NEW YORK, May 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Manhattan Institute honored George Kelling, co-author of Broken Windows theory, and Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy Charter Schools , at its annual Alexander Hamilton Award dinner last evening at Cipriani 42nd Street.
Special guest New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton was on hand to share in the celebration and made brief remarks. He cautioned that we are at a time in American history when "there is a tidal wave beginning that threatens to overwhelm all this work that's been accomplished over this last now 25 years. We cannot let that happen." He also praised the Manhattan Institute and its quarterly magazine, City Journal , for telling stories that need to be told, including the story of policing as fair, honest, and dedicated, that "when properly applied, keeps this city safe."
In his remarks, George Kelling criticized Broken Windows opponents for "misrepresenting our ideas in pursuit of their own political, social or academic agenda." He also argued that "indiscriminately attributing all of the ills displayed in recent events in cities to 'Broken Windows' risks taking us back decades in our attempts to improve public safety and quality of life for all citizens."
Instead, he called for implementing Broken Windows within the framework of community policing, focusing on citizen priorities that vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, and clearing up confusion about police activities that don't represent Broken Windows.
Eva Moskowitz gave a passionate speech focusing on opportunity and choice for all children and parents. She praised the aptitude of children by saying, "We simply do not believe that because children are low-income or come from certain neighborhoods that they cannot achieve at the highest levels."
Moskowitz also called for a repeal of the cap on charters, arguing that "It is utterly crazy to have a cap on opportunity" and praised tax credits as "a powerful form of parent choice," adding that "we need to support a parent's right to choose the school they send their kids to."
Video of the event will be available shortly. Please email me at mjacob@manhattan-institute.org to request a copy.
ABOUT THE ALEXANDER HAMILTON AWARD
The Alexander Hamilton Award was created to honor those individuals helping to foster the revitalization of our nation's cities. We chose to name the award after Hamilton because, like the Manhattan Institute, he was a fervent proponent of commerce and civic life. Through the years, we have expanded the scope of the prize to celebrate leaders not just on the local level, but also at the state and federal levels, who have made remarkable things happen in the realms of public policy, culture, and philanthropy.
Michele Jacob Director of Media Relations 646-839-3387
