http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/nyregion/03boys.html?ref=opinion&pagewanted=print

Mayor Cory Booker is to be commended for being a Big Brother and father figure to three young delinquents. Even if they don't make changes in their character, the fact that the mayor cares enough to spend time with them is very commendable and courageous. The mayor is setting an excellent example for the community but still he has critics. Mrs. Johnson is quoted as saying "Our only concern was that he might be doing it for the publicity." This criticism is the exact reason why the majority of the concerned adults don't participate in programs like Big Brothers and Big Sisters. They are afraid of being labeled or having a hidden motive. I can feel the mayor's sincerity when he missed an opportunity to help the young man named Hassan, who was gunned down in his neighboorhood. After attending Hassan's funeral, Mayor Booker said "It was the first time I cried as mayor." When the mayor asked Anthony, "Where would he get $24,000 to move out on his own?" All the mayor got was a shoulder shrug from Anthony. For that moment the mayor made that young man think! Can you imagine how many lives could be influenced if everyone had a mentor that made a young person think first about life's consequences instead of reacting after a crime is commited?