Why We Need Non-Partisan Elections
February 4, 2010
Our city, state and nation are at an historic political crossroads. Citizen resentment and cynicism about partisanship and our elected leaders is at an all-time high.
In Albany, our legislators have become synonymous with dysfunction. Scandals have taken down a governor and comptroller, and a dramatic State Senate coup last summer brought government to a standstill for weeks. At the federal level, Congress has been divided into two gangs, the Dems vs. the GOP. It’s a divisive and corrosive mix that even a once-popular president has been unable to tame. In our great city, apathy, cynicism and a flawed voting system have resulted in primaries where less than 10 percent of the eligible populace votes, and general elections that merely rubber stamp the results of Democratic primaries (with the notable exception of mayoral elections, but that’s a story for another day). [Read more]
Monday Morning Football Flashback
February 4, 2010
My only son announced that Jerry Rice will be voted into the upcoming 2010 Hall of Fame Class during Super Bowl weekend. He specifically relayed this factoid to me because he knows that Rice will always hold a special place in my heart—not because of his maneuvers on the football field, but because of his special play on Columbus Avenue.
In 1994, I was one of five female producers at Live with Regis & Kathie Lee. Regis would often come into our meeting and request a specific guest, always a sports star. I consistently volunteered to take the assignment because the other female producers had no idea who he was talking about. [Read more]
The 51st State
February 4, 2010
To the Editor:
The Jimmy Breslin Q&A (Jan. 28) was a wonderful trip down memory lane. It reminded me of a great idea put forward by the team of Norman Mailer/Jimmy Breslin in the 1969 Democratic mayoral primary. They proposed making New York City the 51st state. Considering the historic imbalance of tax dollars going to both Albany and Washington versus how much state and federal assistance is received in return, Big Apple residents would be better off keeping funds sent to Albany. Two U.S. senators could insure a more equitable return of federal assistance to New York City.
Larry Penner
Great Neck, Long Island
Letters have been edited for clarity, style and brevity.
Support for Paterson
February 4, 2010
To the Editor:
While it may help to compare New York to some other state governments (New Jersey, California) that are arguably even more dysfunctional than our own Empire State, it’s a poor consolation (“The Right Reforms,” Editorial, Jan. 14).
This is not even a partisan battle. Entrenched thinking, special interests and sweetheart deals have long polluted that particular pool, and the recipients of those “perks” like things as they are: dirty. [Read more]
Help Wanted, Part 2
February 4, 2010
After grad school, I pushed and pulled my life so that I could immigrate to Manhattan.
I was in love. With everything here.
I remember telling my grandmother how I loved studying each different ethnic face on subways. My ardor was undiminished even when she worried from San Diego that I should move to a safer place.
These days, young people are still smitten with our city. But it’s almost impossible for recent college graduates to find gainful employment—even when they’re our best and brightest. Bottom line: They lack experience. [Read more]
A Dream for Dr. King
February 4, 2010
Please consider how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, dream could apply to so much that we need. To me, the non-violence dream, above all, means protecting the innocent and enforcing the laws that ensure public safety, government’s first Constitutional duty. Fire and crime fighting forces should not be reduced, nor should hospitals and schools be closed. Move traffic safely, not swiftly (walkers too!). Encourage and support only transit accessible to all citizenry. Lower the speed limit. [Read more]
Workforce Development, Streamlined
January 27, 2010
Let’s say that a New Yorker wants to enroll in a program that will help build her literacy skills so she can get a better job. She could go to the Human Resources Administration, which offers a program for that. Or to the Department of Education, which offers something similar. Or the Department of Youth and Community Development. Or the Department of Small Business Services. Or CUNY. Each of these agencies offers programs trying to achieve the same goals.
The problem is that they don’t communicate or collaborate at all. Rather than running one efficient program, the city is paying for multiple overlapping yet isolated ones. And city residents who need help wind up confused—and under-served. [Read more]
A Lesson from Ashley Dupre
January 27, 2010
Just call me your psychic friend.
When the Eliot Spitzer scandal broke, I wrote a column called, “Here’s How It’s Gonna Happen” (March 27, 2008), where I predicted that despite Client 9’s “activities” while he represented us, he would be welcomed back somewhere. That place may be as New York state comptroller.
I also saw a future with the face and words of Ashley Dupre splashed all over it in the form of an album, memoir or made-for-TV movie. I think getting her own weekly advice column in a major daily newspaper comes pretty close. [Read more]
Ford’s Senate Ambitions
January 27, 2010
To the Editor:
“Run, Harold, Run” (Editorial, Jan. 21)? A really bad mistake! Mr. Ford has been in Manhattan for a whole three years. What does he know about us or our sister boroughs? Because he has chosen to live here, I have to ask, “Mr. Ford, do you know me?” Of course not! But Jerry Nadler does, as does Carolyn Maloney, Charlie Rangel, David Paterson, Chuck Schumer AND Kirsten Gillibrand, to name just a few.
No, I’m not an elected official. I am a very dedicated Democratic activist who is really, really deep down grassroots. I am active in my Democrat club (Community Free Democrats) and I have volunteered in a wide range of campaigns. I have crossed rivers and borders, autoed, bused, trained and planed. [Read more]
Winds of Change
January 27, 2010
For years, I have been speaking of the “IPP” or “Incumbent Protection Plan.” Let’s face it: When the people who serve in the New York State Legislature get into office, they take whatever actions are necessary to stay there.
I know many of these people and despite what I am writing here, I like them. They are fun, they are filled with ideas and I would drink a club soda with them any time. But the truth is that the whole process has become a self-serving mess. The voters know it and these are very dangerous times for politicians. [Read more]
