Submitted by Artie D. Lightfoot, Apr 19, 2007 04:38

I recently read your article about ex offenders getting jobs that give them a chance to progress and earn a good living. I myself am a ex offender. I have a felony drug poss w/ intent to deliver. I did 2 years in state and also attended a state ran bootcamp which I was allowed to attened because my crime wasnt aggravated. I was attending college before my mishaps and now that I am out it seems hard because of not having the right credentials, in my case its a drivers license. I have pleaded to the courts, magistrate, and even wrote letter to the dept of transportation regarding me having a license so I could just go to and from work. Nobody has anything to say except to pass the buck unto the next office. Only reason my license is suspended now is for something happening years ago, and that was driving while under suspension several times. Never drinking and driving. Never sold drugs from my car or transported drugs. Never had any minor violation besides driving under suspension. I only ever had 1 speeding ticket and that was going 2 miles over a 26 mph limit. So why cant I have a chance to tdo the right thing? If I get caught driving whike I am on parole that is a violation and atleat another 6-9 months in prison and away from becoming a contributer to my family and community. Right? I was told Pa was the one of the worst places to become "put on paper" because they want you to stay in the fire and keep the criminal cycle going. I have had several jobs wlling to hire me in lew of me having a felony, but they have to know that I can be able to get back and fourth to work with out problems, and I dont fault them for that at all. Can you please find it in your heart and resources to help this man who wants to do the right thing get some where with this problem? All I want is my license to drive to get to school and work..not party or joy ride. The state found it fit to release me at my minium to reenter society but they cant se where I am fit to drive seeing tha I never had a major driving violation???What is this system coming to? PLEASE I ASK OF YOUR HELP

God Bless

Mr. Artie D Lightfoot

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