It's been in the back of my head for five or six years, but more on the local level to get involved and try to create a better environment for my children and grandchildren.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
The biggest challenge in my life is getting all these kids raised. I've helped with nieces, stepchildren and my own son, so the biggest challenge is making sure the kids are raised and finding enough quality time with them.
We've invested in Newark's children, the schools and teachers, and these are long-term bets that need a number of years to really pan out. We've seen and learned how important it is to listen to the community and really get a sense of what they need and want. And it's a long journey.
I am working hard to provide solutions to meet a most pressing goal: preserving our way of life for our kids and grandkids.
As I get older and more tuned in to a community or an area, I see myself getting more involved. Not that I see myself running for office, but more involved in local issues.
The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody involved.
I've been doing this since I was 10 years old, inhabiting different people and playing different roles.
I love children, and most of my involvement now has to do with children or youth programs.
My life has been that of someone who has moved from the countryside to the society. To make that transition, I have had to learn a lot.
I think what's great about your community is that it's different than anyone else's. Look around. What do you want to change? What needs to be built, or what's valuable and needs to be maintained? Is it the people? Local animals? Your parks or gardens? Hospitals?
I'm just interested in having a handle on my environment.