User talk:Newark lady

Cory A. Booker Mayor City Hall, Room 200 Newark, New Jersey 07102

To Whom It May Concern,			Attention; Mayor Cory Booker

My name is Mary Elizabeth McDonald (maiden name) Grimes. I was born in the city of Plainfield, New Jersey. My parents later moved to Newark, New Jersey and enrolled my three sisters and I in the City of Newark school system, where we attended 18th Avenue School, West Kinney Jr. High and Central High School. It has been brought to my attention that Newark remains one of the toughest urban areas in the country, and young people still live below the poverty line. I remember Hugh Joseph Addonizio who was Mayor from 1962 to 1970. My family moved out of bricks in the 80’s which when I was growing up was called The Hayes Home Projects on Boyd Street.

That was many years ago. Here it is now 2013, I am 64 years old and I still thank God for the teachers that taught me how to read and write. I write original skit, plays, and now recently published a book of poems entitled Inspiring Thoughts To Live By. On June 10, 2013 at my book signing and dedication, I had written a poem expressing my condolences and presented it to a young woman by the name of Sarah Cadagan whose son Spencer Codogan, 17, died on Nov. 11, 2010. He was shot down in the streets of Plainfield, New Jersey. She expressed to me that her concern and care for young people goes beyond where she resides.

In her words, she said, “Write the Mayor of Newark, New Jersey,” tell him to encourage and remind the young people they can make it and live success lives. Even in my flaws that I now noticed after publishing my first book, I am working on my second one. It is nothing wrong with reaching for the moon and falling among the stars. The question was asked; Can any good thing come out of Newark, New Jersey? And I answered back, Yes! I did.

Respectfully yours

Mary Grimes McDonald