Unregistered
July 7th, 2003, 09:31 AM
Despite its critics, the Buffalo Conversation marked the first time county and city officials sat together listening to disparate and frustrated voices from town officials and citizens. Now that the first step is over, we have two choices: Either continue to stumble through our 40-year sleepwalk, or team up and start running uphill together, united by a common goal to leave a positive mark on Western New York.
To enter this race, the rules are simple: Everyone involved must have the fire in the belly, the burning desire to finally halt decades of decline. No rehashing our past mistakes, except to commit to getting it right the next time. Inaction cannot be accepted, nor should it be tolerated.
At the Buffalo Conversation, I called on officials to continue the dialogue. We need to develop an agenda for change and form a united lobbying effort on issues of mutual agreement, such as eliminating Thruway tolls from the commuting range of Buffalo. No doubt we will find countless areas of agreement. The strength of the city and the towns teaming up on issues would be formidable.
I applaud Mayor Anthony Masiello for agreeing to lead this effort. Leadership Buffalo is already working to bring officials together in October. I also call on John Sheffer and the University at Buffalo to join in and assemble a dream team of experts, build on their past research and make solid recommendations for moving this community forward, including sharing and consolidating certain governmental functions. If these reforms are too politically sensitive for officials to enact on their own, then these recommendations should be proposed in a referendum on the November 2004 ballot. If the leaders don't lead, then it's time to let the people decide the fate of this region. The alternative is to fail for lack of trying.
The bonds that unite the city and suburbs are stronger than those that divide. Let us embrace this cause with the passion that this community is worthy of.
DAVID SWARTS
Erie County Clerk
www.buffalo.com
To enter this race, the rules are simple: Everyone involved must have the fire in the belly, the burning desire to finally halt decades of decline. No rehashing our past mistakes, except to commit to getting it right the next time. Inaction cannot be accepted, nor should it be tolerated.
At the Buffalo Conversation, I called on officials to continue the dialogue. We need to develop an agenda for change and form a united lobbying effort on issues of mutual agreement, such as eliminating Thruway tolls from the commuting range of Buffalo. No doubt we will find countless areas of agreement. The strength of the city and the towns teaming up on issues would be formidable.
I applaud Mayor Anthony Masiello for agreeing to lead this effort. Leadership Buffalo is already working to bring officials together in October. I also call on John Sheffer and the University at Buffalo to join in and assemble a dream team of experts, build on their past research and make solid recommendations for moving this community forward, including sharing and consolidating certain governmental functions. If these reforms are too politically sensitive for officials to enact on their own, then these recommendations should be proposed in a referendum on the November 2004 ballot. If the leaders don't lead, then it's time to let the people decide the fate of this region. The alternative is to fail for lack of trying.
The bonds that unite the city and suburbs are stronger than those that divide. Let us embrace this cause with the passion that this community is worthy of.
DAVID SWARTS
Erie County Clerk
www.buffalo.com