Democracy In Albany

Today's TU's story entitled, "Access to activities limited", is an article about a group of dedicated ctizens trying to identify the root causes of the gangs, guns and drug problem in Albany. The group identified three main causes for these problems: that too many of Albany's children are living in poverty; poverty is a major cause of the gangs, guns and drug problem in Albany; and that while there are many programs for our city's youth, the means of getting to these programs, i.e. transportation, is lacking.

The group called for the city to invest $100,000 in a transportation project that would safely get our youth to, and back home from, the places the programs are held (Lincoln Park, Boys & Girls Club, schools, the city youth centers, etc.). Sounds reasonable to me. Many other cities provide transportation for this purpose, for example: "GOT WHEELS" in Oakland, CA. So what is the reponse to this suggestion: Mayor Jennings takes his usual posture of not saying what the city will do to solve the problem, but deflects the problem onto others and he blames the school district. But, he even goes further this time, and includes the churches in his "pass-the-buck" answer to any problem that affects the city.

The Inner City Youth and Family Coalition, made up of residents, elected officials, representatives of religious organizations, etc., simply asked for the city to find a way to transport our children to summer and after-school programs so as to keep the youth off the streets. But, the Mayor and his commissioners obviously don't get it. Parks and Recreation Commissioner John D'Antonio (and John and I work very well together) speaks about the city's boxing program on Quail Street and the fitness center in Lincoln Park. And that's the point: How are the kids (already living below the poverty line) in West Hill and Arbor Hill going to get to Lincoln Park? Or, how are the kids in the South End going to get to the boxing program on Quail Street? Transportation is the answer.

But Mayor Jennings, who joined a group of us and sat for two hours a couple of weeks ago with representatives from Providence, RI explaining how they put their youth programs/after-school activities under one umbrella and how they provide TRANSPORTATION to and from the different programs, is quoted in the TU, "I am not sure it just boils down to transportation." The Providence project uses school buses at little or no cost by re-working the schedules of some buses to get the kids to the programs. The "Got Wheels" program uses public transporation. These programs are successful. Since "Got Wheels" went into effect, juvenile crime in Oakland dropped 40%. In Providence, school attendance increased, and truancy decreased after their transportation program was enacted.

Mayor, it's time to stop blaming others (the school district, the churches, the parents, etc.) for Albany's problems and start to take actions to solve the problems. It's time to stop hiding behind stoops (see today's TU editorial cartoon) and time to admit we have a gang, gun and drug problem in Albany. It's time to get involved with our youth and provide the means (TRANSPORTATION) to attend the many programs offered to our youth. It's time, as Sister Natalie Runfola said, to stop abandoning our youth!

Dominick Calsolaro
Common Council Member - First Ward