Blackout at City Hall

[cath829]

Well, City Hall closed early today due to a power failure. Supposedly a contractor working on Seneca Street did something wrong and knocked out power from Leonard al lthe way down Abbott into South Buffalo (Woodside area) back up to South Park to Maplegrove over Ridge to the Bridge entering the First Ward. I heard the police department was out also!!:eek:

We don't have any back-up generators?? Do we even have an Emergency Service Coordinator??? What would happen igf there was a REAL emergency?

Doesn't look like they could handle it!!

[Truthdetector]

anybody know who the contractor is and what they were doing?

[tiredofbs]

I was in 780 Ridge Rd. (corner of Ridge and S. Park), the power was on with no interruption in service not even a flicker. I came out of the building at about 12 pm to discover all the street lights were out on ridge road. I drove to Abbott, all those street lights were out. Wonder why City Hall's power went out, but not 780 or 790 Ridge (OLV/Baker Victory buildings)?

[DomesticatedFeminist]

I'm in south buffalo and we had lost power for a while. It sucked because I was trying to get housework done and couldn't use my vac or my washer and dryer.

[tiredofbs]

oh, so some residential homes were affected too. I didn't know that.

[DomesticatedFeminist]

oh, so some residential homes were affected too. I didn't know that.

I think most of sb was effected.. i could be wrong

[cath829]

I was in 780 Ridge Rd. (corner of Ridge and S. Park), the power was on with no interruption in service not even a flicker. I came out of the building at about 12 pm to discover all the street lights were out on ridge road. I drove to Abbott, all those street lights were out. Wonder why City Hall's power went out, but not 780 or 790 Ridge (OLV/Baker Victory buildings)?
___________________________

Back-up generators??? This facility has its own building with generators and its own supply of natural gas. Generators are housed on Baker Alley. All of City Hall was out.....doesn't say too much for emergency service coordination! Like I said, I heard the police department was also out. We should probably direct questions to the Director of Public Safety, Richard Startek.:rolleyes:

[literal]

I was on the road heading over to Abbott Rd Plaza when the power went out. South Buffalo, parts of West Seneca and many parts of Lackawanna...Ridge Rd. to center street bridge were dark. At any rate all the bank people seemed in quite a state so, why point the finger at City Hall? Everyone had to wait it out.....we are all dependent on electricity. We have had many storms etc. that knocked out the electricity over the years....I do not understand why Cath is always pointing the finger at City Hall. Everyone should have an emergency plan including US!

Give it Up Cath! Get on with your life!!!! You are far too consumed with City Hall.......

[DennisMulqueen]

You would think the police department and city hall would have a generator in case of a disaster hitting the city. Obviously they do not. I will have to look into this obvious problem in regards to public safety. To myself personally this would be only common sense.

[tiredofbs]

I was on the road heading over to Abbott Rd Plaza when the power went out. South Buffalo, parts of West Seneca and many parts of Lackawanna...Ridge Rd. to center street bridge were dark. At any rate all the bank people seemed in quite a state so, why point the finger at City Hall? Everyone had to wait it out.....we are all dependent on electricity. We have had many storms etc. that knocked out the electricity over the years....I do not understand why Cath is always pointing the finger at City Hall. Everyone should have an emergency plan including US!

Give it Up Cath! Get on with your life!!!! You are far too consumed with City Hall.......
You answered your own question. There should be an emergency plan in place for Lackawanna's Police and City Hall. Cath829 pointed out a major flaw that needs to be addressed, what's wrong with that?

[Truthdetector]

It's one thing for a mod to remove offensive posts.... but to remove posts because some people are having alittle fun at that mods expense is alittle self serving and silly.

[cath829]

I was on the road heading over to Abbott Rd Plaza when the power went out. South Buffalo, parts of West Seneca and many parts of Lackawanna...Ridge Rd. to center street bridge were dark. At any rate all the bank people seemed in quite a state so, why point the finger at City Hall? Everyone had to wait it out.....we are all dependent on electricity. We have had many storms etc. that knocked out the electricity over the years....I do not understand why Cath is always pointing the finger at City Hall. Everyone should have an emergency plan including US!

Give it Up Cath! Get on with your life!!!! You are far too consumed with City Hall.......
______________________________________________

The police department run out of that building incase you have forgotten. What if there was a terrible emergency on oh, say, Peach Street and the orange building was unable to receive the call?? Who's fault would that have been?

I am saying that City Hall should have generators to run their building when power is terminated for whatever reason. Oh, but then I forgot....norm can run the city from our SUV.

There should be back up generators and/or back up battery devices so city business can function properly throughout the building. They CLOSED the building!! DAYLIGHT HOURS! Is that why this site was so quiet that day??

[cath829]

It's one thing for a mod to remove offensive posts.... but to remove posts because some people are having alittle fun at that mods expense is alittle self serving and silly.
_____________________________________

If you are referring to the posts where you were trying to start trouble, well you are at it again.....I am unable to remove posts, yours or anyone else who posts. You are wrong.

[tiredofbs]

What if there was a terrible emergency on oh, say, Peach Street and the orange building was unable to receive the call?? Who's fault would that have been?
Why, that could be a literal disaster.

[cath829]

Literally!!:D

[literal]

Good grief you guys.......

There have been many emergencies in this city and I think, with or without electricity, someone would solve the problem.

If there was an emergency on Peach...oh well, it would not be the first and we all have to die sometime....I am NOT a hysterical type of person. I have been through a lot and I have not carried on like some people in this forum.
Let the past GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I do NOT drive myself crazy about such matters. I had kids walk through metal detectors with knives and blades and I HAD TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO. No system or person is perfect.

What did city hall do in the 2008 October storm? Apparently, life went on.
I think this criticism of "others" has moved to a very UNHEALTHY level.
Remember..."why do people look at other peoples lives through a microscope and expect those same people to look at our lives through a telescope?"

[cath829]

Good grief you guys.......

There have been many emergencies in this city and I think, with or without electricity, someone would solve the problem.

If there was an emergency on Peach...oh well, it would not be the first and we all have to die sometime....I am NOT a hysterical type of person. I have been through a lot and I have not carried on like some people in this forum.
Let the past GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I do NOT drive myself crazy about such matters. I had kids walk through metal detectors with knives and blades and I HAD TO FIGURE OUT WHAT TO DO. No system or person is perfect.

What did city hall do in the 2008 October storm? Apparently, life went on.
I think this criticism of "others" has moved to a very UNHEALTHY level.
Remember..."why do people look at other peoples lives through a microscope and expect those same people to look at our lives through a telescope?"
____________________________________________
And you did figure out what to do....that is the point! Did you shut the whole school down? You would have thought that an effective plan would have been implemented after the snow storm that dumped 7' of snow on us, which by the way I worked in by picking up and delivering medicine to citizens as well as food, diapers, water etc. in trucks and on snowmobile. I helped coordinate the safe arrival of an ambulance to a citizen who would have died that day. I traveled throughout the whole city and beyond helping people.

The October storm, I was all snug in my warm home which I opened to over 6 people until they were able to return to their homes.

The point here is people were traveling, like yourself, and maybe some were on their way to City Hall which SHOULD be able to stay UP and RUNNING with backup generators!!

I understand the importance of travel bans etc., but that wasn't the case. It was daylight and there wasn't a snow storm or falling trees.....ever heard of paper and a pen?? Work was able to be accomplished.....without lights. Boring as it may have been.....people may have shown up to conduct business.

A municipal building should be able to function......with backup generators they would not have had a problem.

[tiredofbs]

I have no past to let GOOOOOOO of so I don't know what you are talking about. You said "everyone should have an emergency plan in place including US" and I agreed. I said that Cath829 pointed out a major flaw that needs to be addressed. What's your problem with that :confused:

[cath829]

A municipal building should be able to function......with backup generators they would not have had a problem.


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[andreahaxton]

City Council voted to give DPW Department $169,000 in early 2008 expressly for DPW equipment, then the Mayor and Tom Love show up with brand new vehicles. I thought they were supposed to purchase necessary equipment such as back-up generators and snow removal things. I also know the Senior Center got a separate huge new generator that we voted on. The fire halls received generators I was told, and I guess the experts either forgot or ran out of money for City Hall. Public Safety had a wonderful expert fireman who used to do the job, he once told me he had an "infinity" to perform disaster awareness and public safety. He was removed from the position in 2006 and all his duties given to Startek, a retired policeman.

[Pete Moss]

I was on the road heading over to Abbott Rd Plaza when the power went out. South Buffalo, parts of West Seneca and many parts of Lackawanna...Ridge Rd. to center street bridge were dark. At any rate all the bank people seemed in quite a state so, why point the finger at City Hall? Everyone had to wait it out.....we are all dependent on electricity. We have had many storms etc. that knocked out the electricity over the years....I do not understand why Cath is always pointing the finger at City Hall. Everyone should have an emergency plan including US!

Give it Up Cath! Get on with your life!!!! You are far too consumed with City Hall.......

Clearly your obsession with Cath has caused you to cast off reason. The municipal government has a DUTY to the citizens to employ such means as backup generators, in case of power failures.

The citizens money alone pays for the salaries of the municipal government. Mayor Polanski obviously chose to ignore the needs of the citizens so that he could get a new car. $20,000 would be sufficient to put a backup generator in for the police station.

You need to get over your animosity towards Cath so that you can act reasonably regarding important issues such as having backup power for police services.

[literal]

Sorry Pete Moss, I do NOT have any animosity to Cath or anyone else.

My point simply is that too much time is spent on "old headline" issues and we all need to move on...BE POSITIVE, LOOK WITH HOPE TO THE FUTURE and FORGIVE EACH OTHER'S SHORTCOMINGS...and of course, try to not repeat the same mistakes!

[Pete Moss]

Sorry Pete Moss, I do NOT have any animosity to Cath or anyone else.

My point simply is that too much time is spent on "old headline" issues and we all need to move on...BE POSITIVE, LOOK WITH HOPE TO THE FUTURE and FORGIVE EACH OTHER'S SHORTCOMINGS...and of course, try to not repeat the same mistakes!

Your comments directed at Cath appear to me as personal attacks, and that comes from animosity. The power outage is not old news.

The issue at hand is the Mayor's inability and lack of desire to put the needs of the community first rather than serving his own lusts. The Police department should have recieved funding for backup power rather than Polanski getting a car to ride around in. End of story.

The citizens money pays for everything and THEY come first. Mayor Polanski is negligent by failing to have backup power installed for police services

[DennisMulqueen]

Sorry Pete Moss, I do NOT have any animosity to Cath or anyone else.

My point simply is that too much time is spent on "old headline" issues and we all need to move on...BE POSITIVE, LOOK WITH HOPE TO THE FUTURE and FORGIVE EACH OTHER'S SHORTCOMINGS...and of course, try to not repeat the same mistakes!

How is this an old headline issue it just happened and the problem needs to be rectified. What happens when a major disaster hits and nothing works??

[andreahaxton]

Everything I do is to be Proactive when it comes to running our City , the boys prefer to be Reactive and run around when an issue/disaster arises. Not the way to run OUR City which should be run like a business, and who takes care of their customers (Citizens) with VIP service---because they pay good money and expect a good return. No-brainer here.
I can not thank all of you who "get-it" enough, now you understand the battle I and my allies have been fighting city hall about for decades. They would rather use your money to reimburse their family and friends plan than maintain and re-vitalize the broken bones of "Lack"awanna.
The more people we get on our side to break through the political machine that keeps a stranglehold over OUR City the better. We the true believers in fairness and making it better for OUR kids--- who will take care of business economically in a flash will git er' done right!

[literal]

Obviously some of you are lacking in the RESPECT department!

Childish comments that reflect.......

[literal]

I cannot understand why some of you are so fixated on the Mayor. Read the papers everywhere in our country in one day...loads of things gone wrong etc. Wouldn't you think given all the world calamities and all the smart, capable people out there that we would be seeing improvements? NOPE. Look at our own Gowanda NY. These people are struggling. Yet the GOOD NEWS is about all the people going there to help out the community. They are NOT fixated on BLAMING...they are MAKING THINGS HAPPEN THEMSELVES. Not their Mayor, their government but the PEOPLE doing what they need to for the people in their community. You are making Norm a Scapegoat to divert your own inadeqaucy.

Let's hear what YOU are doing besides complaining about everyone that diasgrees with you. Didn't your mother ever tell you that you can catch more bees with honey than vinegar?

Please, MOVE ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tiredofbs]

Are you saying that because everywhere else people deal with crap and corruption, therefore we should too?

Didn't your mother ever tell you not to jump off a cliff just because everyone else does?

By the way, who exactly are we supposed to have RESPECT for? Norm? He hasn't earned it.

[literal]

I can not thank all of you who "get-it" enough, now you understand the battle I and my allies have been fighting city hall about for decades.


Andrea,

I think there are about 5 people on these posts who "get" you. I like you and believe you have a good heart but I do not agree with your approach of "divide and conquer." Do YOU NOT GET THAT THIS DOES NOT WORK FOR YOU??????

"A house divided against itself cannot stand.." Should we not be trying to see what UNITES us rather than keep pouring mouthy salt into the wounds in this community of what divides us?

[anmore]

I was in 780 Ridge Rd. (corner of Ridge and S. Park), the power was on with no interruption in service not even a flicker. I came out of the building at about 12 pm to discover all the street lights were out on ridge road. I drove to Abbott, all those street lights were out. Wonder why City Hall's power went out, but not 780 or 790 Ridge (OLV/Baker Victory buildings)?

780/790 have backup generators.

[literal]

I think it would be wonderful if everyone showed respect for each other...and also here in these posts.

As I read them, some are riddled with mean spirited, accusatory statements.

[tiredofbs]

780/790 have backup generators. Yes, they do. Thanks

[tiredofbs]

I think it would be wonderful if everyone showed respect for each other...and also here in these posts.

As I read them, some are riddled with mean spirited, accusatory statements.Are you aware of how passive, aggressive you are? Seriously, please re-read your posts. You come out attacking. You have attacked Andrea and cath829 and me. Other posters have pointed your behavior out to you, yet you continue to play the victim.

[literal]

Are you saying that because everywhere else people deal with crap and corruption, therefore we should too?

Didn't your mother ever tell you not to jump off a cliff just because everyone else does?

By the way, who exactly are we supposed to have RESPECT for? Norm? He hasn't earned it.

Are you for real? We should RESPECT EVERYONE! Not because anyone deserves it or earned it but because it is the right thing to do! Do you know anything about Character Education? As I read these posts I feel sorry for the children who are taught one thing in school and their places of worship only to see adults rationalize the use of disrespect.

God is not s respecter of persons...He loves us all UNCONDITIONALLY. Do we all DESERVE IT? I am glad He thinks we all do!!!!

[tiredofbs]

Again, I'm going to ask you to re-read your posts and you can preach to me afterwards about RESPECT.

[literal]

Again, I'm going to ask you to re-read your posts and you can preach to me afterwards about RESPECT.

I have re-read them, thank you. I am NOT getting into a sparring match with you when you clearly can't read!

I apologize for being mean. Also, other people have not pointed out my behavior.....they cannot see my behavior friend. You are reading my words and making assumptions....

I am NO victim...never said I was and do not believe that I am.

You will have to try much harder if you think I am offended by you...

[tiredofbs]

I am not trying to offend you, I don't even know you. Other people have pointed out your behavior? Please read the posts by Pete Moss in this thread and the post by YNOTNOW in the Lackawanna Council Race thread. That's all I'm going to say on this subject.

[FisherRd]

I'm still of the belief that this headline is racist. Removing my post only bolstered that opinion...

[Pete Moss]

I cannot understand why some of you are so fixated on the Mayor. Read the papers everywhere in our country in one day...loads of things gone wrong etc. Wouldn't you think given all the world calamities and all the smart, capable people out there that we would be seeing improvements? NOPE. Look at our own Gowanda NY. These people are struggling. Yet the GOOD NEWS is about all the people going there to help out the community. They are NOT fixated on BLAMING...they are MAKING THINGS HAPPEN THEMSELVES. Not their Mayor, their government but the PEOPLE doing what they need to for the people in their community. You are making Norm a Scapegoat to divert your own inadeqaucy.

Let's hear what YOU are doing besides complaining about everyone that diasgrees with you. Didn't your mother ever tell you that you can catch more bees with honey than vinegar?

Please, MOVE ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Clearly you have no concept of the democractic form of government. We hold politicians accountable for their actions. When they prove themselves to be inept, or lack desire to serve the needs of the community who PAY their salary, then we get rid of them.

The Mayor has a duty to the citizens. If you don't know what the word 'duty' means, then buy a dictionary and look it up

[andreahaxton]

I spoke with the Chief of Police today to get the truth about the generator in Lackawanna City Hall. He said there is a back-up generator on the roof but the line to the police command center did not reach the new board. The Public Safety officer is Mr. Startek and he will follow through on making sure the necessary lines and repairs are done asap so it never happens again. He said the phone lines were fine on incoming calls and they dispatched the officers from city hall via radios. He said all worked out well. I told him about all of our concerns and he is looking into all public safety issues about the black-out. Remember the state of the art reverse 911 system I told you all about ?--He is still researching it. I hope we get it soon, it will be an invaluable tool to contact citizens in seconds about a disaster. Proactive not reactive, it works better for all, and for the right hand to know what the left is doing.
Yes the ceo is responsible for everything in our city, he can never say it is not my job. No one made him a scapegoat, responsibility goes with the job.Of course no one blames him for disasters but it is how he handles them regarding public safety. A human life is priceless!

[literal]

I sat with the Chief while he was eating breakfast (in the dark) and we were in the blackout. He was calm and continually on the phone. That is why I posted a less "hysterical" approach to the seeming emergency. He was VERY confident that the police were in control of the situation. He finished his breakfast and went about his job!

[tiredofbs]

It is not an act of hysteria to point out flaws and areas that need improvement in our city.

It is absolutely 100% correct to hold government officials accountable.

We should NEVER embrace a shut up and put up mentality.

[literal]

Every one of us should be held accountable NOT just officials.

The "hysteria" is part of the drama some people love to react to a situation BEFORE getting all of the facts...the, of course, their story changes!

The situation at City Hall WAS well in control. Decisions were made that were appropriate and necessary.

[andreahaxton]

literal you are writing posts on here that have the same content you criticized people for on Change Lackawanna. What are you changing? People's minds?---I don't think so, you cannot force anyone to think a certain way or make them respect you. You know this and understand it inside out.
It is obvious since I have known you that you love chuck-norm and company. It is OK with me and others, we all have a right to our opinion and who we associate with.
Your expertise is elsewhere mine is in city politics or should I say in monitoring their poli-tricks. I and others call them out on their corruption/ crookedness and you and the good ole' boys don't like it.
We all have the right bestowed upon us by our forefathers to pursue truth, justice, and the American way.
literal you know who I give my battle to, OUR LORD, I know without a doubt that he has our back, no need for us to sweat it or even worry, HE will expose the evildoers.
In the meantime I will stay on course doing the job to which I was called, I hope you do not let this blog get to you because it appears to be from your posts.
Yesterday is History----Tomorrow is a Mystery----Today is the Present and a Gift to us from God.
We have a great Bible Study at Willie Cotton Center if anyone wants to come, let me know! Andrea

[literal]

I have spent a lifetime career trying to be "fair" and Andrea, as you know, I was known for kicking butt to get things done. I can see both sides...

I have NOT drawn a line in the sand saying, these are the people I like and these are the people I don't. I have been on you side and theirs, depending on the ISSUE and NOT the person.

All I am saying to everyone is MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE FACTS before you criticize anyone. From where I sit, City Hall is no better or worse than since my childhood. People try their best and again, with support people/programs flourish.

"A house divided against itself cannot stand..."

[zanna vaida]

"A house divided against itself cannot stand..."

and would be hard to sell :cool:

[tiredofbs]

and would be hard to sell :cool:What if we put some red lipstick on it? :D

[DennisMulqueen]

Every one of us should be held accountable NOT just officials.

The "hysteria" is part of the drama some people love to react to a situation BEFORE getting all of the facts...the, of course, their story changes!

The situation at City Hall WAS well in control. Decisions were made that were appropriate and necessary.

Fact is they still had no back up power. I do not think it's hysteria just fact. Why do we not have a generator? Question that needs to be asked granted it wasn't a mayor emergency but let's just say it was...

[tiredofbs]

Fact is they still had no back up power. I do not think it's hysteria just fact. Why do we not have a generator? Question that needs to be asked granted it wasn't a mayor emergency but let's just say it was...There are those that would like us to think we are being hysterical. They use the word “hysterical” in a calculating manner. It’s a deliberate tactic to incite and divert attention from the truth.