Rodgers Writes

I was once told that, even though a local political group did not like the candidate they chose, they did so due to their connections.  Think about that.  Now, put yourself in the constituent’s place.  Do you feel this is right?

Last Wednesday I received a phone call from Jeremy Zellner of the Erie County Democratic Committee informing me of a “Candidates’ Forum” to be held this coming Friday, December 18, 2009.  This forum is closed to the public and all other committee members except for the Ellicott District Committee Members.  I received the letter confirming this on Saturday.  And, I had a lot to think about this weekend.

I thought about the statements and intent of the Common Council to select a replacement for Brian Davis that signaled total independence from the “rubber stamp” of approvals from either the Committee or any other political entity.  I thought about the most recent report that a faction of the Ellicott District Committee Members would be holding a candidates’ forum of their own this evening – one that many up for the selection process, including me, have not been invited to.

I mulled over the “weighted vote” that is to be cast by the overall committee.  Then, I reminded myself that I have said it over and over again.  I am not seeking an endorsement by any entity, person, business or organization over the endorsement of the people of the district.  Yes, there have been business owners who have written letters of support for me, but they wrote as individuals.

As many of you are aware, the Common Council amended Chapter C, Article 3, § 3-6 of the City Charter of Buffalo, New York on August 22, 2002.  This was approved by the voters at the general election held November 5, 2002 and created into law on December 6, 2006.

That amendment states:

In the case of a vacancy in the office of district council member, otherwise than by expiration of the term, the remaining members of the council shall appoint a qualified resident of the same political party and district as the council member whose place is vacant to fill such vacancy until the first day of January following the next general election at which a district council member may, pursuant to law, be chosen for the balance of the term. The person so elected shall take office on the first day of January following such general election.

Prior to an appointment, the Common Council shall direct the City Clerk to advertise the vacancy for a minimum of five (5) days on the City’s Web-site and Public Access Media outlets, and obtain from any qualified resident seeking consideration for appointment, a current resume, a letter requesting appointment to the vacancy.

No where in this legislation is stated that the Council will appoint by “rubber stamp,” although the past two results have ridden side-by-side with the recommendation of the Committee.  And, although I am not saying they were wrong, I believe, wholeheartedly, that if we abide by the original purpose of this legislation, as authored by one who was eliminated in his bid for the seat due to the “rubber stamp” of local politics, we do wrong for the people of the district.

Therefore, this morning, I sent a Certified R/R/R letter to Mr. Zellner stating I would not be participating in the forum on Friday.  I have attached the letter in this post for your review.

I realize many of you must think I’m insane, but to affect change for the future, we must dispose of the politics of the past that have caused stagnation and decay to our city for decades.  This is my way of attempting a small manner of change while keeping my word regarding endorsements.

I recently responded to a questionnaire for Ellicott District Council candidates from Art Voice Magazine.  It hasn’t yet been online, so I wanted to share these questions and my answers with you.

1. Why do you want to represent the Ellicott District on the Common Council?

The representative for the Ellicott District needs to bring trust back to the seat.  The district has fallen apart and the constituents were placed on the backburner for far too long.  I have lived in the district for 15 years as a home owner and eight years prior to that as a renter.  I have worked with folks from al areas of the district and have celebrated the cultural exchange and learned the importance of respecting each individual culture for organizational success.  I’ve also built community and development oriented partnerships with local businesses and small to mid-sized developers who feel the way most of us do – that it’s time for a change in the way government runs and how the constituents are treated. Politics has been too heavy handed and the People have not been represented.  I am confident I can bring new blood and new ideas to the table in working with the entire council without a preconceived agenda.

Most importantly, I have not been endorsed by anyone; neither did I seek an endorsement, and I’m happy to have made that decision.  Times have changed as well as people’s perceptions, which have allowed them to be acutely aware of old school politics and the mess we’ve gotten into as a result.
2. How does your experience qualify you for the position?

Although I have become known for my community-driven efforts, I also have vast experience in the corporate sector.  I have also attended many a City Council meeting and caucus to both represent and present those who feel they have been disenfranchised.  I wrote the foundation for the revised lodging house legislation in the City Charter, created and followed through on citizen-based efforts and can boast a strong platform of experience in housing issues and their proven and still developing methods of remediation.

I traveled for about six years as a National Auction Representative for Remarketing Services of America where I not only reviewed budgets, staffing and compliance but got to know a variety of cultures and heard about people’s ideals – we can learn so much if we just communicate with each other.  I directed Quality Assurance for a national satellite-driven advertising group and assisted in reengineering the entire operation.  I also developed the first in-house TeleResource Department for the BPO and achieved a 97% collection rate on pledges in the first year.

The most eye-opening and satisfying job, however, was consultant to Judge Henry Nowak and the Housing Court Reform Project.  I traveled just about every street in the city, trained police officers in proper execution of Orders to Vacate, reviewed what community development organizations were doing and asked questions when the answers didn’t make sense.  And that was just a small part of my two-year contract there.  I’m also a freelance grant writer and researcher and am HUD Certified.

So, all these experiences – in funding and housing, coupled with corporate re-engineering and the development practice I have been fortunate enough to acquire would work well together for various components and needs throughout the district and to share with fellow council members.  If anyone would like to see a copy of my resume, I would be glad to provide one.

3. Please name three very specific priorities you’ll bring to the office.

Advocacy and Accountability – Assuring customer service to the constituents and support for their needs.

Community Re-Development – In a ground-up approach and with green methods – a review of streets with multiple properties slated for demolition to determine viability of rehab conversion.  We surely can bring a number of homes with good bones back to life while working smart in revitalizing neighborhoods. This would be done with strong partnering of neighborhoods on both the East and West Sides, organizations that focus on green methodologies and job and career development in the construction and demo trades, and the business sector for possible investment into the community while adding corporate citizenship into the mix.

Enforcement of Current Regulations, Codes and Other Law – Taking responsibility and reviewing current status while introducing both revised or new legislation and codes to conform to the needs of today.

4. What do you make of the current argument between the Council’s majority coalition and the mayor’s office over the capital budget?

As a former member of the Citizens Planning Council (CPC), I believe we need to be more inclusive and transparent as far as the development of the Capital Budget.  The CPC and the budget development process both need to be revamped.  We need to include the representatives of the community as already provided by the CPC, but also bring Council, Planning, and all department heads together for more than a two-hour session to present their needs.  This would increase the number of weeks for the review meetings, but they should also be part of the re-engineering process of the base budget.  Toward the end of the process, the Comptroller should be part of the discussion to act as a guide and partner in identifying available in-hand funds that would benefit the entire city. And, someone needs to review other options for funding to Council, overall Community and the Arts & Culturals to offer as suggestions during the discussion and presentation process.  In other words, be creative and also have the powers of checks and balances at the front end of the process to avoid misunderstanding of projects and needs; what the end result will be; and how we got there.
5. What do you think the Ellicott District councilmember’s role is in regard to downtown development?

Before specifics, Downtown Buffalo should be bustling and bright, filled with new mixed-use projects similar to the recent adapted structures we now have as well as new housing and respect for the integrity and legacy of the old neighborhoods surrounding it.  But, we need more investors.  In having conversations with my son who is a Senior VP with Builders Bank, it doesn’t matter what city he has been in – Chicago, Miami, LA and now NYC and Washington, the more streamlined the process is, along with strict guidelines and oversight, the more attractive an area becomes, especially at our prices.  So,

Number One – Assist Legislatively in the Development Process.  We have a lot of hoops to jump through for new and developing businesses and they don’t seem to be working in a responsible and forthcoming manner.  On one hand, a new business with start-up capital, ready to launch is hit with tons of red tape and becomes frustrated – maybe moving base operations elsewhere.  On the other hand, some businesses are given carte blanche when it comes to these application, permits, and licensing procedures.

Number Two – Enforce the Performance Levels for Everyone Across the Board – businesses and government alike.  We need to define each need and review performance on many levels, especially grants and low-interest loans.  We need to reward those who have been a good corporate citizen or has the right business plan, MOU’s and other required documentation in-hand.

Number Three – Oversight and Marketing – Any items for approval need to be overseen by the Councilmember to assure the people who should also have provided community feedback are not getting shortchanged.  We also need to market various business development programs to everyone instead of having them search assistance, especially in our current state of the business environment.

Number Four – Public Authorities and their impact on the Business and Residential Communities – The Council needs to review and oversee operations of public authorities that do business with the city or has any connection within or as a partner of the city.  Utilities, Transportation, Housing, and Business Development – each of these has a direct impact on the constituency.  I was certified in the Public Authority Accountability Act and I believe each councilmember could truly benefit from this training.

Other than that, it is my strong belief that the Councilmember should leave recruitment for the professionals and use his or her time to address the other responsibilities of the seat and the city.

This video was sent to me by my second cousin, Jo DiMarco Castiglia.  Listen carefully to the beginning.  The attitude of us, as Americans, continues today with other new cultural immigrant groups.  Let’s try to merge our attitudes and welcome different cultures.  It’s amazing how that action can make our country stronger.

A commenter on Buffalo Rising recently provided a number of issues facing Buffalo’s Ellicott District.  I could have attempted to answer them all in the comment format, but I was sure there wasn’t enough space to do so.  So, I ask you to be patient and accept this excerpt from my views on district remediation for Ellicott.

The Ellicott District is the most diverse district on our city.  Whether we consider race, ethnicity, culture, income, education, housing, economic development, or preservation, the Ellicott District has it all.  This diversity is not only a challenge, but a blessing, as well.  What is needed in Ellicott is a meeting of the minds to develop trust for the seat and within the district, a bridging of the gaps and a celebration and appreciation of that diversity.

Ellicott is divided geographically as well as culturally.  Main Street dissects it, as does the Kensington.  Everyone is affected by both advantages and disadvantages of this geographic and cultural divide and it’s time we bridge that divide through ground-up efforts and practices.  Although the commenter mentioned the victories of Allentown and the West Village, there have been numerous victories in each of Ellicott’s sectors whether the East Side, West Side or the Downtown/Delaware Development Corridor.

This meeting of the minds, as mentioned above, has been going on in various sectors of the District.  But, again, I cannot emphasize more the need to reestablish trust through communication.  This includes a sharing of ideas that is comprised of not only those victories, but the failures, as well.  We learn and succeed from both.  And, it includes getting the people of the district to work across both visible and invisible borders.  Everything worth your attention is worth working.  When you run up against a roadblock, you go back to the map, turn the page and find a better route.  Then, add strategic patience as the second step after communication.  That is what community rebuilding is about.

As mentioned by the commenter, Ellicott is a critical district for our city due to its challenging urban issues, many of which have been either ignored or mishandled for decades.  (If you get a chance, read “Race, Neighborhoods and Community Power – Buffalo Politics 1934-1997” by Neil Kraus)  If we work these issues collectively between the citizens, businesses, organizations and government, we could create a benchmark for other cities to follow.  So, here are the issues that person brought up and my thumbnail responses to each.

Regarding demolition, I believe it is needed in many cases, most in part due to the number of years these properties have sat idle and the number of times they have been used for illicit activity, squatting and stripping of reusable materials.  However, it is a quick fix that cannot be an instant fix to waylay the angst felt by residents of the district when having to deal, not necessarily with the vacant structure itself, but the by-products that add to neighborhood decay.

We need to capitalize on what occurred just two weeks ago on Massachusetts Avenue even though the cameras are gone.  What this can do is create not only jobs but careers.  Rehabilitation utilizing Green Methods can do more than turn a few houses around.  For example green demolition via Buffalo ReUse working along side other organizations such as PUSH and others not only saves buildings and money, it creates stimulation for those being trained that may end in a career.  Not only are they learning to take a house apart and reuse certain items, they are learning the very best of construction as many of these properties were built “back in the day” when construction held for more than 25 years.  They learn about materials, joinery, the proper tools, craftsmanship…  So careers can be attained as well as jobs while we accept the responsibility of green initiatives for our future as well as today.

Start with Green Demolition and Rehabilitation and start now.  Create those jobs and careers which can be the backbone of keeping our youth off the streets, and in our city which, in turn, creates incentive for retail and other businesses to move to city-proper, increasing overall economic viability.  Just today, after I wrote the previous paragraph last evening, it was noted in the Buffalo News that WNY AmeriCorps has received a $100,000 Federal Grant to create these types of program and training in conjunction with PUSH and Buffalo ReUse.  $100,000 doesn’t seem like much due to the size of the work that needs to be done, but it’s a tremendous start.  And, once the track record of success is set, there is other funding available out there.  Again, we can create a benchmark for other cities to follow.

Also, please raise your hand if you have heard of the Real Property Tax Exemption for Capital Improvements to Residential Property.  That’s what I thought, about 50/50.  There is a sort of sliding scale tax exemption for capital improvements that is limited to one- or two-family residences that applies to reconstruction, alterations or improvements but does not include ordinary maintenance and repair.  It’s limited to $80,000 and provides 100% exemption for Y1, 87.5% for Y2, 75% for Y3, 62.5% for Y4, 50% for Y5, 37.5% for Y6, 25% for Y7 and 12.5% for Y8.

Now, what if this program were marketed to constituents?  Would some be more likely to improve their property since they had a chance of a digestible reassessment?  Could this be tailored to include major maintenance and repair such as roofs, decayed porches, and more?  Could it be created as an essential part of the urban redevelopment plan for the city?  Well, it certainly is worth looking into.

The commenter then mentions a number of areas where funding could be slated to improve what we already have as far as services such as Inspections and Housing Court and further funding for other initiatives that would benefit low- to middle-income property owners such as home repair.  These are areas that, although they work together, must be reviewed regarding their current performance levels and how they are delivered as well as how they can be funded.

In 2007 Brian Meyer of the Buffalo News mentioned the city had 17 inspectors juggling approximately 10,000 complaints annually.  A review of performance levels had been planned along with introduction of new tools to measure those levels that also provides ease of data entry of said inspections utilizing what many auto auctions have used for condition reports for their client’s vehicles.  The paper shuffle of inspections could be decreased dramatically giving more time for the current Inspectors to truly perform within best practices.  After that measurement is created and reviewed, the department could determine the need for increased numbers of Inspectors.

We seem to respond rather than perform proactively to neighborhood decay via housing and business complaints.  Judge Henry Nowak, whom I’ve had the pleasure of serving during the Housing Court Reform Project, was instrumental in introducing innovative methods of neighborhood remediation.  One initiative that I hope the city reviews and passes is the Lis Pendens Program (Lis pendens is a legal document filed to note that a property MAY be foreclosed upon.) and is a project I consider one of the most important to initiate.  This program combines the talents of interns from local colleges and universities to identify homeowners recently placed in or notified of impending foreclosure by review of public records on a weekly basis.  The interns would create a list of properties to be inspected by – who else? – Inspections.  If there is any issue that could be cited for Housing Court, including vacancy of the property, not only is the homeowner cited, but the financial institution that has filed the Lis Pendens is, as well.  Many banks allow the properties to languish and remain vacant until a buyer is found to purchase the parcel for the value placed upon it by the bank rather than its true market value.  This creates even further delay of the turn-over process.  As well, many homeowners think that a Lis Pendens is an actual foreclosure, a notice for them to move out of the home rather than attempt to work with the bank to keep it.  The result is more vacant property and increased neighborhood decay.  The Lis Pendens Program brings both parties into court and that can (1) create an agreement for the current owner, if they can be reached, to stay and keep the property with refinancing, (2) the homeowner can also be advised they can remain in the house until such time as the foreclosure process is final and the property is sold, (3) if the homeowner is unreachable, place the ones on the financial institution to maintain the property and (4) turn it over for its true value, increasing the probability of quick turnaround for homeownership and stabilizing the neighborhood.  This has been done a few times throughout the city with great success. (See BR article “A Four-Year Celebration”)

As far as home improvement grants, review of current organizations and their ability to truly administer these programs needs to be undertaken.  Here are a few questions that need to be answered regarding continued funding to these organizations:

1. Is the organization proactive within their area of service? (marketing the programs, reaching out to those houses evidently needed the repairs, etc.)
2. Do they perform due diligence in qualifying the homeowners without prejudice?
3. Do they refer applicants to other organizations and services to assure a holistic approach and positive results?
4. Do they offer basic economic and maintenance skills training and/or do they require this type of training prior to receiving home acquisition assistance?

Once these questions are answered with solid documentation, then the organization should be funded to continue the work of the points above as well as administering home acquisition and improvement grants and loans.

The commenter then continues with a combination query that includes the Life Sciences area of the Ellicott District (Museum of Science/MLK Park) and the need to eliminate the Kensington Expressway.  Actually, the borders of Ellicott and Masten are on the land between the Kensington and the Life Sciences District.  This means a strong partnership must continue with Masten to assure all bases are covered for this area. Besides the Museum of Science, this area also includes the Dr. Charles R Drew Science Magnet School with 1,000+ students.  The school reaches the kids on an innovative level that creates interest and stimulation, even a Museum section.  They, in part, have a hand in creating the community leaders of our future to assure any action taken for redevelopment continues when those doing the work now need to retire from this essential, yet mostly volunteer service.

The Kensington (33), much like its predecessor, the Scajaquada (198 – whose construction began in 1950) created a schism between class and race.  The 198 divided the mid- and upper west sides, cutting through neighborhoods and “required” eliminating the old Humboldt Parkway.  Construction was finalized on the Kensington in 1968.  It cut through the middle of the East Side during and after a time there was great disorder in the direct neighborhood.  Even worse was that the construction took almost eight full years to complete causing even more disruption of the surrounding neighborhoods.  “White Flight,” as it is called, was in existence then so the predominantly white neighborhoods prior to the construction had enough left over housing to allow movement of those from the construction area while the increasing African-American population was shoved into a corner, so to speak, say nothing of the effect it had in dividing our city.  To reconnect this area would be a benefit to our community, although very expensive.  It is a necessary action to bring our collective community together while also enhancing the various gateways into Buffalo.  However, we first need to address the infrastructure and other needs of the surrounding neighborhoods.

The commenter goes on to state that the Ellicott District “also includes a section of the Central Terminal.”  That’s stretching the borders somewhat, but again proves the importance of Councilmembers working together for the good of the entire city.

Although the Ellicott District border ends at the junction of Stanton/Fox along Broadway, it is a neighbor to the Fillmore District and the Central Terminal.  Dave Franczyk, as President of the Council and representative of the Fillmore District, has a great deal on his plate and could use a good partner on the Council that would work with him to right many issues.  The Ellicott seat is important for this partnership success to be attained.

On a side note, I once had an office at the Central Terminal – when it was closed.  It makes me laugh now, but I was a young entrepreneur and traded office space for security walks around the complex with Tony Fedels’s dog, Major.  What an amazing building and every effort by the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation is priceless.

Again, however, we could do just about anything to promote that building for a number of uses, but the surrounding neighborhood needs attention first and foremost.

Now, on to Preservation.  The Ellicott District has to have the most historic districts within it borders than any other in the city.  Allentown, Cobblestone, 500 Block of Main, Joseph Ellicott, Theater and West Village.  I always felt the Fruit Belt should have this designation but am very reserved on that thought now.  You see, I live in a Historic District and bought in over 15 years ago when the place was crawling with drug dealers, vagrants, prostitutes and other sundry characters.  The area I bought in achieved Triple Designation (city, state and national) by 1980.  Many of the homeowners who lived there many years, through the good times and the steady decline, were unaware of the impact of owning a home in a Historic District, nor were they properly notified when this change was effected or that a Deed Liber was attached to their deeds that cites the city designation.  This was a Common Council resolution passed in 1978.  It wasn’t attached to our deed until 2002.

Preservation is necessary for so many reasons – too numerous to list here.  But there needs to be common sense application in preservation.  Permits and the process itself needs to be revamped and customer friendly.

Adaptive Reuse is a phenomenon throughout the US and Rocco Termini is the kingpin of the Adaptive Reuse world in Western New York. More developers are following his lead in this movement along with his understanding and application of Historic Tax Credits.  That’s terrific for mid- to large developers, but we need to address the needs of the individual and small developers in these districts, as well.

Another issue to address is the elderly man up the street whose house has been featured in articles by Steele, a true gingerbread house built in the mid 1800’s.  He has lived there for decades and now faces major restoration he cannot afford due to standards of preservation.  And if he could get a grant or low interest loan that was affordable his assessment would increase him out of his home.  We have to have a plan to assure folks like these aren’t propelled from their homes due to cost of maintenance and repair and, as mentioned above, create a sliding and digestible scale for reassessments.

Back in the mid-90’s I visited a number a times with representatives of the Historic Charleston Foundation.  I asked questions and found them to be strong on the Secretary of the Interior’s Preservation Standards, while using common sense when it came to security and cost issues.  Even watching “This Old House” provides us with knowledge of acceptable substitutes for preservation renovation and rehab.  We need to review others’ practices to redevelop our preservation code while ensuring it is affordable and non-gentrifying.

Here’s another great idea for historic districts in our city – make them destinations.  Allow them to lure visitors, show our rich history in architecture, not only in the larger downtown landmarks, but the quaint little villages found throughout our city.  There’s nothing better for me to have experienced during my travel days than walking through a historic neighborhood in places like Atlanta, Charleston, Savannah, or Georgetown.  Even with my hectic schedule of a day or so in three cities during a week, I needed downtime and these walks, when possible, were a blessing.  The Delaware Development Corridor right next to the Government Sector brings plenty of visitors to our district.  The National Trust is due in town for their convention in 2011.  What better way to truly tout the importance of preservation and our legacy than to include these residential districts?

Now, I’m adding a couple of my own.  I promise to keep these short for now.

Businesses must be supported from the largest like Labatts to the smallest like James the Ice Creamcycle Dude.  Permits and licensing must be streamlined and customer-friendly.  And, we must eliminate 99-Year contracts and leases.  However, businesses must take surrounding neighborhoods into consideration when developing or expanding and heavily consider the importance of corporate citizenship for the local area.

Health Centers must be supported. In Ellicott we have the Jesse Nash Health Center recently experiencing drastic cuts of primary health care by the 2010 Erie County budget.  Without these centers we have increased costs in our health industry and taxes as well as decreased funding from the state and federal levels.  A healthy community starts with the health of the individuals living within it.  Yes, I know the County Executive has offered to transfer these primary services to Sheehan, however, it is the trust factor and location of the Jesse Nash Health Center that is very important to recognize.

I’ve gone on far too long and wish I could provide you with more exact answers, but even though Buffalo Rising has been gracious enough to allow me to answer in this fashion, I cannot expect them to create a special page to include every thought and initiative I wish to work on.

Thanks for bearing with me while I drone on and on, but we really have a great deal to do and the foundation to build this new house of trust is communication on every level.  If I get in, we’ll have monthly forums for everyone to assist in creating the action plan for the Ellicott District’s future success.

Please let me know if you have any further questions.  I can be reached via e-mail at mrodgersfcs@msn.com

 

 

Recently I expressed interest in obtaining a seat on the Common Council for the City of Buffalo.  In a local on-line site I provided my e-mail address for any questions.  I received this communication from a local business organization and I would like to share my response with you.

“I just wanted to send a quick note.  I run an economic development organization, primarily privately funded, aimed at promoting export-led growth in the area.  We are a memebership based organization and represent roughly 165 companies in the area.

I would be very interested in hearing more about your platform to businesses in the district.  Our organization represents several companies in the Ellicott district and they are quite concerned about the unpredictable environment currently occurring.  They obviously understand as it is the results of poor judgment on behalf of their elected officials, but they are concerned still.   I would be interested in speaking with you regarding your approach to the business community, your strategy in terms of economic development and your willingness or conditions upon working with businesses in the district.”

Now, considering the fact that this is not an election by the people of the district but rather a selection process, I responded:

Chris, sorry it took so long for me to respond, but I found your e-mail in my spam folder this morning.

Economic development in the Ellicott District is of prime importance for the growth of our city.  Without meeting with your representatives, however, I could not possibly pin point the answers to their questions and concerns.  However, since I am only an applicant for the current vacancy, I do not believe I could or should have such a meeting until such time as the Common Council makes this most important decision.

That being said let me give you an overall view of my concerns for businesses within our city.  Currently codes, permits, regulations and practices overseen by the city are, indeed, archaic and not conducive to economic growth.  The processes currently in place cause delay, frustration and stifle the best of intentions of current and future business opportunity and development.  There is, supposedly, a new front of SmartCode that is being developed and will be presented, but what to do before then or even after is the concern that needs to be addressed now (particularly since these types of studies, research and presentations throughout Buffalo and WNY seemingly are historically announced with no follow through).  So let’s take your interests one by one and please accept my apologies for providing you, thus far, with an overall view rather than specifics at this time.

My approach with the business community would be directly “at the table” with all concerned parties.  Clearing the air, so to speak.  Creating forums along with you, your membership and others to present the issues at hand and most experienced by those businesses who feel they have not been fully heard as well as those who have ideas and concepts worth investigating to assure ease of success for economic growth and development. First and foremost, this meeting of the minds would be to develop a statement of strategic priorities and objectives, what performance indicators have been determined by your operation, partners and others, targets that benefit the businesses and the overall community, a solid platform listing the actions and directions to attain success and who the key contributors are.  There has been much chatter on how rural locations are out of the strategic support loop nationwide, but we have our own issues within our city that must be addressed in a bottom-up approach to truly create a platform for success.

Additionally, if business development is to occur successfully within the city environment, other key players necessary to establish this platform would include recognition at the table of community representatives and concurrent neighborhoods.  Again, historically, besides the lack of zoning and updated codes, the fly in the ointment has been lack of communication between all parties.  When a plan is finally devised and ready for launch, the community members who have been left out of the loop come together and rightly, in some cases, prevent the project or program from proceeding forward.  By adding these folks now, there should be no doubt that all stones were turned to place an effective and collective plan together to assure streamlined success.

Concerns of the past and present of the residential community have included, but are not limited to, environmental issues; job development; best practices follow through; orderly communication; and plant/site maintenance.  Additionally, another point that might make some strong in-roads with the community-at-large would be a commitment from current businesses to assist in the direction for entrepreneurship, even for the smallest business, and the creation of mentoring these entrepreneurs that compliment the quality of life of all residents – a small but doable concession to the community that will provide a trust factor at the table for the “big guys.”  These are minute issues to address to assure community buy-in of the best laid plans for economic development and growth throughout or region.

Basically, to establish economic growth, I truly believe we must have residential growth and opportunity on one hand while also recognizing the need of residential growth which is interdependent upon economic growth – six of one, half dozen of the other, as they say.  Our region seems to be at a crossroads needing both without having one or the other to assure the support mechanisms necessary for strategic planning and success.

Therefore, my strategy in terms of economic development and my willingness or conditions upon working with businesses in the district is an open dialogue with all concerned parties to assure no stone is left unturned, partnering with all parties including the best and brightest from the private and public sector, and a call to action without delay or unwarranted debate from either sector.

I realize this takes a great deal of time and energy and many will consider it going back to Square One.  However, in learning from the past, we can forge a strong platform for economic success.

My willingness is indefinable since economic development is essential and goes hand in hand with the growth of our district, our city and our region.  Your success and partners can make a powerful difference at the table to achieve these goals.

The conditions I would consider as prime motivation for complete community support include allowing all parties a seat at the table to avoid unnecessary delays and stonewalling once the plan is devised (with proper protocol for such meetings to avoid the usual conflict and disruption that seems to occur when these parties come together), along with a willingness on the part of businesses to address the needs of community, education of the community-at large regarding the plans and proposals so no one can say “we didn’t know” and a spirit of collective concern that transcends the current need and looks to the future to assure we are leaving our descendants a legacy of continued success.

However, the Council has yet to post the vacancy, and as a result has yet to determine the individual they consider right for the job at hand.  In the interim, please be advised that I would be willing to follow up with you and become part of the process even if I do not receive the appointment.  My community means too much to me not to be part of the process to create and sustain a positive economic growth.

Thanks for taking the bull by the horns and contacting me.  I look forward to, one day, meeting with you and your partners personally.

My best to you and yours for a Happy Holiday.