Ask The Governor: Give people the second chance they truly deserve

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

8:07 PM EDT, May 15, 2008

Q. I would like to know why there aren't more resources to help felons find jobs. I made some pretty stupid choices when I was younger, and I have paid my debt to society. I haven't been in any trouble with the law for a few years now and I have recently graduated from the Florida Educational Center with a 4.0 GPA and yet I still can't find a job that's willing to hire me. How long must I pay mentally and physically for the crimes I committed and paid for with a year of my life?

K. McC., Fort Lauderdale

A. Our administration is trying to do a lot to give people the second chances they truly deserve. Last spring we were able to get through the automatic restoration of rights for ex-felons, and that was a significant step to help people get the second chance that they deserve in life. Everybody makes mistakes. It doesn't mean they can't have a very positive, productive life going forward. Obviously this person has a keen interest in doing better as indicated by the grades, so I'd recommend persistence and tenacity. Life's hard. If you've made a mistake in the past that sort of lingers with you a bit, you have to redouble your intestinal fortitude and personal effort to achieve success. All of us face hurdles every day, and the difference in life to being successful or not is how you face those hurdles. You've got to keep going ... and not let it get you down. And never, never, never give up. I'd encourage this person to have that attitude and continue to knock down the doors of challenges. There will be somebody out there who will give them a chance, and the state is recognizing the importance of that.

Compiled by Tallahassee Bureau Chief Linda Kleindienst