Senator Malcolm Smith’s: Operation S.N.U.G. by Gloria Winston Al-Sarag
Thu, Jul 17, 2008  NY State Senator and Minority Leader Malcolm Smith is not just concerned about illegal guns in our community. He’s doing something about it. In a recent meeting, Thursday, July 10, at Baden Street’s George Simmons Center in the inner city, Smith kick-off Operation S.N.U.G. (GUNS spelled backwards).
“I left the meeting with a sense of purpose feeling like James “Maamba” McCuller and his organizational skills had resurfaced in the Spirit of Senator Malcolm Smith,” proclaimed one attendee.
In attendance were a variety of select concerned citizens representing a cross section of arenas impacting on our youth in one way or another.
“I want to dispel the myth that downstate politicians have no interest or vested interest in what goes on in Upstate NY,” explained Smith, adding “Out kids are dying and killing folks in the entire state. Even though incidents appear isolated, the impact of the continued senseless violence affects us all.”
Operation S.N.U.G. a concept based on the success of the Ceasefire program in Chicago, IL focuses on Street intervention and stopping the violence, with National, state and local funding and seeks to Use celebrities and centers, in an effort to rid the community and state of Gangs, Guns and increase the opportunity for Gainful employment.
Senator Smith, who quickly dismissed the formalities saying he prefers to be called “Malcolm”, after opening his meeting, paid his respect to Mayor Robert Duffy. He also welcomed and referred to Assemblyman David Gantt as his mentor, and lovingly called him “Dr. Gantt.”
The 50 or more people in attendance included Rochester Police Department Chief of Police David Moore, Senatorial Candidate Richard Dollinger, Councilwoman Lovely Warren, County Legislator Glenn Gamble, County Legislator, Calvin Lee, RCSD Board President Malik Evans, County Legislator Willie Joe Lightfoot, Daryl Porter, Christine Johnson, Gaynelle Wethers, Joe Brown, Rosemarie McKinney, Linzy Slater, Avery True Blackman, Sherry Walker and many others.
The meeting was hosted by Rochester City School District Commissioner Cynthia Elliott. Representatives from the religious community were also in attendance, including Rev. and Mrs. Meeks, Rev, Willie Harvey, Rev. Douglas Smith and others.
After the aforementioned overview of S.N.UG. was given Malcolm shared that had been to Buffalo the day before the Rochester meeting and met with 80 youth. When he asked those in attendance in Buffalo if they knew where to get a gun, he was disturbed to discover that 100% of the young folks raised their hands. Some even expressed their willingness to prove to him they could secure a gun within an hour and bring back to him.
Smith says his intent is to engage communities in Syracuse, and Albany as well.
Most in the room were not afraid to participate in the discussion that ensued regarding the impact guns and violence is having on our community. Each brought with their words heart felt experience or concern that suggested a need for immediate solutions.
When the discussion ended the “task master” in Malcolm surfaced as he quickly and without hesitation and by name made assignments to those he obviously assessed would carry them out. He did so with the charisma of a diplomat given those who felt uncomfortable or incapable of completing the tasks assigned within the 5 day time frame allotted an opportunity to decline. All accepted their assignments and others were encouraged to offer their support, to the S.N.U.G. ad hoc committees established. Contact information was shared, the meeting ended in prayer and Operation S.N.U.G is on its way to having a presence in our community. Updates will follow.
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