Democracy In Albany

The mayor is clearly showing his blatant disrespect and disregard for individuals from communities of color. He must be stopped. I, too, wait to hear from black elected officials and from the diverse community at large. But in the absence of any response from these groups, I will take the helm and lead the charge to hold meetings at the grass-roots level to work for change in the city administration. Please join me.

If Mayor Jerry Jennings' new Re-Capitalize Albany committee was established with the sole purpose of leveraging private sector capital in partnership with public sector initiatives, then it is a good initial step in what should be a broader, more expansive initiative.

True renaissance in Albany starts from within the city and within the hearts, minds and souls of each of its citizens, civic organizations and small businesses.

Neighborhood associations, merchant associations and neighborhood watch groups -- as well as enclaves of nonaligned individuals -- need to be engaged in any broader initiative. The members of the local PTA and parents of children in parochial, private and charter schools need to be engaged, and yes there needs to be more racial, economic and political diversity in any Albany renaissance.