Denim-Crats

Recently, as noted by a national web-based job search site, the high rate of unemployment in Buffalo, NY was slated as 15.4% as compared to the national average at about 10%.

Sure, we need jobs in WNY, but further, we need careers in our city – something that goes beyond jobs and creates sustainability for the population.

We can achieve career development utilizing the many resources available to us throughout the area from organizations, businesses, government and even individuals who live here.

Now, bear with me here, this next paragraph may seem disjointed from the foundation of this article, but, I assure you, it fits in nicely. Buffalo has over 23,000 vacant structures and most are on the city’s demolition list. With the average 30’ frontage on our urban lots, families can still enjoy space if a home that has “good bones” is rehabilitated in an area where others are demolished making extended lots available to those new rehab pioneers. In this manner, the urban fabric of the local architecture is not compromised but the suburban feel of additional yard space for gardens, relaxation and children’s play areas can be added to the marketability for these properties.

Now, as far as the career aspect, sure, there is a need to create jobs here. But, what good are jobs that can end when the need is no longer? What is needed is the sustainability of careers.

So, as Step One, we need to review the city’s demolition list and determine those properties that are salvageable from those that are too far gone for rehabilitation. Step Two would be to create community partnerships for projects that utilize Green demolition and rehab. The need for neighborhood revitalization and the desire to retain our urban fabric of neighborhoods not only creates sustainable properties and neighborhoods but also develops careers as well as jobs, increasing the viability of lower unemployment rates, increased educational opportunities, a stronger connectivity between all citizens and businesses in the city and an overall better Buffalo.

Demolition is not only expensive, it also demolishes our earth. Those properties awaiting demolition are not only eyesores; they increase crime, blight and the chance of injury or death for first responders. The scrutiny of demo versus rehab of the current roster of city-owned dwellings could decrease our need for additional demo funding while securing our neighborhoods in a more efficient time frame. The 5-5-5 Program touted by the city will take us into the next generation while criminals and drug dealers and users continue to have their own rent-free stores and firefighters risk their lives with each arson call.

This was an idea I proposed during my interview with the Common Council for the Ellicott seat. And, no matter the outcome of that event, I still want to make sure this idea goes beyond that interview and is in the minds of our city leaders and our citizens so we can not only create new suburban–styled city villages, but reinvest in our current neighborhoods without compromising the architecture and urban fabric that defines Buffalo.

Today, Gov. Patterson mentioned the use of Green Technologies for housing rehabilitation in Buffalo, NY. He called it his Sustainable Neighborhood Project. This title has already been used by many communities globally, so it is not some amazing brain-storm. It is, however, something we have missed the boat on for about eight years or so. My intent was to picture the project as our own mini-WPA but this time with neighborhood properties over public facilities, utilizing LEED for sustainable neighborhoods of our future. Already in Louisville, KY. they are using empty lots for orcharding, edible landscaping, shared composting, co-op housing, solar retrofit centers and more. And, we can, too while also creating more careers for our future and the future of our city.

Look at the effective and efficient use of Green Demolition by Buffalo ReUse and the satellite benefits of on-the-job training for careers in these methods. It takes kids off the street and trains them for careers that are sustainable far more than any of the properties on the demo list. Go further and recognize the work of WNY AmeriCorps and their Service Corps program. Even further is the work of PUSH Buffalo. All three grouped together to form the foundation of the work on the Massachusetts Avenue Extreme Makeover Project and they trained people not only for a job, but gave them hope towards a career. That’s sustainability.

Take the next step and see the training that can occur with Green Rehabilitation. Not only could there be a new generation of carpenters, plumbers, HVAC, electricians and more, there would also be need for the new urban planners that utilize eco- and Green systems for smart growth and new urbanism for green building into the design and redevelopment of neighborhoods.
There are some caveats, however. We need to change the way various departments in city and county government work to lure the prospective urban pioneers we need for community revitalization and career development. For example:

1. To assure people are amenable to rehabilitation and moving back into the city we desperately need to review the use of Land Value Tax over property tax.

Land Value Tax (LVT) could be an economic as well as revitalization engine for our city. More houses could be rehabbed based upon a solid tax such as LVT and homeowners and neighborhood revitalization pioneers would not fear increased property taxes after major renovations outside of the Historic Tax Credit program. Additionally, those land banking speculators would find it more beneficial to either rehabilitate or sell their stalemated properties to someone who would do something with them.

With LVT, we could see our tax base stabilized while encouraging this revitalization. And, once again, job and career development would prosper even further due to the amount of rehab activity that would increase throughout the city.

2. Capital Budget development and review must be a process in which all areas of the city see monies coming in to revitalize basic infrastructure.
Infrastructure revitalization such as streets, curbs, lighting, sewers all play a major role in reinvestment of individuals and businesses into our city.

3. We need a more efficient turn-around of sales of city-owned houses designated as rehab over demo. This will also increase the tax base in a more efficient manner.

4. The Inspections Department may need some additional staffing to determine the difference between “good bones” versus demolition-worthy properties.

5. The Permit Process needs streamlining to create a package of information for each individual, small business or small- to mid-sized developer for community revitalization that compliments the current larger developers’ works in our city for this system to work effectively.

Basically, folks, it’s time to engage collectively. If the city could be approached to append its current codes and permit processes as well as how it does business regarding inspections and real estate, we could very well create sustainable careers, neighborhoods and a Better Buffalo.

Partnering with organizations that have proven track records of accomplishment over the usual “I’ll fund you if….” can bring great dividends to our community. Using their expertise in training youth for sustainable careers, their record of innovation, new green technologies with incentives for their use and our government along with our citizen base can reap great benefits for growing and sustaining increased population as well as a tax base supported by working smart over the same ol’, same ol’.

The Denim-Crats on Twitter

Although it is a practice that dictates the political process, half-truths used to gain office whether pro or con, have seeped into our government. This bothers me and should bother anyone that pays taxes.

These half-truths are used during the election process, pitting competitors against one another to prove who is best for the job. The one elected has used this process to gain that position and continues to provide half-truths to the constituency during various aspects of their “reign.” In this manner, these half-truths are only providing the information the elected official wants the constituency to hear to promote their agenda on the item. Without the other half, the constituency cannot truly judge whether or not the item is good for them. And, most importantly, is the very telling insult to the intelligence of the voting public. They expect us to take their word for face value.

So, we find ourselves in a circuitous quagmire from the beginning to the end.

Trust is a theory that eludes most elected officials and their armies of political activists. They say to those who are affronted by this method of election “Well, it’s all part of the game.” I say that those who represent the people should not be playing games with our lives, our homes or our government.

How can we rise above half-truths to assure we have the whole story whether at election time or while we are represented? By considering every assertion, accusation or generalization and seeking out the truth. Then, and only then, can we be sure to make our vote count, even if over the usual political lines we have been trained to vote between.

Date: December 2008
Source: OSI

The Open Society Institute and the Soros foundations network have given away nearly $7 billion over the last 25 years to build open, democratic societies. In 2008, the network spent approximately $500 million to help people around the world. The Open Society Institute’s priorities in 2008 included advancing international justice and strengthening domestic justice systems, monitoring and supporting reforms in public health, advocating for transparency and the fair distribution of natural resource riches, improving the lives and securing the human rights of the Roma, and protecting the rights of other marginalized groups such as the developmentally disabled and injecting drug users.

The following brochure features selected stories from 2008. Some stories are about the efforts of Open Society Institute grantees. Other stories are about larger issues and policies the Open Society Institute is trying to improve. Together these accounts represent just a small fraction of the work the Open Society Institute and the Soros foundations accomplished in 2008.

To download a copy of the report, please click HERE.

Arts in Education for Veterans

From Buffalo Rising – January 3, 2010

The Roycroft Campus Corporation (RCC) has teamed with the Arts in Education Institute of WNY (AEI) and the Buffalo Vet Center to create a Veteran’s Art Therapy program, in which members will have an opportunity to creatively express their wartime experiences through both performance and fine art.

This program, in partnership with First Niagara Financial Group, is designed to help veterans deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression related to their service, while improving their ability to function within the family unit.

Beginning on January 14, 2010, classes will be held at the AEI office at 121 Humboldt Parkway, adjacent to the Medaille College Campus, including weekly sessions with certified teaching artists and counselors. Theater, music, spoken word, painting, video and drawing are the mediums that will be used to help veterans explore their emotions and experiences as individuals and through active, team-based participation. Work will be presented in a gallery exhibit and public performance event at the end of the six-week session. Three, six-week sessions are planned during 2010. (Registration form here.)

The RCC will support both the gallery and performance events at the culmination of each of the six-week sessions, and the Buffalo Vet Center will measure and report participant progress through follow-up sessions with both veteran and family over the course of a three year period.

AEI has a documented success with Teaching Artists utilizing art therapy to engage and provide participants the opportunity to express their experiences, emotions, and life through art to diverse populations including AIDS Community Services and local mental health and disabled organizations.

According to the American Art Therapy Associations website “the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self awareness, and achieve insight.” These factors are key components to the well being of service members who have given so much in defense of our country and key components to addressing At-Risk-Families of veterans.

Seems like similar issues 69 years later, doesn’t it?

On December 19, 1937, Holling held the first of several round-table meetings with his new department and administrative heads.

Mayor Holling delivered his Inaugural Address to the Common Council on January 1, 1938.

“Our new administration is face to face with grave responsibilities. We assume our existing duties in one of the most trying and difficult times in the history of this city.

“Our financial condition is critical, but I know and you know that it is not hopeless. Problems ahead of us can be solved, but in order to find the solution, we must unite our efforts to furnish an unselfish, faithful, humane and clean administration.

“The general principles and policies, which I shall endeavor to follow during my four years as mayor of Buffalo were clearly set forth in a ten-point program published during the general campaign. These ten points are still my program. They read as follows:

1 – Necessary services to the people must be maintained at all times, but in an efficient manner and at reasonable cost to taxpayers.

2 – The department of education is of great importance to the people of Buffalo and must be operated by the nonpartisan board of education, free from interference. No education appropriation shall be reduced at any time to provide money for other departments.

3 – All department heads and workers shall be appointed on a basis of experience for their jobs and not because of any record of political servitude.

4 – City departments must be operated within their budgets.

5 – Departments must not be padded with unnecessary workers drawing political pay at the taxpayers expense. No increase in payrolls at election must be tolerated.

6 – The greatest good for the greatest number of Buffalo citizens must be in the basis of all city legislation.

7 – Political groups must not expect special favors from the city government.

8 – An honest tax rate is the basis of honest city government.

9 – The city government is the biggest business in Buffalo and must be operated honestly, efficiently and economically.

10 – It is my intention and pledge as Mayor to so operate the city government of Buffalo

“I feel that in order to restore the civil service to its rightful place in the life of our city, a complete reorganization of the municipal civil service is necessary.

“We all realize that real property owners of Buffalo are bearing a heavy tax burden. The city tax rate is $30.05 and the county tax rate is the highest in its history.

“We may as well face the fact squarely that any reduction in taxes in the very near future is impossible in view of our strained financial situation. Before a lower tax rate can be expected the city’s debt load must be materially lightened. Good management and sound government demand this.

“This welfare problem which we must face at once deals not only with finances but also with our fellow human beings who are in want.

“It is apparent that the City of Buffalo cannot continue to carry the welfare load on its present basis. There is neither fairness nor logic in our present welfare situation.

“In Buffalo , we have the department of social welfare and the emergency relief board. In Erie County the ERB has recently been merged into the regular social welfare structures.

“A tremendous, complicated overlapping, and expensive structure has been haphazardly developed.

“The Erie County Survey Commission recommended a county welfare board under which all the many relief functions would be centralized.

“The Buffalo Council of Social Agencies…has recommended centralization of relief activities.

“I have given much thought and study to this problem. I have come to the conclusion that there are only two possibilities in this connection. The first is to continue relief in the City of Buffalo under the present setup, and to raise the cost by a retail sales tax on goods sold in the City of Buffalo The second possibility is a transfer and consolidation of all these welfare functions under the Erie County government.

“After careful consideration I have rejected the first alternative. Without going into detail, I want to tell you that we have been unofficially informed that the state government will not extend to any city the right to impose a sales tax.

“I therefore turn to the only other alternative – county consolidation. Due to reasons which I have just explained, I recommend for your consideration the transfer as soon as possible under state legislation all welfare functions of the City of Buffalo to the County of Erie.

“Of course, no thorough discussion of a new administration would be complete without stating my program of municipal economy. The time has arrived when the city government of Buffalo must stop unnecessary spending and confine all expenditures to absolutely necessary items.

“It would take no genius to balance a city budget by simply refusing to spend funds for any purpose, but that cannot be done. However, it can be made certain that money is spent only for efficient operation of necessary services and for capital expenses which are essential to the maintenance of adequate city government.

“Now I want to speak of our traffic problem. It is obvious to every thoughtful citizen of Buffalo that traffic fatalities in this city during the year of 1937 reached far too high a total. This traffic toll must be cut down and I am determined that it shall be cut down.

“Again we come to the question of expense. Every other city which has cut its traffic death rate has accomplished such an end only through the medium of a comprehensive citywide traffic survey. Then a remedy is put into effect on the basis of need as discovered in such a survey. In my opinion, it is one of the most vital problems confronting us as we take over the administration of our city government.

“It is a fact not generally known that among large cities of the United States, the City of Buffalo stands second in the volume of snowfall per year. The citizens of Buffalo know from painful experiences that we are not properly equipped to cope with large and sudden snowstorms.”

“The Cultural Creatives” – Ray & Anderson

In this landmark book, the authors draw upon 13 years of survey research studies on over 100,000 Americans, plus over 100 focus groups and dozens of depth interviews. They tell who the Cultural Creatives are, and the fascinating story of their emergence over the last generation, using vivid examples and engaging personal stories to describe the values and lifestyles that make this subculture distinctive.

“Livable Cities?” – Evans

This book explores the linked issues of livelihood and ecological sustainability in major cities of the   developing and transitional world. Livable Cities? identifies important strategies for collective solutions by showing how political alliances among local communities, nongovernmental organizations, and public agencies can help ordinary citizens live better lives.

“Place Matters” – Dreier, Mollenkopf & Swanstrom

In Place Matters: Metropolitics for the Twenty-First Century, Peter Dreier, John Mollenkopf, and Todd Swanstrom document the proliferation of economic segregation and assert that economy segregation is growing within and between different regions, metropolitan and otherwise.   Such economic segregation is having adverse effects on the quality of life, especially for the poor, who tend to belong to ethnic and/or racial minorities and who live in generally decaying central cities.

“City” – Rae

With a novelist’s eye for telling detail, Douglas Rae depicts the features that contributed most to city life in the early “urbanist” decades of the twentieth century. Rae’s subject is New Haven, Connecticut, but the lessons he draws apply to many American cities.

“Race, Neighborhoods and Community Power” – Kraus

Kraus examines the causes and effects of political decisions involving other major development projects as well as the private housing market. The implications of the findings are that rather than being mainly the result of macroeconomic change, the development of concentrated urban poverty has, to a large extent, been shaped by the local political process.

“Neighborhood Government” – Kotler

Kotler discovered “a movement for local control” across America. In the poorest parts of US cities, people were coming together to change their lives in a tangible, political sense. They were demanding the transfer of political authority to institutions they directly controlled, and were using that democratic power to pass their own laws and control rents, prices, banks, taxation, schools, housing and welfare programs.

“ZEN and the Art of Making a Living” – Boldt

If one is searching for a book not necessarily about “getting a job” but about discovering one’s life work and purpose then “Zen and the Art of Making a Living” is not only a fine addition to your library but a book that can transform your life. The book does not concern itself with Zen per se. Its breadth is amazing and it pulls from diverse sources of wisdom spanning the arts, philosophy, all religions, anthropology, science, etc.

Buffalo Common Council Race For Ellicott District Seat Heating Up

for Everything.