Democracy In Albany

Welcome to Jerryland | 47 comments (47 topical, 0 hidden)

Ford... (none / 0) (#34)
by kateb on Sun Jul 09, 2006 at 04:03:43 PM EST

I didn't say anything about government, including the executive branch.

A mayor does not own society, free discourse, and people working on issues that matter to them.

[ Parent ]

How Tocquevillian! (none / 0) (#35)
by Citizen McLain on Mon Jul 10, 2006 at 06:51:08 AM EST

A group of engaged citizens participating in the promotion of their society through civil organizations?

Alexis de Toqueville would be proud.

By the way, a letter to the editor will be published hopefully sometime this week (after Wed), regarding this issue.

Regarding your comments, DIA, even AE Newman, I think we are all disagreeing to a level of degrees. With regard for the 45, these are important business, education and civic leaders, and I do not think that their involvement should be dismissed at all.

My only concern - reinforced mostly through the mayor's subsequent remarks - is that they are not the saviors of the city.

Mayor Jennings need to realize that this is not HIS city. It is OUR city, and he is OUR elected leader.

Renaissance begins from within!

[ Parent ]

I agree (none / 0) (#36)
by kateb on Mon Jul 10, 2006 at 07:39:33 AM EST

it's not the Mayor's city. It's ours.

You know, it's funny. When I campaigned for the mayor I never met him. I realized it's because I skipped every single schmoozing event and invitation, and always will. I don't like that stuff.

I like the sunshine, and being out there to do the work, and trying to make life better.

I guess the point I haven't been making very well is we need to go about our work without framing everything in reference to the mayor. We need a free and open vision. We need to work with fresh ideas.

I don't care who joins us. Nothing against business leaders. Shit, I have friends who are millionaires and friends on food stamps. None of those things matter; but every life experience shapes and forms our values and ideas.

We have a beautiful city (walk more if anyone disagrees). But there are important issues needing fresh ideas and approaches, and the people in this city have enormous talents and skills to offer if we just ask.

[ Parent ]

E-Mail (none / 0) (#37)
by Citizen McLain on Mon Jul 10, 2006 at 07:52:03 AM EST

Kate,

Feel free to e-mail me with any ideas, if you are so inclined. Those goes to anyone with ideas, especially those who live in the 7th Ward and Delaware Area neighborhood: FordMcLain@gmail.com.

My approach to issues is obviously grounded more in a political framework, but I do believe in the virtue of private and individual incentive, of moving forward without - or in spite of - political leaders.

Albany is a beautiful city, with a lot of great architecture, pretty friendly people, and very green for an urban area.

Be well.

[ Parent ]

Thanks (none / 0) (#39)
by kateb on Mon Jul 10, 2006 at 08:42:06 AM EST

Ford, I may do that.

I hope, though, that DIA does what he/she seemed to be thinking about, turn this into a forum for ideas for change.

I think it could be very beneficial to work things out in a public forum like this, bounce off each other in a productive way.

Don't take any of this personally -- we've never met! -- but I am not feeling inclined to look to any one person, but a community of people.

We should put feelers out too, to the scientists and environmentalists who have SOLUTIONS to offer, say on landfills. And other people with the skills and experience for the major issues. Invite them to DIA's site, if that's what he/she wants to do.

I could go on and on, but there's other obligations to deal with today!

kate

[ Parent ]

: Sounds cool. (none / 0) (#40)
by Citizen McLain on Mon Jul 10, 2006 at 09:01:57 AM EST

If I took things personally, I'm in the wrong game.
DIA probably needs a little bit of respite from all this, if he wants to continue on.
In some ways though, Mr. Jennings committee/attitude has at least spurred some new dialogue,a nd that is always a plus.

[ Parent ]

Welcome to Jerryland | 47 comments (47 topical, 0 hidden)

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