Praise for Pepper

Years ago a group of street-tough kids poked fun at David Pepper's uncool jeans and outdated Timberland boots.

He came back for more. He sought to understand them. He invited them to help on his city council campaign. He didn't forget about them after he was elected.

On Wednesday those kids thanked him.

Now nearly grown and with bright futures ahead, the group of teenagers from the Society for the Advancement of Reforming Felons (S.A.R.F.), surprised a very humbled Commissioner Pepper at Wednesday's commission meeting. They brought a plaque, and Pepper's mother who was brought to tears at the touching words about her son.

The teenagers credit Pepper's persistent quest to understand them and the violence they see and live every day with helping them turn their lives around.

"I just want to thank you for saving my life," said Timothy Hope, a senior at Withrow High School who used to be head of an Avondale gang. After getting involved in S.A.R.F. and meeting Pepper, he turned his life around and is expecting to graduate this year.

Others also told tales of Pepper's influence and their plans for graduation.

When Pepper first asked to come to the S.A.R.F. meetings four or five years ago the teenagers thought it was just for show because he was running a city council campaign.

But they realized after he won that he was still listening. Not only that, he was bringing their ideas to city council, they said.

They decided they needed to thank him. So they went to City Hall. Then they realized Pepper's now a commissioner. So they trekked to the administration building and sought him out.

No jabs at his attire this time, just thanks.

"Dave we thank you, and continue to be a decent human being," said S.A.R.F head Candice Tubbs.

Pepper was honored.

"You embarrassed me today. Thank you so much," Pepper said. "I am honored by your presence and look forward to continuing to work together."

He posed for pictures, then invited the group, and his mother, back to his office to catch up.