H/T to HD:

Mayor Bob Duffy on Bob Smith Show, 1370 connection

1PM hour

Call in!

585-263-9994

No matter what your interests — art, politics, religion, health — 1370 Connection covers it with two hours of talk and information weekdays. Producer and host Bob Smith discusses issues with guests and opens up the phone lines for listeners to respond with questions or comments.

More About The Show >

Host: Bob Smith

•Show Contributors

•Be a Caller on 1370 Connection

•Contact Us: 1370 Connection
•Show Archive
Healthy Friday takes place Every third Friday of the month on WXXI-AM 1370.
Airs: M-F 12 noon-2pm, repeats10 p.m. to 12 a.m., Simulcasts Wed. 1 pm on City 12 cable.

Streamed live on AM 1370: wxxi.org/listen

Earlier this week Stlo7 wrote about the mayor’s vow to become one with the city school district.   This has the district in a tizz.

Really, can it be that bad?  Let’s look at what the city school district has had in place for the last year.  News stories about the school lunch program, accusations of racism and a general misuse of funds by the district officials have left a bitter taste in the mouth of city school district residents within the last year.

I have three children in the city school district.  I do not allow them to buy lunch and I am a dominant presence in their day to day education.  The teachers that I have had the pleasure of dealing with are caring, intelligent and devoted.  However, when I have had to deal with things at the district level, I found it to be difficult and oppressive.   So many inconsistencies (failure to comply with IEP’s, for example)  and so many children falling through the cracks.  Fortunately, my children are in grammar school.  It’s in the high schools where things get sticky.  Would this be due to problems being swept under the rug in grammar school?  Maybe that is where the cycle begins.

I know first hand that the school district does not support special services needed for autistic children.  In some high schools here in the city, kids are coming in and out of the back windows because they are not monitored by guards. Kids are having sex in the stair wells and it is a struggle just trying to learn.  In one school, if you are late to class, they just lock down the halls and everyone who is not in a classroom goes into a big holding area and misses class altogether.  I must admit, I don’t know if I would have finished high school under these circumstances.

I find it amazing that the school budget is 73% of the city’s property tax and the district is spending $22,000 per student, yet 50% barely graduate.  Where is the money going?  I think the Mayor should have a shot at it.  As parents, we all want what’s best for our kids.  Right now, moving out of the city school district is not an option for me, so I will be supportive of change.  Maybe Brizard should finally be held accountable for the way the schools have been run in the last couple of years.  Or better yet, maybe they should all have lunch in one of the school cafeterias and really get a taste of what it’s like.

Where, oh where should the Rochester Broadway Theatre League build it’s new theatre?

To me, it seems like a no-brainer - in Rochester, of course.  Yesterday, the suburbs and the city made their presentations to the league’s site selection committee in hopes of plucking that plum, but apparently the mayor’s presentation was a bit matter-of-fact and less than impressive to those in attendance.  from Rachel Barnhart at 13 WHAM:

There are two ways to look at the mayor’s non-presentation in front of the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s site selection committee.

You could say the city was profoundly arrogant and disrespectful to have put so little work into the “theater pitch.” Other developers appear to have spent considerable time and money to put together their plans. The city didn’t give RBTL anything it asked for in terms of specifics about infrastructure, parking, finances, etc. You could say the mayor seemed half-hearted, subdued, and downright skeptical about the whole thing.

[snip]

There’s another way to look at what the mayor did today.

He is giving RBTL – and the community – a choice.

In a nutshell, Bob Duffy is saying, “You should build the theater downtown because it’s the right thing to do. I don’t know how we’re going to accomplish this goal. It’s not going to be easy, but I want to try. I can’t do it alone, however.”

I agree with Rachel.  The RBTL should have it’s theatre in Rochester.  After the Ren Square debacle, though, you can probably forget any assistance in that department from our county executive. Will Ms Brooks end up cutting off her nose to spite her face?  Will we be looking at the Rochester Area Broadway Theatre League?

Question:

Does Ren-Square survive in the daylight?

Can Ren-Square see itself in the mirror?

You think it’s dead and then, the coffin opens and, out pops Ren-Square.

Federal funding for Ren Sqaure is in jeopardy and Friday is the deadline for receiving this 24 million.  Maggie has called a press conference which is occurring as I write this.  From WHEC:

The deadline to obtain $24 million in federal funds for the project is Friday. City Council must vote to approve the sale and condemnation of certain properties at the corner of Main Street and Clinton Avenue but only the mayor can submit the legislation for the sale of the city property. As of Tuesday morning, Mayor Bob Duffy has not submitted legislation.

We’re coming down to the wire.  Will Maggie get her legacy, or have the winds shifted?

Rochesterturning.com is loaded with numerous posts about concerns for Ethics in government-whether it be about Randy Kuhl, Maggie Brooks or others. Ethics concerns, however, are not only a government issue.

In Henrietta, Lynn Taliento was put on Suspension with Pay. She is a teacher who, according to the article, was convicted of stealing $750,000 from an elderly woman. Convicted–SHE IS GOING TO GO TO PRISON. As a side note, her husband is going to go on trial later this year for involvement in the crime as well. Yet, the school district doesn’t have the cajones to fire her like they should. Some say it is because she is tenured in the district. I don’t care–our taxes shouldn’t go to pay for a felon to sit around and do nothing while she waits to go to jail.

Further investigation has showed that she has threatened to sue the school district so I suspect an already-cash strapped district is terrified of a major lawsuit if they dump her before she goes to prison.

When I went to drop off my son at a friend’s home near hers, she was out putting up Christmas lights without a care in the world. She was smiling and waving. Nice to know you’re being paid to sit around.

No School Board representatives responded to my request for information, but I finally received this quote from a friend who did hear from the School Board-here’s what came through. From Edward Lincoln-the School Board President, “The Board of Education must adhere to state law in matters of teacher discipline. This includes specific steps required to protect a teacher’s right to due process before any disciplinary action is taken. When a teacher is suspended during this process, the District must continue to pay the salary unless a specific exception applies.”

I completely disagree with this but if it’s state law (and a poor one) we have to abide by it.

july2008-146

Press said he and his colleagues went over the figures and the Rochester area now will have 30 hours of conservative radio and 0 (ZERO) hours of progressive radio when WROC switches to a sports format soon. He said it is “no coincidence because they don’t want the truth to be told between now and November.” Press said that nationally there is 9 hours of right wing talk for 1 hour of progressive talk. 30-0, well, it’s hard to have a more warped score.

Clearly, progressives are losing the radio war and Press encourages us all to “Raise hell.” He went on to say “If they’re gettiing licenses that we own then we should get a fair share. Louise Slaughter is leading the effort to bring back fairness. Public air waves are supposed to serve the public, the general interest, not just the conservative audience.”

Today Democratic candidates for Congress Dan Maffei (NY-25), Jon Powers (NY-26) and Eric Massa (NY-29) teamed up to encourage national service through public service jobs in America. They gathered in front of Greece Arcadia High School alongside fellow Democrats Rick Dollinger, candidate for State Senate in the 56th District (website coming soon), and Dick Beebe, County Legislator. Paul Riordan, candidate for Supreme Court Judge, was also in attendance, as were about 20 local teachers and nurses in a show of support for Maffei, Powers and Massa. It was raining a bit so I left my camera in the car, my apologies.

Powers began, noting that both he and his mother are teachers, and that his policy of national service, A Call To Service, is about “re-engaging our country.”

Here, excerpts:

Like the recent G.I Bill rewarding our men and women in uniform for their service and providing educational funding, we must launch a Professional Public Service Program similar to ROTC, encouraging high school and college aged citizens to enter service professions. As America faces shortages in critical occupations, we must reward training and public service into professions that serve our public good but are often overlooked for lacking financial incentive. Helping and recruiting our region’s best talent will ensure secure, long-term jobs here in Western New York.

Fields targeted for enhancement are nursing, teaching and social work. Powers also advocated for vocational programs, apprenticeships and mentoring. Additionally, he called for increasing both AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps enrollment. It’s an ambitious program and worth reading in full at the above link.

Massa, who has 24 years of public service, advocated reinvesting “in our work force locally by using state and federal programs to forgive student loans over time for graduates that choose to take public service jobs here in Western New York. Kind of like a domestic GI bill, but instead of serving in the military you can serve here at home.” He also advocated creating an economic development zone much like North Carolina’s Research Triangle.

Massa went on to say we must “stop leaving college students behind and shipping jobs to China. It’s all a matter of teamwork,” pointing to Maffei, Powers and Dollinger standing beside him.

Maffei, for his part, referenced Abe Lincoln’s First Inaugural Address phrase “Angels of our better nature,” stating that “Just like Abe Lincoln’s ‘angels of our better nature,’ we must stand and fight and be a part of this community where we’re needed.” He called out President Bush’s tactics by contrast such as when America was attacked on September 11th and the president told us to show our patriotism by going shopping. Maffei instead pointed to JFK’s “Ask not what your country can do for you” speech and noted that both of his parents were social workers. He also pointed out that he, Powers and Massa will be leaders of the next Congress, not just members.

Rick Dollinger then spoke, stating that “In 1932 America elected a president who couldn’t walk (FDR) but he put America back to work.” He then referenced the great work of JFK and Bill Clinton in terms of public service and the economy. Dollinger went on to say “Those three presidents and these three gentlemen,” pointing to Maffei, Powers and Massa, “have one thing in common: they’re all Democrats.”

The crowd erupted in applause.

Jon Powers noted “Americans are ready to serve, they just need Washington to help make it possible.” He referenced biotech and greentech jobs and the easing of college debt, stating that we need to “keep our best, brightest and talented right here.”

Massa concluded by saying “All we want is a playing field where we can solve our own problems. Everybody should serve somewhere.” He then noted the teamwork the three of them could employ with Louise Slaughter as a “Rochester caucus.” Massa noted “None of us are shrinking violets. The four of us will have a very loud and clear voice.”

Maffei concluded by saying “We also want to offer non-financial incentives for joining the military,” noting there is an increased need for Americans to help our veterans, not only from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars but also from Korea and Vietnam.

Powers concluded the press conference by saying “Military service taught me to serve my country and to continue that service. There are other ways to serve, teaching, nursing…[We have] a once-in-a-generation chance for change.”

Sunday’s flag raising was the kick-off for Gay Pride Week and Channel 13 has a video here, The D&C has this:

Between 100 to 200 people participated in the presentation flag ceremony Sunday afternoon at City Hall, ushering in a new chapter for the gay community in Rochester.

“It’s such a significant event because it’s a strong sign that gay people are being recognized as an important part of the city,” said Scott Fearing, program director for the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley. “Too often we can be our own worst enemies, thinking we shouldn’t ask for certain things or being afraid that our requests will be turned down.”

and Bess and Ann have been so kind as to send these pictures for our viewing pleasure:

img_1970

img_1993

Rochester-we’re on our way

“And the dreams that you dare to dream……”

Update: (H/T to JB) Here’s that link to pics over at LGBTFOGG and more info for “happenings” this week

That is the question being asked today in and around Rochester. Meaghan McDermott filed this report in the D&C:

“To do the job properly, board members today need to be well-versed in education, finance, law and management. They need the accounting savvy to read through and understand school budgets, No Child Left Behind laws and volume upon volume of state Education Department regulations.

“Yet the primary job requirement to be a school board member is to win enough votes.

“The only other requirements for the unpaid, volunteer job are that candidates be age 18 or older, able to read and write and live in the district. Once they are elected, the only training required is a six-hour course in how to spot odd financial dealings. New York is one of at least 21 states that require some training for school board members. Other states require ongoing continuing education.

“In New York, the qualifications for the job match those for most other elected offices and there’s no push for more, although the New York State United Teachers union has recently called for required continuing education.

What the heck is the point here? That there is no training for School board members because all it is is winning more votes? Ok Let’s have some fun here. What training is required to go from a talking head to County Executive? Did Maggie Brooks get any training or was that about the votes as well?

School boards are apolitical elected positions where those elected impart their passion and love of the district and try to make it better. Having a mix of backgrounds and qualifications is arguably the best route because if the school boards become bastions of elitism then who are they serving? Parents who simply care about their kids’ schools and are capable of balancing a checkbook and being dedicated certainly are qualified to serve on the school board.

Think about it. The most important attribute would seem to be caring about the children whose school board one serves on but if the board becomes a stepping stone for the next career move, where is the vested interest other than one’s personal goals?

Sure there are accounts of school board negligence and utter mismanagement or worse - Greece immediately comes to mind - but to go the route of what amounts to professional elitism (turning the board into a coterie of political friends or highly trained professionals with little investment in the school they purport to serve) whereas these positions should be comprised of concerned dedicated community members willing to do some oversight, research and auditing is a step too far.

School board positions are unpaid yet require a fairly large commitment from the members. If the school board members are doing this for the right reasons, the children and their education system, then the perk should be a positive outcome for the school they serve—strengthening the community they serve. And in the end when we have strong vibrant communities - everyone benefits.

I spy with my little eye…Something that begins with “S.” Can you guess what it is?

In today’s D&C, this article caught my eye, pun intended:

Mayor Robert Duffy wants to spend $1 million over the next five years on police surveillance cameras — enough to buy more than 40 additional units, adding to the 25 that should start going up on troubled city streets in June.

I admire a leader who wants to take bold steps and fight crime but I’m concerned about the actual effectiveness of surveillance cameras, and their impact on privacy rights. According to the ACLU, surveillance cameras are not effective in deterring crime but they are implicit in creating a false sense of security where they are installed and they do diminish privacy rights.

Other studies have found that improved lighting on city streets reduces crime by 20 percent. That’s a measurable, verifiable crime reduction that does not infringe upon privacy.

From an NBC report in San Francisco in 2007:

The 64 cameras already in use have a price tag of $500,000, Ballard said. The city will be installing 25 new cameras in 2008.

Data collected from surveillance cameras has been used in at least six investigations, Ballard said. One arrest has been made definitively because of the cameras.

“We believe the program is working,” Ballard said.

Wow, one arrest for $500,000 spent on cameras. That’s a fairly expensive arrest.

Cameras are reactive versus proactive. Wear a hoodie and what good will these cameras do, other than record some hooded figure, languishing in the shadows (where are those lights again?) stepping out for a second to be recorded in the act but not stopped from committing the crime? I feel safer already.

So, what was it that I spied with my little eye, something beginning with “S”? Spin. The false sense of security created by cameras, the lack of verifiable effectiveness, the expense-to-crime reduction ratio, all these factors are out there, being ignored. That is spin. We can all spy that.

“Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it”

 (philosopher, George Santayana)

Friday, April 4th, 2008 marks the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr:

“Yes, if you want to say that I was a drum major. Say that I was a drum major for justice. Say that I was a drum major for peace. Say that I was a drum major for righteousness. And all of the other shallow things will not matter. I won’t have any money to leave behind. I won’t have the fine and luxurious things in life to leave behind. But I just want to leave a committed life behind. And that’s all I want to say. If I can help somebody as I pass along, if I can cheer somebody with a word or song, if I can show somebody he is traveling wrong, then my living will not be in vain.”

Excerpted from “The Drum Major Instinct”, a sermon by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1968

The movement for equality was not stilled by the death of Dr. King and is alive today all over the country. We saw an example of it recently at the County Legislature Chambers in Rochester, when the Public Defender selection process became an issue of racism and police were brought in to squelch any violence that might erupt as a result of the swarms of citizens (many African Americans) trying to exercise their right to assemble and peacefully protest the closed door selection process. Assembly member, David Gannt, was arrested and led out in handcuffs.

Rochester has long been a bastion for the Civil Rights movement since the days of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. But, how many of you are aware that we had have our own version of MLK in the form of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Florence? If you will remember from this post, Reverend Frank Florence was a mover and a shaker with the Public Defender debate and joined with Bob Bonn to extend an olive branch of piece to the Republican members of the county legislature in hopes of opening dialogue to correct an injustice to the community.

This is not Rev Florence’s first action within the civil rights movement. Let’s look back to Rochester, and specifically Kodak in 1967:

From September 1966 through June 1967, Minister Florence and his grassroots civil rights organization, FIGHT (Freedom-Integration-God-Honor-Today), targeted Kodak, the giant of the photographic industry and Rochester’s largest employer. Organized two years earlier in response to a race riot in Rochester, FIGHT was a federation of inner-city religious and community groups that aimed to speak exclusively for the black poor of the city. Known for its abrasive and confrontational tactics, now FIGHT demanded that Kodak initiate a large-scale training and employment program for Rochester’s inner-city poor. The ten-month-long dispute drew the Rochester community into a debate on economic equality, community cohesiveness, and social responsibility. Churches, editorial pages, radio talk shows, and dinner tables became the forums. Acting as a whirlpool around which residents dealt with problems of race and class in their community, the dispute served to define more clearly the parameters of civil rights in the city.

I am delighted, for the city and county that we have leaders such as the Reverend Florence, but saddened that we haven’t progressed further in our quest for civil rights and equal justice. Mary Anna Towler, of City News wrote this on Feb 9th of this year:

In one respect, it is good to see them back, these heroes of Rochester’s African-American struggles. In another respect: have we really come no farther than this? That these black men of a certain age still have to protest and get arrested as they seek justice?

Are we doomed to repeat the past, over and over, until we get it right?

(Photo courtesy of sconsetmonkey-thanks monkeyman!)

So, do you ever get the feeling that we would have done so much better with Bill Johnson for county executive? We were all so scared of those “Pac Man” commercials. OOOH-metro government-I’m frightened, I could loose my little fiefdom. Pac Man’s gonna eat it allll up!!

Bill Johnson’s ideas for metro-government were met with scorn and ridicule. But, was he crazy, or just extremely foresighted? Now that we’re facing massive deficits at city and county level-it’s not looking so crazy, is it? Today, the D&C writes this (emphasis mine) :

Faced with gaping holes in their budgets, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks and Mayor Duffy are having to make some unexpected adjustments. Amid the current fiscal crisis, they must not tip-toe around possible long-term solutions that require exceptional leadership and political courage.

[snip]

Brooks’ budget was in the clear until the state appeals court struck down her F.A.I.R plan nine days ago. Now she may have to give suburban schools the $29 million she took away from them to help balance the county’s budget.

Brooks, who blames the state for pushing costs onto counties, is wisely working on a “Plan B” budget. Duffy, too, isn’t just going after the low-hanging fruit such as cell phone expenses. He’s targeting city services and layoffs.

To Duffy’s credit, he’s also talking about finding ways to achieve future savings from major government consolidations. Brooks, who rode into office in 2004 on the promise of collaboration and a willingness to seek viable consolidations, needs to join Duffy’s conversation with a new openness to government restructuring.

Hmmmm, where have I heard this idea before???? (here’s a hint, April 24, 2004):

I came into office 10 1/2 years ago as a supporter of metro government. I proposed merging the City of Rochester with the County of Monroe and creating what I call ‘voluntary service districts.’

[snip]

When people ask me the value of a consolidated government for Rochester and Monroe County, I mention such benefits as:

Broadening our vision (we know in our hearts that we’re more than a little parochial).

Following a single agenda instead of the often competing agendas of the mayor and county executive.

Eliminating a lot of the hoops citizens and businesses have to jump through.

Having more clout to lobby the state.

Projecting a strong, confident image to the wider world, as Louisville and Jefferson County did when they merged.

And, saving tax dollars by streamlining services. In Monroe County, for example, we have 31 highway departments with 31 highway garages and 31 highway superintendents. Does this make any sense?

In order for this to happen, we need strong, competent visionaries. We need honest communication and cooperation between all levels of government. We have an opportunity here to make history and a responsibility to the people of these communities to make it so. I see Duffy as having this potential. I question Ms Brooks ability to adapt to this kind of change. The proof, as they say, will be in the pudding.

Now, let’s talk about the villages and towns….

Sometimes bad decisions just keep coming back to bite you. Such is the case with The Fast Ferry in Rochester. From the D&C:

A developing plan to essentially refinance the debt left behind by the high-speed ferry, for example, is projected to save the city at least $1 million — and maybe several times that amount. Those savings would be spread out over the next decade and, while not enough to avoid significant job losses in the upcoming year, should deliver the largest single-year benefit in 2008-09.

Duffy said he is “holding out hope” but not expecting any last-minute relief in the state budget, expected to pass next week. He is expected to deliver his State of the City address on April 7, and his 2008-09 budget proposal on May 16.

Duffy went on to say:

“We are talking about consolidation. We are talking about departments joining together. We are talking about eliminating some services,” Duffy said. “You may see some departments not survive.

Duffy’s concern over any further state aid is supported by this article in today’s New York Times:

Like other states across the country, New York is facing a shortfall that is likely to only grow worse as the year continues. Even Albany’s most selfish and self-absorbed legislators cannot deny that. The voters certainly know what is happening to the value of their homes and their 401(k)’s.

The agreement that Mr. Paterson has worked out with leaders increases spending up to 4.5 percent. That seems high given the rumbling on the horizon. The new governor should make clear to legislators that any effort to hold out for more would be seen as irresponsible by the voters. He must also prepare the lawmakers — and the voters — for more cuts to come as revenues decline.

So, for now, it seems that things are going to get worse before they get better. Let’s just hope the “moving on” part Duffy spoke of doesn’t mean moving on to other states with better economic conditions. Some Ferry Tale…

Governor David Paterson is speaking at Midtown Plaza right now (12:00), live on NBC 10. The banner behind him says “Revitalizing Upstate.” Sounds good to me.

Update: commenter Dennis O’ Brien has details:

i went and it was a pretty good event. the order of the speakers was stupid, but that was the only issue. i just think the gov of ny should get last word, not second of 5 so the crowd grew a little restless. however, even paterson’s press agent said he was very happy with the turnout. paterson himself was great and what i really thought was important, he said he knows that all the statewide officials are from nyc, but being from harlem is a different nyc than those guys, ‘i know what it is to get shortchanged by gov’t’ ( a bit paraphrased ). i thought it was an excellent way to allay our (silly) fears of downstaters. lets get real, despite a small geographic difference, harlem is a world apart from 5th ave on the upper east side.

Updated update:

had i known i would be the ‘update’ i would have been more complete. paterson also mentioned that we are one new york and that we rise and fall together. projects mentioned specifically were a harbor front in buffalo, downtown investments in utica and rome, a project in syracuse and one in bingo. on a lighter note, he excused his lateness by explainig that he lost his notes and couldn’t find them, so he called in some troopers, but they also had no luck.