Buffalo must rethink Empire Zone program

[Unregistered]

I recently read The News' four-part series on the "Failed Empire Zone" program and wonder if anyone else is as upset as I am about the mismanagement of these funds. For years, money has been mismanaged, misplaced or misdirected from the real areas of need for our city. I think it is time that the people of Buffalo demand an accounting of the money that has been sent to our city without any sign of its proper use.
Now we have money that is within our grasp that could truly lay a foundation for economic growth. It would be a crime to see this opportunity pass us by. It may be the last one, since our lackluster leaders have yet to prove themselves responsible to the citizens as opposed to the special-interest groups that donate the most to their coffers. Do people really believe that giving a tax break to another lawyer or bank is going to make that much of a difference? Better yet, let's see how many hundreds of jobs are created at La Nova Pizzeria with its tax break.

I personally thought the statement made by the vice president of M&T Bank sounded more like blackmail than an offer of hope to a community that is gasping for it last breath.

DANIEL SCHAMBER
Buffalo

www.buffalo.com

[buffalofamily]

At a recent Chamber of Commerce event I spoke with business owners about the Empire Zone. These hard working, self employed folks don't qualify. My business is not in a position to qualify either. It's not geared for the self employed who don't need to hire new help right away. It's for big business as demonstrated in the articles in the Buffalo News.

When will government step in and help us small business owners? We are the backbone of the economy. Get rid of patronage jobs and give the money to folks who make their own way in society!

Buffalo Family