Thank you all for coming today to honor two incredibly important groups; people who are turning their lives around, and the businesses that make it possible. As a Circuit Court judge, and now as County Executive, I believe that the mission of our justice system is to protect communities. I believe the businesses we are recognizing today are a critical part of that mission.
It is no secret that many businesses do not hire ex-offenders. What those businesses fear as much as anything is public's perception of ex-offenders. Those of you here this morning are helping to change that, and making it easier for people to overcome mistakes, and move beyond a troubled past.
Those of you who employ ex-offenders have an impact far beyond that one person. We have a list in Baltimore County of fathers who haven't paid child support in two years or more. It came as no surprise to me to learn that many of the people on that list are ex-offenders.
Unemployed, and unlikely to be employed, they can't support their children. Whatever choices a person makes, for children and families to bear the consequences is wrong.
A random sampling of parents who were more than two years in arrears in child support payments - showed that nearly 60 percent were ex-offenders. These ex-offenders need steady jobs in order to support their families and contribute to their communities and the local economy.
In Baltimore County, our Circuit Court has instituted a Fatherhood Initiative to help ex-offenders chart a new direction in their lives and be there for their children.
I support this comprehensive program of job training and placement, coupled with parenting classes, family support services, and help with overcoming addictions.
If we are serious about keeping our communities safe and keeping our young people on the right path, we must give parents the opportunity to care for their children, to correct their mistakes.
With my lengthy criminal justice background, I am confident that rehabilitation can work. I believe it is possible to start again. It can be difficult, and it takes faith and work from a lot of people to turn one life around. But it can be done.
This morning I am proud to honor two businesses that prove there can be second chances.
P.T. O'Malley, a pallet manufacture in Baltimore County, has been employing inmates from the Baltimore County Detention Center Work Release Program for ten years.
Gourmet Again has been a part of the work release program for seven years. Both companies see the benefits of a motivated workforce, and both companies give ex-offenders the opportunity for a fresh start.
Congratulations and thank you to P.T. O'Malley and Gourmet Again for making a difference in our community.
We are honoring as well two people who have taken advantage of the opportunity for a fresh start.
Donna Ryckman is with us today. In January of 2003, Donna was approved for the work release program, and she got a job at the Suburban House restaurant in Pikesville. Donna has not only turned her own life around, she has made a commitment to helping others do the same. Donna is a "house mom" at the same halfway house where she stayed, and is training to be a supervisor.
I am also pleased to introduce you to Michael Barnes. Michael took advantage of the Gate's program for Lead Abatement and Asbestos Removal. After graduating at the top of his class, Michael took the initiative, contacting the Maryland Department of Environment for a list of companies qualified to do asbestos removal and lead abatement, and finding employment. He is truly a success story.
Michael and Donna, this community is very proud of you. I wish you the best as you continue to lead productive lives.
I believe we can see more success stories like these. It is through the work of all of you, and the dedication and professionalism of our Bureau of Corrections, that we see progress. Baltimore County will continue to find creative and effective ways to help every citizen contribute to the community.
Revised December 22, 2003
Courthouse 