And who mentioned race? What’s this “most of you” stuff? No one here has said a word about it.
Sounds like to me that you are one of those folks who is more upset over the salary than anything else. And sorry, but $98,500 ain’t six figures.
If education is so important to you, I suggest you look at some of our elected representatives who lack even high school diplomas. Do you intend to hold them to the same standard? Besides, who ever said that education equals more salary?
And if you feel so strongly about this, why hide behind an pseudonym? Why not stand up and use your own name?
I agree with VJP! First of all you express yourself but hide behind the alias anonymous. Are you a coward? Secondly, he was convicted of manslaughter. Another man was convicted of the other charge which was murder. If it was a cacausian man, everone would be talking about how great he is. How much he has changed, and done fo the community. Alot of great people come from troubled pasts. Who are you to judge! Race is important. If it wasn’t why are people leaving nooses all over the place with racial slurs, it has even leaked into our military. He is perfect for the job. Life lessons are far more valuable than just book knowledge! He’s been there and done that.
He can show people how not to end up like that, unlike some nerd who has went to school, and can’t relate to these people in the streets. And most impotantly probably doesn’t care about them anyway, just abut their six figure salary!!
hello, vjp i agree al deserves a second chance he’s help others do it why not his self what we are seeing before us is a prime example of why this common state is a non- forgiving state filled with the old ways that should have been abolised just as our neighboring state md. has done a lot of these people have worked beside al and has found him idealistic caring and willing to roll up his sleaves and get to work . leave him alone so we can these communites cleaned up a old saying goes clean out your own cubbards and remember when you point a fingerat a person someone points two at you so randy,eloise and the rest we stand ready to protect als appt.
Great! Why don’t we just hire more street thugs and give them high paying jobs with the city on taxpayer money! That piece of trash had several chances! Besides, what about the $10k in past due fines that he owes the city! Albert will not stay in his job because after this idiot decision by our moron city manager, the council will have no choice but to fire the city manager with Albert right behind her!
it,s folks likes you no. 13 that my forefathers fought against hiding while doing the devils work saying it,s gods will 1 he is highly qualified for the job 2 the communties he will be helping do not trust a lot people slash npd and other city dept. who just want to make the people safer. so let.s give them someone they might be able to trust.alphonso is a very capable person as he has proven time and time again were you ever called before a senate commity no! reading your statement i see why.