Dear editor,

Recently, I spoke with State Rep. Oscar Denton, D-Vicksburg, about baggy pants. Denton said this is a local issue and wouldn’t comment on the issue. I asked him why can’t he voice his opinion about local issues, it might influence some of the local officials to speak out and voice their opinions.

To stop crime is through education, by making sure children stay in school. All children 18 and younger walking the streets during school hours should be required to have an ID on them. The former mayor stated it is the truant officer’s duty, not the police, to question them.

I asked why can’t the police question them about why they aren’t in school? The truant officer is just one man.

I asked why can’t we have a curfew of 9 p.m.? Employers should not have them working after 10 p.m. The only time a child should be on the streets after 10 p.m. is if they are working or attending a sporting event.

If a student has been expelled from school, He/she should not be allowed back on campus. If he or she does come on campus, the sheriff or police should be called.

I take my hat off to Kenneth Stokes in Jackson for trying to get a curfew there. The biggest complaints were from some parents. So often we hear talk about needing a sporting complex. From my eye sight, we have enough places for youths to participate.

When the three local officials can’t get along and one throws a temper tantrum at a meeting, what kind of message is being sent to the young people? Respect must be taught.

With the upcoming election, ask  your representative how they feel about the conduct of some of the youths. If they don’t comment, that should tell you something about the person running for public office. I would like to reiterate something I said in a past article: If you take an X-ray of some of the elected officials’ stomachs, you might see backbones, but no guts.

Wardell L. Wince

U.S. Marine Corps, retired

Vicksburg