Knickerbocker Ledger
8/31/2011
http://www.knickledger.com/2011/08/progressive-community-to-political-leaders-i-want-my-city-to-win/
“I want to see my city win,” said Michael Guidice at the RFK Democratic Club meeting on Tuesday at McGeary’s in Downtown Albany. Guidice has been the focal point of the Albany chicken battle that pushed Mayor Gerald D. Jennings to use only his third veto of his 18 years in office.
At this meeting, politicians, activists, students, business owners, and more have come together to speak about issues that affect their community – be it chickens or electoral politics. About 40 or so – a little less than previous meetings but fairly strong considering Labor Day weekend is approaching – showed up to hear Guidice, Citizen Action of New York executive director Karen Scharff, and others talk about ways to improve the community, especially through “citizen” action (no pun intended).
In just over two years, Democratic Albany voters will be choosing their primary candidates for Mayor and all fifteen Common Council seats. As the Tea Party has faded nationally, the progressive community – almost a silent majority – has been simmering for quite some time now. Whereas they believed, as Scharff stated, that Barack Obama and other Democratic leaders would be able to usher in a new wave of progressive political power in the nation, such has been dismayed by forces from the right.
“Is there anything that can be changed in the Mayor’s mind, or does he need to be replaced,” said an older gentleman in the audience in response to Guidice’s comments. The man’s question was retorded with rumblings, not necessarily in the negative. Jennings, 63, has been in office since the early half of Bill Clinton’s first term. A councilmember from the 11th ward, Jennings has been a proponent of environmental protection of the Pine Bush, something he has been mute on since assuming office with the expansion of the Rapp Road landfall (it’s worth to note that Jennings was critical of fellow Democrat, Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan, of her deal to privitize the Colonie landfill). In about twenty-four months, Jennings may decide against a run for a sixth term (the second longest in Albany history) or be challenged in a Democratic primary by a number of candidates that include names such as Albany Common Council President Carolyn McLaughlin, former Common Council member Corey Ellis, and City Treasurer Katherine M. Sheehan.
Dan Egan, the Albany City Board of Education president, talked on the merits of progressive thought in public schools. Egan spoke about whereas his fellow school board presidents and their superintendents across the state were solving their budget issues by slashing teacher pay, laying off staff, and “fighting the unions,” Albany had gotten an agreement by working with the school unions in a way that benefits not only students, but the district financially.
“Why would unions want to get in the 21st century. It hasn’t been all that good for them,” said Egan.
Although the discussion ended last night, the group – as well as affiliated citizens – are sure to play in impact this fall. RFK Democrats took the liberty of endorsing Noelle Kinsch, who’s running in Albany County’s sixth district, against incumbent Brian Scavo. The general sentiment at the meeting was this is only the beginning of what could change Albany – the city – for the future.
Correction: The Albany Common Council had passed legislation that would have kept the South End bath house open and would have reduced overtime with the Departments of General Services and Recreation, both of which Jennings vetoed in December of 2010.
