February 1
Dear Mayor Wheeler,
This fall I listened to a podcast called "Presidential" . The Washington Post's reporter Elaine Cunningham is the narrator and creator of the series. Starting with George Washington each episode is dedicated to the next president. She brings a very personal account of each man, his family and his accomplishments and failures.
I found the history of our 21st president, Chester A Arthur, particularly fascinating. You may remember he became president upon the assassination of James A. Garfield,( I however could not have told you that before listening to the podcast). Apparently he was known for being a bit of ner'do-well. Before becoming president he was accused of being involved in corrupt cronyism in New York 's Republican political machine. In fact the assassin referenced the vice president when he shot Garfield expecting him to appoint him to the position he thought he deserved. But when Arthur became president he actually embraced the cause of civil service reform. He advocated for and subsequently enforced the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act and it was the centerpiece of his administration.
He intentionally destroyed many of the documents developed during his administration, but he saved one catch of letters. These letters were from Julia Sand. She was a no body and Chester A Arthur did not know her. She believed people could rise above their reputations and opportunity could illustrate such a change. I believe that's true too. She wrote:
“They say you won’t succeed because ‘making a man President cannot change him.’ But making a man President can change him! Great emergencies awaken generous traits which have lain dormant half a life. If there is a spark of true nobility in you, now is the occasion to let it shine.” *
Her example encourages me now to ask you to re-think your knee jerk reaction towards the Village of Hope. I ask that you visit the camp. Tomorrow.
Thank you, Frani Grover