Q What motivated you to become so active in removing graffiti?
A Graffiti was a problem many of us addressed in an informal manner, both with the police and clean up. Isaac Walker and New Castle County Councilman Bob Weiner cooked up the Anti-Graffiti Brigade. Bob and I were already long time friends and he invited me to join the program. The program has been successful, and there is nothing more motivating than an organized program that works.
Q Are your efforts reducing graffiti in Brandywine Hundred?
A Yes. In some areas, graffiti only occurs a few times a year. The clean up effort eliminates the ongoing negative perception [that occurs] when graffiti is not addressed. In areas where more frequent graffiti activity occurs, quick and consistent cleanup has proven to reduce or eliminate follow-up graffiti attacks. And in areas where aggressive graffiti attacks occur, the clean up and coordination with law enforcement has enabled capture and prosecution of perpetrators. Brigade captains take pictures and send them to the state police for their database, which can help tie perpetrators to previous attacks.
Q What is your single biggest day-to-day challenge?
A Procrastination. I'm sure many other folks share this challenge. The solution is to take one day at a time, and before you know it, you are well on your way to achieving your goal.
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R.J.'s Community Service
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Q What is the best advice you’ve received?
A Respect others. Whether it's working with kids on behavioral issues, working through a neighbor dispute or conducting a business negotiation, maintaining respect for the other parties always offers a win-win outcome.
Q Where do you see yourself in five years?
A In five years, I hope I can look back and see my time was well spent. I am also open to the possibility of participating in activities I don't yet imagine.
Q What did you want to be when you grew up?
A Although I am 51 years old, I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Isn't that hilarious? I believe one has to remain open to the possibilities life has to offer. For instance, losing a job is really an opportunity to find a better one. Losing one's home and moving to an apartment may indeed be an opportunity to get out from under the stress of having bought too much house in the first place.
Q Finish this sentence, “If I had a million dollars …”
A I would hope I was a wise and generous steward. I would also hope I had not lost the love and respect of friends, family and business associates while acquiring the wealth. Society sometimes focuses us on the acquisition of wealth to the exclusion of other worthy pursuits. As a result, there are many unhappy wealthy people, yet many happy people of modest means.
Q Briefly describe a pivotal moment in your life.
A Each day is a pivotal moment. Carpe Diem. As I look back, life feels like a nice canoe trip down the Brandywine River. I should say, some pivotal moments seem really difficult before you try them. Such was the case when I became first involved in my civic association. It seemed like so much work. Looking back, my community service effort all seems downhill.
Q Finish this sentence “I am …”
A I am ... late for a meeting. Seriously, sometimes it seems like there just aren't enough hours in the day.
Q Name three people you would love to meet.
A The U.S. President, Bono and Jesus Christ.
