TFB2011

Everywhere I go people tell me they do not know who their city council representative is. They have never seen her, or only see her at election time (like the neighbor who ignores you until you win the lottery). Every place I go, I hear stories of phone calls unreturned, problems unaddressed, volunteer neighborhood leaders dismissed (or even insulted), small business giving up and leaving, and citizens, who just seek to become more involved in our local civic and political life, being made to feel like they are intruding on a private club.

What is worse is the larger problem with the way politicians in this city increasingly behave. Just look around and see the results-- from the schools, to police/community relations, to the Ferry and Midtown messes, to business flight, to sharply declining participation in local civic and political activities.

This is not the Rochester way. It is certainly not the Northwest Rochester way. It is not who we are. At a time when Rochester and Northwest Rochester faces perhaps their greatest challenges ever, this culture of insider entitlement and business as usual must go.

My interactions with council member Carla Palumbo, over the past half dozen years, have been cordial, and personally enjoyable. I wish her well personally. But we have a very different view of what constitutes constructive interaction between the City and the schools, basic integrity and fair play in local democratic process, and an acceptable level of service from a district council member. Carla and I have mutual friends, and we put it this way. Is Carla being fair to herself, let alone us, by clinging to a position she clearly lacks enthusiasm for, just so downtown power brokers can control the politics in our neighborhoods?

While I believe it is time for a change, it is not enough to complain without participating. It is not good enough to criticize without offering positive alternatives. Since May, I have been walking the district, starting early in the morning leaving fliers, knocking doors at night, and writing notes to people I meet when I get home. In an August 23rd D&C article, Carla seemed to laugh at such effort. But I want to be tested that way. I want you to understand how critical I think it is that your next city councilman give the challenge of serving everything he has. The times require it. The Northwest deserves it.

Northwest Rochester means a lot to me. My family has been rooted here for four generations, and participated deeply in our business and civic life here. So have I. I have been fortunate. I held a variety of journalism and public relations jobs in Washington, got a chance to study history and religion at Radford College and Georgetown (while I worked at some of those jobs), and became a certified adult literacy tutor, and trained crisis counselor. But I came back home many years ago, and committed myself to the struggles of our community, because this is where my heart is.

Most of our mutual friends would say that both candidates offer experience and ability. The question is who also has the energy, imagination, ideas, and constructive independence to be a strong advocate for us, and to convey what the Northwest uniquely offers to the cause of a better Rochester future. This site will further explore the background and the ideas I offer. If what you read makes sense to you, join us!
Please vote September 13th.