Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter Takes a Stand for Philadelphia Children/Education: A tale of 3 Mayors & One Yet to Be

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

I've subtitled this "A Tale of Three Mayors an One Yet To Be," because I'm mindful of the fact that New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania are contiguous states along the Eastern Seaboard, each with major cities of relevance to Black People - those being New York City, Newark, and Philadelphia, respectively.  

In each instance, there has been a major crisis in public school funding, while charter schools have proliferated; and unfortunately there has recently developed a deficit in funding support for public schools, while charter schools appear to thrive.  Within that context, New York mayor Bloomberg has engineered the closing of nearly 160 public schools throughout the five boroughs, much to the dismay of parents, educators and students alike.  There appears to be little to no regard on his part for the wishes, needs, and concerns of his constituency (I use the term lightly here, because in fact, Bloomberg's constituency really only include the uber rich)

However, in contrast, both Mayor Cory Booker and Mayor Michael Nutter have taken a much more intelligent approach, one that takes into consideration the needs of the students, as well as the wishes and concerns of the constituents, and have taken a stand that sends notice to all that they are determined to work to the benefit of all of their city, not just a privileged few.  In Mayor Booker's case, he was able to obtain matching grant funding from major corporations (including Facebook) to the tune of $400 Million, which not only makes it possible to hire competent educators (not just teachers), but upgrade the equipment, material and supplies - as well as infrastructure - of the current schools. 

Mayor Michael Nutter's stance on saving Philadelphia schools is likewise to be applauded.  I am sharing a press release with you, below, that I received from his office.   It shows that he puts the interests and concerns of his people first.  It would be great if the two mayors (Booker and Nutter) could collaborate on how to also obtain grant funding in order to have to mitigate future loans - but in the interim, Mayor Nutter is not sitting on his hands, or his laurels, and lamenting over budgetary issues.  He's digging in his heels and making it happen so that students will return to school on September 9 to a safe, sane and scholarly environment.

Newark Mayor Cory Booker

New York Mayoral Candidate William "Bill" Thompson (2013)

Kudos to  Cory Booker (who, by the way just won the Democratic nomination to be the first African American US Senator from New Jersey - hope there is a suitable successor to step in and carry Newark forward - Newark, heads up - you need to already have some one in mind (RAS BARAKA) so that you don't end up with a "rep-ugh-blican" mayor - get busy.  To be forewarned is to be fore 
armed.

And kudos to Mayor Michael Nutter for standing walking your talk. 

New York City is now faced with a dilemma, hype, subterfuge, divide and conquer in an all too crowded primary to determine who is going to move this city forward.  I think if you look at the last 12 years, it should be obvious that the only person who can and will take this city forward is Bill Thompson.  He's the former New York City comptroller, and has worked intimately in the Board of Education.  He's of and from the community - knows who and what and where we live, and more importantly WHY.  The three greatest cities on the eastern seaboard deserve the best - it's time New York City elected someone who will really put her first, as these other two exemplary mayors, Cory Booker and Michael Nutter, have done consistently.  NYC Voters: Don't miss your opportunity to do something great.

STAY BLESSED &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

The Press Release from Mayor Nutter's Office follows: 

City of Philadelphia

    MAYOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

MAYOR NUTTER’S REMARKS ON PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL FUNDING CRISIS

  Philadelphia, August 15, 2013 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter, joined by City officials, announced a plan for the City of Philadelphia to borrow $50 million on behalf of the School District to ensure that the schools will open safely and on time for the 2013-14 school year.  Prepared remarks below, check against delivery:

“A week ago, Superintendent William Hite said Philadelphia public schools could not safely open on Sept. 9 without a firm commitment of $50 million so that he can hire back about 1,000 School District employees between now and then.

Today, as Mayor of this great City, I’m here to say I WILL NOT RISK A CATASTROPHE. We WILL avoid this disaster. 

 

 I am committing to our students, parents and citizens today that schools are going to open on time and safely on Sept. 9th. Children are going to continue their education.

I am not going to let this crisis ruin the start of what is certainly a promising school year, and it’s clear to me that a majority of Council members, even with different ideas now being discussed, want the same one thing – that schools open on time AND safely.

Therefore, I am taking executive action today on behalf on our City to end this current crisis and uncertainty.

There are a number of ways to try to accomplish this goal – a borrowing, a grant, a loan or even the purchase of school buildings or school tax liens – each has its own requirements, complications and challenges.

I’ve evaluated all of the options and their respective impacts on the City’s finances.

As a result of these evaluations, I am today now directing the City Finance Director, the City Treasurer and the Budget Director to begin immediately to take all necessary steps to conduct a City borrowing of $50 million on behalf of the School District. I believe this mechanism is the best way to immediately get these needed dollars to the School District with virtually no financial impact on our City.

If Council approves a sales tax bill consistent with what’s been approved in Harrisburg, or any other legislation, it will give the City access to $15 million a year to repay the borrowing.

If Council fails to act, either the costs of the borrowing will be borne by our City’s General Fund and unfortunately it causes significant deficits for the City, or even worse, deprive our schoolchildren of a sustainable funding source because of a dispute over how best to solve our City pension problems.

Our school children did not create the City pension problem nor are they responsible for the School District’s funding problems. They should not suffer as we try to resolve it. They should not be pawns in a political chess match of leverage and strategy.

The State legislation, while not perfect, does provide $400 million to our Pension Plan over the next 10 years, while also providing $600 million in education funding over the course of the next 5 years. These are significant new funds for education AND pensions.

Second, today, I will have this letter hand delivered to Dr. Hite, informing him of the City’s commitment and asking him to immediately begin the process of hiring back the thousand or so school district employees whose return will ensure that schools open on time and safely.

Third, today, we will also hand deliver to City Council and the Chief Clerk proposed legislation to implement the sales tax extension consistent with what was done in Harrisburg.

This legislation will also include language that if the General Assembly changes the distribution of sales tax revenue to an equal split between the School District and the city pension fund, then that too would be authorized by Council with passage of that particular piece of legislation.

And I agree that the sales tax should be split between the City and School District IF, if the cigarette tax is passed in Harrisburg.

The bottom line is that we need to take action now and make commitments now in order to avoid chaos.

I will continue to work with Council President Clarke and members of City Council to take the necessary steps to support our School District in the short term while we all work with our State Legislators and our Governor on a long-term, stable and recurring financial plan for funding the education of our young people.

And so,  I’m also calling upon all elected officials, school advocates, the business community, our religious communities, our parents and anyone concerned about the City’s future and its economic well-being to work together with cities and towns all across the Commonwealth on developing a new education funding formula that takes into account the student population and their needs and challenges.

Pennsylvania needs to join the other 47 states that use such student-based formulas to fund education.

Let this effort be the cause that unites us all across the Commonwealth. I believe this cause is a significant part of what quality education is all about. And if we’re successful, it’s this kind of long-lasting work of which we can all be proud.

But let me be clear at this moment, my message today is focused on tomorrow’s deadline and on Sept. 9th. We are taking these actions because Philadelphia children and their parents and their hopes for a brighter future are not going to be shattered by indecision, fear or doubt.

As Mayor, it’s my duty to keep Philadelphia on track and moving forward and that’s what I’m doing today.

On Monday morning, Sept. 9, I expect that we’ll all be ringing school bells at schools all across the City with Philadelphia school children, their teachers, administrators and other staff. We’re going to kick off a great year of enrichment and discovery on that day.

To the parents of Philadelphia school children, I have heard you clearly and I understand your concerns, and that’s why I’m taking this action today on behalf of our children.

Young minds are preparing for greatness in our grand and beloved City. We must meet our challenges head-on, that is our path forward. I anticipate that day, and with today’s commitment we’ll have the necessary funding and staff – safe and ready to go on Sept. 9th.

Thank you.”

This is the example of a mayor who cares, takes action, and takes stands.   Just thought you'd like to know, since we are now faced in New York City with electing a new mayor.  This is also a continuous endorsement for Bill Thompson for Mayor of New York City. That is if you want someone who is going to stand for you, who resonates to your concerns and works with you to rectify them.  Who has been in the trenches, gotten out, and blazed a trail in the process so that others can do likewise.  Don't fool yourself that you can do otherwise.  You have to make it your business to vote for your own enlightened self interest - and you have a very short time to wake up and come to this realization.   

Stay Blessed &

ECLECTICALLY BLACK

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

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EVENT ALERTS: Fulton Art Fair in Brooklyn,; The Fabulous Josephine Baker fundraiser for African Voices, June 28; Bill Thompson at Greater New York

BY Gloria Dulan-Wilson

The Fulton Arts Fair is a venerable event that has been around now longer than most of Brooklyn's residents - celebrating 54 years and counting. It's full of wonderful, creative work from time honored and new artists – local and national. Interestingly enough, with June also being Black Music Month and Caribbean Heritage Month, there is a cross section of cultures converging on this tiny, yet highly signficant little part in Bed-Stuy – on Fulton between Lewis and Marcus Garvey Boulevards.
Starting every Saturday and Sunday, from 12:00 until 6:00 PM, there wil be paintings, sculptures, photograpy, collages, stained glass creations, as well as entertainment – Jazz artist, R& B and Gospel performers, dancers, poets – you name it, they'll be there. And, according to the weather report the days will be beautiful, balmy, perfect for getting out and about – hanging with your friends, sampling the savory food, and of course, purchasing some of the original, one of a kind art work that you'll find no where else on the planet.

Those artists interested in exhibiting at the upcoming FULTON ART FAIR should contact them at 347-661-7258; or go online at www.fultonartfair.com. Those interested in becoming members, or volunteering to make this undertaking and even greater success can likewise contact them via the same information. Member benefits include broadenig your networking base, with greater access to the public; free exhibition space at the annual Fulton Art Fair; elgibility for juried awards and prizes; referrals to other art venues; and being prominently listed in the annual FAF Brochure and on the Website.
So mark your calendars for the next three week-ends in June, starting today: Saturday, June 16; Sunday, June 17; Saturday June 23, Sunday, June 24; Saturday June 30; Sunday July 1 – and of course the following week end is theAFRICAN STREET FESTIVAL at Commodore Barry Park. That should keep you busy for at least a New York minute or two.

The Sensational Josephine Baker, a triumphant tour de force on the life and times of Diva and toast of Paris, Josephine Baker, will be performed at the Beckett Theatre,410 W. 42nd St (bet. 9 & 10 Ave.); will do a benefit performance in honor of African Voices Magazine, which recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary. This wonderful historical play about the life and times of LaBaker, was written and performed by Cheryl Howard, taking us from her early life in St. Louis, MO, to becoming the toast of Paris, and an activist and advocate for her people. The show starts at 6:00PM, Tix are $50.00, and will go to support and expand the wonderful work African Voices does in support of Black writers and Black literati. For additional information contact African Voices at (212) 865-2982; or log on to www.africanvoices.com.

There are a ton of Junteenth Activities coming up, but to me, as a New Yorker, this one is the most important of them all – so try not to miss it:

MAYORAL DECISION: 2013 - Party and Politics
With Former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson - Candidate for Mayor of the City of New York. The Greater New York Chamber of Commerce will showcase, along with NDD Chairs Thomas Acosta and Howard Teich,  an opportunity to meet, hear and have conversation with all the NYC mayoral candidates, as well as network with other business and professional New Yorkers.  It's called Party and Politics. We are particularly proud to have Former NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson special guest in this second in the series. Tuesday, June 19, 2012
6:00 - 7:30 PM; TAMMANY HALL TAVERN - 218 East 53rd Street (betw. 2nd&3rd Ave.)
Cash Bar.   A festive time for all. Please note: All Member Contributions will made payable to NY Chamber PAC will help fund candidates running for elected office . Friends $20; VIP $100; Sponsors $250. RSVP TO: jaffe@chamber.com

 Personally, just so you know, I'm backing Bill Thompson, and I truly hope that New Yorkers have learned their lesson this time around and will go all out to make sure there are no more slip ups in securing a mayor for all New Yorkers, not just the elite, well heeled sychophants who have managed to continue grinding the rest of the city under their heels.

Chet Whye, head of Harlem for Obama, is bringing EMERGING YOUNG WOMEN to The Apollo Soundstage this Tuesday June 19 at 6:30PM.  The actual title is, "The State of Women in Politics - Emerging Women Speak" and includes  Michaela angela Davis as moderator, with speakers Esther Armah, Glynda Carr, Tamika Mallory and L. Joy Williams.   According to Chet: “ We were examining the true status of women in the political landscape when we came to this realization: Enterprising young women in New York and right here in Harlem run businesses, civic organizations, non-profits and institutions.  Yet, there is a profound underrepresentation of women running for elected office. In this time of major transition and as we make decisions that will affect our community for generations, we need to break down any barriers perceptual and structural to our best and brightest taking the reins in elected office.  event is ticketed to cover costs.” The ticketed event will include a networking reception (complimentary wine and hors d'oeuvres). Contact (646) 593-7911 or log on to: www.emergingwomen.eventbrite.com.

Tuesday, June 26: VOTE, VOTE, VOTE, VOTE – I am unabashedly saying to all my fellow New Yorkers, as well as those in other states who may have primaries coming up on this, or any other, date – don't allow this time to slip by. Vote, make sure your neighbors, friends, associates, vote. And make sure you vote Democrat so that President Obama will have the support he needs when he is re-elected. Let's not allow any opportunity to secure our base to pass us by. The last two years should have taught us something about taking things for granted, and for allowing the elections to be determined by dollars and yellow journalism. A great deal of ground was lost because we didn't do our job and support those candidates President Obama needed to help get important legislation passed. Our majority went from Democrat to Republican, and the rest has been constant harangue to get the Rep-ugh-blican to pass just simple humanity oriented legislations. I strongly suggest that, unless you are a raving masochist, you don't let thishappen again on your watch.

Additionally, if you have relatives, friends, associates in those states that are hostile to the President, make it your business, as a committee of one, to send them ongoing updates of the good things the President is doing, and why it's important for them to make sure they vote for him. No doubt, the information is not getting to them, and we can't leave anything to chance. The Koch brothers and the red-neck tea baggers are hoping that we will, and that they will have enough money to buy the election from under the American people. I'm betting that we won't get fooled by their garbage.

We have lot at stake here in New York. Not only do we have to re-elect Yvette Clarke, of the llth CD in Brooklyn, but Congressman Edolphus Towns, who is retiring this year, has two equally competent brothers vying for his seat: New York State Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries, and New York City Councilman Charles Barron. I know, like and respect both of these Black men. Both have strong track records, both have large favorable, positive followings. But unfortunately, only one can be sent to DC. And because I consider them both friends, I am only going to say that either way you chose, you can't go wrong. And whoever emerges victorious from this, I truly expect the other will give complete and full backing and support for the other.

Speaking of support – President Barack Obama has endorsed Yvette Clarke for re-election to Congress. President Barack Obama Endorses Caribbean-American Congresswoman, Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY) for Brooklyn's redrawn 9th Congressional District.

The President said: “Rep. Yvette Clarke has stood by my side as we tried to create an economy where everyone has an opportunity to own a home, support their family, and look forward to a secure retirement. For over a decade Rep. Yvette Clarke has been working to give a voice to the voiceless, whether it was improving educational opportunity for children, expanding access to healthcare for women in need, or helping small businesses expand and add new jobs. Rep. Clarke is a true public servant and we need her back in Congress, to continue to fight for residents of Central Brooklyn and for our nation.”

Congresswoman Clarke graciously accepted the President's endorsement, stating: “I want to thank President Obama for his endorsement, and I look forward to going back to Washington to work with him and to fight for the people of Central Brooklyn.” said Congresswoman Clarke, who was first elected to Congress in 2006. Rep. Clarke is a champion on immigration, small business and homeland security issues; and sits on the Homeland Security and Small Business Committees. She also serves as Secretary of the Congressional Black Caucus and Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. Normally our primary is held in September, but this year's New York Congressional Primary election is June 26. You don't want to miss or overlook it – if you do, you'll blow it. And remember, because of low participation in the 2010 Census, Brooklyn's lines have been redrawin, which is why we have a new “9th” district. Congresswoman Clarke is being challenged by Sylvia Kinard, who is a resident of Flatbush. I am, of course, backing Congresswoman Clarke.

So tell your friends, relatives, neighbors, etc., to make sure they get out and vote on Tuesday, June 26 – the community they save will definitely be their own.

As promised, I am writing an OBAMA-A-DAY to keep the stupids away:
President Obama drew a sharp contrast between his presidency and what it would be like if America somehow slips up and Romney gets in. Can you say total reversal of fortune boys and girls? That's what it would constitute – jobs, health, education, affordable housing – all would be swept out the door, and the rest of America could possibly end up living on the sidewalk should you allow Romney to become president. Be Afraid – very Afraid – and make sure you use the greatest weapon you have at your disposal: YOUR VOTE.

After speaking in Ceveland, Ohio, President and First Lady Obama flew to New York – first visiting the World Trade Center, which has now 104 stories nearly completed. Obama inscribed on the beam, "We remember we rebuild we come back stronger!" followed by his signature. After complimenting the 50 workers on doing a great job, the President and the First Lady went on to attend two New York fundraisers - The first at the home of Sex and the City star, Sarah Jessica Parker; the second at the home of Pop-Diva Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, and their adorable little twins. While the fundraisers were considered “high powered” the President provided opportunity for those whose pockets were not quite so deep to win the honor of also attending the event via a drawing. Those who contribute as little as $3.00 toward his campaign are eligible to win an all expenses paid trip to where ever the fundraiser is being held. In addition to being a great incentive, it also keeps voters mindful that everyone can and should contribute something, no matter how modest your means. What would you ask the President, if you had the chance? Make a donation today to be automatically entered to win dinner with President Obama, along with a guest of your choice and four other supporters. You can make a contribution by logging on to www.barackobama.com and hitting that button. Find your nearest local campaign headquarters and volunter to help with the upcoming camaign; get involved, and get the rest of your family and friends involved as well. No job is too big or small; all contributions count, and your vote is the most important thing you have to ensure this country continues upward towards healing, not downwards deprivation.

If you have something positive you want to share about President or First Lady Obama, Vice President Biden, or any of the others in his camp or campaign, please feel free to email me at gloriadulanwilson@gmail.com. I am also urging my fellow bloggers, journalists, writers, radio and TV personalities to make it their business to keep the positive, good news about our President in front of America. It's our job. We are the front line to the truth about our President, not the meanstream press, the hostile Koch brothers, the tea baggers, Romney or anyone else.

Remember:
An OBAMA-A-DAY keeps the stupids away.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

2009 ELECTION RESULTS

2009 ELECTION RESULTS: or MY CONDOLENCES TO NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY, I TRULY MOURN OUR LOSS

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It was a stunning close-call for Bill Thompson. If indeed it was a close call. The rumor is that he ‘almost’ made it as the next mayor of New York. In fact, the margins are so close - mere 4% difference, he may well actually be the next mayor of New York. Because of this, I’m holding out for absentee ballots and the military votes. Actually, I think we should both demand a recount (with federal surveillance over the process), and give us an update of how many of the absentee ballots, military ballots and affidavits were for Bill Thompson or Bloomberg. You know, you can't trust the Republicans. Honest and fairplay is definitely not part of their bailey-wick. In fact, I don't think it's even included in their vocabulary.

I was a little non-plussed that Bill Thompson gave his concession speech so early, because, as with Al Gore v. George Bush, it turned out that the counts were called in and victory awarded to Bush prematurely. You all remember this, right? Gore had to rescind his concession to let the process proceed. I'm a believer in it ain't over til it's over; and without those additional votes, it just ain't over.

Call me a dreamer and an optimist, but I still hold out for the outside chance, that phenom that lets you know that let’s you know that miracles do still happen.

In the interim, let’s keep our focus on how we got that close, and what we’ve learned on the way. If we are discontented with the past performance of Mayor Bloomberg, I’m sure that that has not changed, and unless we have a plan B, we are likely to suffer more of the same over the next four years.

So how do we deal with this issue going into 2010? One we have to make sure that the city council speaker is someone who really understands the needs of the constituency and is someone we can trust. Therefore, I’m suggesting, recommending and demanding that either Tish James or Al Vann become the Speaker for the City Council. No more rubber stamping there. No more budgetary boondoggles where our council members are brow beaten by a mean spirited Quinn-like creature.

The next thing is for the different communities to form their own organizations centered around the issues that most affect them, and make sure they pack the community board hearings, Borough hall, and other areas where people are charged with dealing with the community, but turn out to be less that rubber stamps themselves; or just plain clueless and disorganized.

I’ve visited a few Community Board headquarters and some are junky, with papers, cardboard boxes and discards all over the place. The people running them are just bodies occupying spaces, not pro-active individuals doing what is necessary to enhance the community. I recommend a shake-up and a revamping of the community boards; and a blue-print for excellence by which the revamped community boards have to comport themselves by.

In the interim, or simultaneously, we should make a comprehensive list of the issues and concerns and the atrocities we’ve suffered under Bloomberg, with the pledge that he no longer gets to continue in that mode. Now that may mean a body of community activists, it may mean having bull dog lawyers; it may mean developing a relationship with Attorney General Eric Holder’s office to keep these concerns before them, and not buried under the Bloomberg boondoggle.

That’s not easy when you’re trying to figure out where your next job is going to come from, how to pay the rent, whether or not your children are getting good educations; but if we don’t what’s already bad under Bloomberg is guaranteed to get worse.

Now for my New Jersey friends, I really feel sad for you. You’ve got a prosecutor/persecutor for a governor. Been there, done that. Maybe you’ll catch a break like we did and he has to step down before he can do too much damage.

For those of you who have the audacity, temerity and the gall to try to blame Obama for this situation, for those of you who said that we “Black people didn’t elect Obama president, white people did “ as though to say he has no clout, and them to criticize him because he didn’t lead a parade for Bill Thompson in NYC, my response is to say get a grip! And do it fast.

Of course we as Black people didn’t elect Obama by ourselves, but neither did white people. It was a joint effort! This is the United States of America. We still only have one vote, and all the efforts on President Obama’s part, and he did come out for Bill and Corzine. But this is a local election, and the responsibility still boils down to us -- to each individual whose job it was to get inside those booths and pull the lever for them. For those of you who made these critical statements, you need to take those 4 fingers and point them back at yourselves. You also need to renew your dedication to support Obama and those who work with him for you. It means we have to develop a mentality of self-empowerment, rather than constantly griping about who does or does not support us.

Thank God there were not enough of you to stop the march on Selma, AL, or the Montgomery bus boycott; or the March on Washington, or the Million Man March. I guess some of your tribe was around when we were going door to door trying to get Blacks the right to vote in the 60’s. With those kinds of mentalities, I guess thank goodness there were enough of us to counteract some of those invectives I’ve been hearing.

There’s nothing worse than a negative minded Black person, bad mouthing other Black people who are trying to help, under the guise of “telling it like it is” or “keeping it real;” instead of putting the positive spin on it to begin the paradigm shift we need to go forward, not dwell on backward. My problem with "keeping it real" is that we often keep it real negative, keep it real ugly, keep it real stupid. What we don't seem to want to do is to create a new reality. A paradigm shift. Those of us who claim to have ascended from Kings and Queens, have to stop thinking and acting like slaves, puppets, and victims. There has to be some Blackbone in there somewhere, or else our ancestors would all have perished on those ships. It's time to go and reclaim our DNA.

That said, we’ve got Obama, let’s maximize that as much as possible. We came within 4% of defeating Mike Bloomberg; I say let’s get our legal team to make sure the votes were accurately counted; that the absentee ballots and military votes have not been counted; and like Al Franken, don’t concede until they are.

In fact, I think Bill Thompson’s concession must be conditional on what those numbers show, and proof that the machinery used to count the votes were fully functioning, with no glitches.

So while I mourn our loss, I’m optimistic about our future if we continue to pull together, not apart; if we continue to turn to each other, not on each other; if we continue to have each other’s back, not ride each other’s back or play back stabbers.

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION
CAN WE MAKE HISTORY AGAIN? YES WE CAN!!

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

For those of you who have had some moments of trepidation as to whether Bill Thompson can win the election, allow me to remind you and assure you that BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION.

Now why is that? Is it because he has some magic powers? Yes, it’s the magic of believing that New Yorkers deserve the best across the board. It’s the magic of not just pretending to understand the middle class, but to be a part of the middle class and under stand and support it’s aspirations and concerns. It’s the magic of being able to speak to people on their level without a speech writer having to put the information together for him. It’s the magic of having risen in the ranks of public servantship and not losing sight of what is needed regardless of where and when he enters.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION Is it because he has tons and tons of money and can buy all the votes he want; advertise anywhere he wishes, buy lies to evade the truth? Definitely not the case. In fact, the soul of New York cannot be bought or sold. It has to be won. The unvarnished, unfiltered truth is that despite hardships, despite Democrat or Republican in the state capital or in Gracie Mansion, Bill Thompson has always delivered and made New York City his priority. He has been an exemplary Comptroller, instrumental in holding the line in terms of budgetary and cost overruns despite Bloomberg.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: Is it because he can buy votes? No, and neither can anyone else. Votes are given in support of an individual who is giving you the best each and every day, despite the challenges and obstacles. Bill Thompson has never tried to rest on his laurels or reputation.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: Because at the end of the day, when his opponents pulled every trick in the book, told all the lies; distorted all the truth; blocked all the media information, twittered their last invective twitter;
at the end of the day New Yorkers took their own personal inventory. Are they actually better off after 8 years of Bloomberg? And the overwhelming answer is NO!

Despite the glitter, despite the promises -- which have largely gone undelivered; despite the cast of characters who back him (do you really trust someone that is backed by Rudy Giuliani?) Do you really want someone who thinks the Public Advocate should be vacated and let the News media be the critic of last resort for the city? Do you really want to back someone who wants to bring people in from other countries to do the work in New York, while our city, which has been blessed by having the largest immigrant population is now struggling to provide decent jobs for them as well as for “native” New Yorkers. Where the jobs are being privatized as opposed to being distributed to people who are already here.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: Each and every time Bill Thompson has run for office of any kind, people look at his actions, accomplishments, sincerity, integrity, strength of character, and in their heart of hearts, know they must follow their conscience and act on their best interests. New Yorkers know sincerity, integrity, dedication, determination and the truth when they see it. And it shines through Bill Thompson.

New York has been entangled by slick words, distortions, lies, deceit, veiled threats on the part of the Bloomberg doom berg machine. It’s these same distortions that have brought our city to the brink of financial and social disaster, depression, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of the people.

Bill Thompson is devoted to developing New York City’s assets for all New Yorkers, not just for a hand picked few. Bill Thompson has always stood for transparency, making sure that he gives New Yorkers what they need as well as what they want. Bill Thompson’s track record has always been that of success and progressiveness. However, rather than leaving people behind, or segregating people from the benefits of a greater New York City, he practices the policy and politics of inclusion -- not exclusion.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: because people can see into the heart of the man. People SERVANT LEADER who will do more for all New Yorkers in the next four years than Bloomberg has done with his millions in the past eight years. If Bloomberg was going to develop affordable homes it would have already been done. Instead he focused on stadiums, glass building, bulldozing neighborhoods, walking over the wishes and autonomy of New Yorkers by disenfranchising them through the dismantling of term limits, and the violation of tax exempt funds to build properties that are of no benefit to the people who are most in need.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: Though he faced what appears to be insurmountable odds, he stands steadfast and looks the problem in the face, and works to provide a viable solution that is beneficial to all concerned He has never rolled over or abandoned his constituents, or put the interests of one over that of another.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: because he’d diligent, dedicated, caring compassionate on the one hand; tough, focused, and vigilant on the other. Through all his roles in the City of New York he has never stooped to abuse of power, which usurps the rights of New Yorkers on Main Street in order to curry the favor of those on Wall Street. He has never insulted the intelligence of New Yorkers.

BILL THOMPSON HAS NEVER LOST AN ELECTION: And New Yorkers have never lost with Bill Thompson, no matter what his current role or responsibility. His track record has always been that of success.

SO LET’S MAKE SURE THAT BILL THOMPSON WINS THIS ELECTION: It’s the most important one of all. New Yorkers must vote for Bill because he puts New Yorkers first. We are his number one priority. We must turn out in record numbers as we did for President Obama, because we recognize the truth when we hear it, when we see it. It’s time for a change.

IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE, IT’S TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP, IT’S TIME FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT. IT’S TIME TO ELECT BILL THOMPSON MAYOR OF NEW YORK CITY. CAN WE MAKE HISTORY AGAIN? YES WE CAN!!

VOTE NOVEMBER 3RD 2009.

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

GLORIA DULAN-WILSON EIGHT IS ENOUGH SERIES

READ EIGHT IS ENOUGH Eight PART SERIES

EIGHT REAL REASONS WHY BILL THOMPSON MUST BE ELECTED MAYOR TO SAVE THE SOUL OF NEW YORK AND WHY WE CANNOT AFFORD BLOOMBERG EVER AGAIN!

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Stop what you're doing, and listen very, very carefully to what I'm about to say...

As a Black Journalist and a holder of public trust I just wrote a piece of undeniable "TRUTH" that is unlike anything out there in the mainstream media. I urge you to read the "Eight Is Enough' Series before you go to the polls on November 3rd 2009.

This is a must-read eight part article series. Everyone who cares about New York City and the future of our politics should read this series!

But Don't Simply Take My Word for it. Listen to What One of My Reader's Had to Say...

FROM ZACH HUSSER:

Dear Sister Wilson,

This compilation of information about what Bloomberg, Giuliani, and Pataki have done to "every day Voting Citizens" in New York City is the most researched and thoroughly written article about the politics of New York City, thus New York State, that I have ever read!

READ 'Eight Is Enough' NOW!

'Eight Is Enough' Part 1

'Eight Is Enough' Part II

'Eight Is Enough' Part III

'Eight Is Enough' Part IV

'Eight Is Enough' Part V

'Eight Is Enough' Part VI

'Eight Is Enough' Part VII

'Eight Is Enough' Part VIII

I ask you to email a copy to at least 10 friends, associates, relatives, supporters of Bill Thompson, those who are on the fence to get out and VOTE Today.

Bill Thompson Endorsed By President Obama "Our great city comptroller, our candidate for mayor, my friend Billy Thompson is in the house." - President Obama, 10/20/2009

Check Out: New Yorkers For Bill Thompson 2009

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

"Send This Gloria Dulan-Wilson Blog To A Friend NOW!"

BLAME BLOOMBERG - 'Eight Is Enough' Part VIII

Have fun with this one -- use your
imagination and become the spoken
word artist in you as you recite this!

BLAME BLOOMBERG

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson
(rap and rhyme)

You say Wall Street just fell on you?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg!
And Main Street just got bulldozed too?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
Your job is gone, your apartment too?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

You can’t afford to pay the rent?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
You work all day but can’t save a cent!
Don’t blame Bill blame Bloomberg.

Your water and electricity’s high?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
And public jobs are privatized?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
.
Wall Street exec screw up but are still hired
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
They get millions in bonuses while you get fired.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

Times, Post, Fox Five TV the truth they hoard
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Cause Rupert Murdock’s on Bloomberg’s board
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
So you won’t ever know what’s really happened
Til it’s too late and you’ve been ripped off and flattened

Housing costs are too damned high!
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Banks ignore you, foreclosures make you cry.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

You and your family are on the street
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
You can’t buy food, can’t make ends meet.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

NEW YORKERS SAID 8 IS ENOUGH!!
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Bloomberg ignored you and said that’s tough!
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

If he gets re-elected
And the middleclass keeps being neglected,
Walked on, pushed out, disrespected, on the shelf
Don’t blame Bill, blame YOURSELF

Bill Thompson gave you a better plan
For middle class and working families he stands
Can he save New Yorkers?
If we elect him, Yes he can!

You say you live on the Upper East Side?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
You feel you’ve been taken for a ride?
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

Your quality of living has started to slide
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.
You’re doing menial jobs that insult your pride
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

High test scores don’t prove good education
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Our kids can’t meet the world competition
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

They need substance, not just form
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Or mediocrity becomes the norm
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

Harlem is where you used to stay
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Til they took the affordable apartments away
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

For a Harlem studio $750 Grand you’ll pay
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Or ride the homeless bus to no where -- one way
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

He’s building overpriced high rises of glass
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Destroying beautiful buildings with all the class
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

The Yankees Stadium got reconstruction
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
While the surrounding neighbors face destruction
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

If you can’t get from here to there
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg,
‘Cause they keep raising the transit fare.
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg.

You just can’t afford four more years
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg
Because you’ll be shedding more than tears
Don’t blame Bill, blame Bloomberg

I don’t have to be a wise sooth sayer
To say you’ll need more than a prayer
If you re-elect Mike Bloomberg mayor
Don’t blame Bill, BLAME YOURSELF!

Bill Thompson gave you a better plan
For middle class and working families he stands
He can save New Yorkers from this man
Let’s elect him so he can!
And get rid of Bloomberg

No matter how much he spends his money
Your chances of getting any are slim and none-y
Your eyes may shine and your teeth may grit
But not one program will you get
His promises turn out to be vapid lies
This my warning word to the wise
It’s clear that we’ve each only got one vote
If you blow this that’s all she wrote
New York can do better without Bloomberg.

We’re coming to the end of this little ditty
I wrote it because I love New York City
For a mayor who cares vote for Bill Thompson
He’ll save New York and get the job done
And once again make New York Number One
Or perish as fools under Bloomberg.

VOTE BILL THOMPSON FOR MAYOR 2009
AND EVERYTHING WILL TURN OUT FINE.

BLAME BLOOMBERG - 'Eight Is Enough' Part VIII

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EIGHT IS ENOUGH PART VII

EIGHT IS ENOUGH PART VII
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It is interesting how so often the most simple, miniscule things sometimes are instrumental in being the means by which the most clever disguises are exposed. This was the case for me last week when I went to the movies to get some respite from the never ending barrage of bad news on TV, in our newspapers, and from friends.

Interestingly enough I decided to go see “Astro Boy”© at the Regal on 42nd Street. What appeared to be typical, juvenile fluff loosely based on a highly technolized Pinocchio, was a real lesson in democracy, leadership, and the basic moral fibre and principles which determine the make up of a society.

Wow! Now how did I get all that from an animated feature length movie? My insight turned on the very nefarious, despotic character of “Mayor Stone”, who’s power and tendency toward dictatorship, with the capacity to crush all those who stand in his way, was such a parallel to our current mayor, Mike Bloomberg, it was like a modern day parable in animated form.

The mayor Stone character was running for re-election. His slogan was: “IT’S NOT TIME FOR A CHANGE.” He rolled through his city with seemingly unlimited power. If he couldn’t get you to cooperate, he’d destroy you. His favorite thing to do was throw money or hollow promises at someone who had something he wanted or needed, with an aside to his minions to incarcerate or deal with them once he got what he wanted. He operated through trickery, lies, distortions, deceits, and, of course, bribery.

When he finally got what he wanted he went through the city wreaking havoc, destroying everything in his wake, seemingly oblivious to everything he trampled on while he pursued his objective. His efforts nearly brought down the entire city. While those around him could truly see him as the monster he was, he was totally unaware and unconcerned.

Well, like the Astro Boy © cartoon, the Bloomberg administration has been monstrous in its effects on the communities that he’s touched. Like Hobbes’ Leviathan, his tentacles have reached into every corner to accomplish his will, without any concern for the effects it has on the people who live there, who love New York, who raise families. I defy you to go see that cartoon and not come away with the same graphic parallels between Astro Boy’s© “Mayor Stone” character and Mayor Bloomberg.

Those of us who consider ourselves part of the middle class must question the New York Times statement that New York City is indeed better because of Bloomberg. Really? Take a look at whose writing the article. Most of them do not live in the middle class communities that are being affected by this administration. Of course, if you’re in the $250,000+ a year income bracket, of course things are better.

According to Bill Thompson in the recently held debate, the middle class income for New York really ranges from $50,000 to $170,000 by New York self definition. If you live in Manhattan this may be more the case than not. But if you live in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens or Staten Island it’s more between the range of $37,500 and $80,000

However, the higher income index has often been used to justify the unconscionable increases in rental rates, housing costs, and utility service increases. It is the unrealistically higher rate that has been artificially imposed on the other boroughs that has put affordable housing and other services out of reach, because the assumption is that since we make more we can/must pay more.

It is that median income that has been used as an index for rationalizing the higher costs in practically everything in NYC -- from the $4.00 cup of coffee to the $35.00 bounced check fee. From the higher taxi fares to the increasingly higher transit fares. Most of the people sitting on these boards making these decisions were appointed by Bloomberg, but have absolutely nothing to do with the people they’re making the decisions about -- in much the same way the Mayor has no relation to the middle class that continues to flee New York.

Realistically speaking, even that median income is no longer viable, with so many no longer gainfully employed. With nearly 40,000 jobs no longer available. With Bloomberg’s policy of privatization of so many jobs that righteously belong to New Yorkers going to outside sources.

And the Wall Streeters who have lost their jobs must deal with the fact that they who swore by the Bloomberg Report have to ask how accurate the report is when it did not portend the upcoming downturn and what to do to stem the tide. Interestingly enough, Bloomberg’s cronies have tried to find ways to keep their ill gotten bonuses, and there has been absolute silence from Bloomberg in having them put those monies in a fund for those New Yorkers who have lost or are losing their homes and livelihood because of their callous, impersonal, nefarious practices that have put so many of us in jeopardy.

Where is his righteous indignation against the banks that drag out procedures that might just help save a home or a business in New York in time of crisis. “It’s so easy to hurt others when you can’t feel pain.” Bloomberg makes no connection to the misery the people feel, and the trauma they face as they are foreclosed upon, forced out into the streets. He can’t help them because his cronies are part of the problem not part of the solution.

The new formula of mass mind group think utilized by the media totally ignores or evades these facts. The Chief and Leader (Reluctantly) endorsed Bloomberg. What does that mean? It means that they have no principles. It means that they are afraid to take a real stand for the truth for all those people who depend upon them to provide information on the continuously dwindling jobs that has kept this city running for centuries.

Consider the fact that his whim to put seating areas in the middle of 34th Street and 42nd Street, backing up traffic for blocks, in order to slow down the city, and at the same time blocking the flow of New York, had less to do with greening New York, and more to do with whether or not he could get the city to bend to his will.

The fact that two baseball stadiums were built in low and moderate income communities while nothing has been done for the surrounding community, including the failure to hire locally skilled labor for the construction of the stadiums. A seat could very well equal a day’s salary. By the way, there are some beautiful old buildings slated to go on the chopping block that are nearly a century old -- look fast the New York skyline will soon be classless glass boxes sitting vacant, staring down on you while you sit on the sidewalk, homeless shelter or whatever and wherever is left after New York is filled with Bloomberg’s version of affordable housing.

The D- grade Bill Thompson was relatively generous considering that Bloomberg has flown low under the radar of detection during the Wall Street vs. Mainstreet debacle. He appears to not have been called into account for how it is that Mainstreet is suffering on his watch.

D- is an appropriate grade given the betrayal of the public trust. Given the callous manner in which he went about dismantling the Term Limits law while people protested, as though they (we) not only did not exist, but did not count. The my way or the highway attitude and behavior negates everything else he may have accomplished. New York City is part of a democracy, not a dictatorship. A “D-” is appropriate for the despotic behavior that is evident in the Bloomberg administration.

Bloomberg the Republican, Giuliani the Republican, Bush the Republican have all had devastating effects on New York City. Let’s go three for three and relieve New York from further deprivation and downturn. It’s time to put New Yorkers back on top, and not the mayor on top of New York.

We cannot afford four more years of Bloomberg. EIGHT IS ENOUGH. Vote November 3, 2009 for Bill Thompson the next mayor of New York City.

Bill Thompson the right choice for Mayor of New York City.

Stay Tune For Part VIII 'Eight Is Enough'

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

WE EACH HAVE THE POWER OF ONE VOTE

WE EACH HAVE THE POWER OF ONE VOTE - EIGHT IS ENOUGH PART VI

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It all begins with the power of One. Each of us has the power to change the world. Each of us can join with the other millions of people who reside here in New York to begin to be the change we want to see.

We each have one vote, and though Bloomberg may have spent millions on this campaign, it all boils down to the fact the each of us has one vote, and we still get to go into the polls, pull the lever one person at a time.

We all know a lie when we hear one. We’ve heard many over the past few weeks, months and years that we’ve been dealing with the incumbent mayor, Mike Bloomberg. If you were to set up a balance scale with all that he has done to help New York on the left side, and the weight of all that he has done to hurt New York on the right side, the scales would tip so far to the right they’d break the supports.

It really doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure it out. The rich got richer, the middle class became poor and disenfranchised, and the poor got poorer. But wait, the scales began to tip even more, because the rich suddenly became poor, the middle class became homeless, and the poor got put on a bus and told to scram.

Bill Thompson has worked diligently in his role as Comptroller to stem the tide of the draconian increases proposed by the mayor to balance the budget on our backs. The utilities and water bills in New York have increased 98%. In fact the water bills were increased twice in the same year. Our transit fares have been increased twice in two years, with threats of cutbacks zoned fares, and all the kinds of increments that will dig even further into our pockets.

We cannot afford 4 more years of Bloomberg! Bill Thompson has done much to help the middle and lower class, often having to reverse allocations made by the mayor that would have damaged us even more.

Who has cost us the most over the last eight years? Bloomberg. He has taken our tax exempt funds and underwritten projects such as the rebuilding of Yankee Stadium, while affordable housing went twisting in the wind. How much would have gone down the drain had he been able to get away with the Jets Stadium on the west side fiasco? Can you live in a stadium? Can you live in the overpriced buildings that have replaced whole communities in Brooklyn and Manhattan that now stand empty gathering dust?

Bill Thompson, as comptroller has diligently worked to provide alternatives to Bloomberg’s insensitivity to the plight of New Yorkers.

How many families have to be uprooted in Brooklyn to build an Atlantic Yards Stadium for the Nets, with the empty promise of jobs (most of which will be menial and meaningless); under the guise of improving a community -- despite the fact that the community is consistently against it.

How many city jobs have to be replaced by privatization to figure out that New Yorkers are being supplanted.

No one is surprised that the Police Union is supporting Bloomberg. They supported Giuliani -- and the dictatorship continues.

It is no surprise that Bloomberg dangles his wealth in front of New Yorkers in an effort to entice them into selling their rights and principles as citizens. It’s nothing new. It’s a practice that has endured for quite some time now. It’s the carrot and the stick; bait and switch, sleight of hand that’s been going on for at least the last eight (8) years. It’s the concept that if he dangles enough money, people with be hypnotized by it, will feel that they are powerless against it and will succumb to it without even trying.

But New Yorkers are made of sterner stuff. The power of ONE has been what has made us the great city we are. No dictator can long run (ruin) New York.

Eight is enough! It is the signal that it is time for a paradigm shift. Time for a change for the better.

Bill Thompson stands for all New Yorkers. Time to take a stand to would be dictators who think they are more important than the rights and wishes of the people.

Make Bill Thompson the next Mayor of New York and let’s get back to the business of being a city for all New Yorkers.

Bill Thompson the right choice for Mayor of New York City.

WE EACH HAVE THE POWER OF ONE VOTE - EIGHT IS ENOUGH PART VI. Stay Tune For Part VII 'Eight Is Enough'

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EIGHT IS ENOUGH!! PART V

EIGHT REAL REASONS WHY BILL THOMPSON MUST BE ELECTED MAYOR TO SAVE THE SOUL OF NEW YORK AND WHY WE CANNOT AFFORD BLOOMBERG EVER AGAIN

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

It’s time to dispense with the lies swirling around Bill Thompson’s tenure as president of the Board of Education. It’s apparent that those who made that pathetic TV commercial in reference to Bill Thompson and the New York Education system did not do their homework, or they would never have made such inane statements. That said, it remains an absolute necessity to clarify the current controversy around the Board of Education, which in 1994, was under the thumb of Rudy Giuliani.

The recent changes engendered under the Bloomberg Administration were as much a result of the debacle Giuliani had made of it at the time, as to any alleged mismanagement on Bill Thompson‘s part. Much verbiage has been given to Bill Thompson’s role during that time. So let’s look at it. Given the circumstances, Thompson did an admirable job. New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, the same Giuliani who launched a near police attack against former Mayor David Dinkins, launched an offensive against then Chancellor Ramon Cortines, who was hired under the previous administration. Rumor had it that he didn’t like Cortines because he was Latino, and gay.

Whatever the reason, he launched such an offensive against him that Cortines was eventually forced to step down. He was replaced by Rudy Crew who Thompson reached out to after it was apparent that Giuliani was not going to let him do the job he came to do. Though the Board of Education was supposedly a State Run entity, Giuliani demanded that the education budget be reduced severely. Bill Thompson, stood up to Giuliani, and tried to reach a compromise that would provide the upgrades Cortines had started, but under the dictator of the time, found little support in the City or the State, which was under Pataki (you remember him, don‘t you?).

Despite that fact, Thompson took several risks in trying to ensure that parents and children had the assistance they needed. He was much vilified and sabotaged by the Giuliani regime throughout his tenure. In fact Crew only lasted three years, before he was likewise forced out.

Per the New York Times June 1995: Cortines “challenged educational corruption, beginning a Low-Performing Schools Initiative that led to leadership changes in a number of schools. He made the system more open, starting a program of Annual School Reports for parents to increase their involvement. He made himself accessible, visiting hundreds of schools and holding dozens of community forums. And the product of these efforts? Among them are an increase in math and reading test scores in all 32 local school districts for the first time since at least 1989; thousands more students taking and passing Regents math and science courses; more parent involvement at schools; a renewed sense of movement in the school system.

In a published statement from the Board of Education in 1995: “Sadly, this fine, decent man and tireless worker will now leave us. All Mayors seek control of the Board of Education. It is as recurrent a political act as elections. But the truth is that a separate Board of Education is not some odd entity unique to this city. Separate Boards of Education are a longstanding tradition in American governance. If anything, this Board is uniquely dependent, not independent -- the City controls the size of our overall budget and tells us how much money schools and schoolchildren will get. The Board of Education is a State, not a City, entity. And it should remain separate. It needs to be so in order to keep the influence of electoral politics at a minimum and to avoid pitting the needs of schoolchildren against the budget requirements of sweeping streets or maintaining the parks.”

“To far too great an extent, this city's school system has become a scapegoat, required to address the results of the city's other ills -- poverty, homelessness, the absence of the other programs to assist children and families, etc. Yet despite the growing needs of our students, our city schools have received a disproportionate share of the cuts. And the attacks on the school system and the Chancellor? That they have been unfair, relentless and baseless goes without saying. Likewise, it is obvious to all that they are injuries to our schools and schoolchildren. And they set a terrible example for behavior for our students. Beyond that, however, it seems clear that the attacks have been made and sustained to draw attention away from the most serious issue confronting the school system -- the terrible damage that will be done by the budget cuts.

Simply put, Ray Cortines has been pushed from his job by a City Hall that repudiated even his efforts at improving relations. We will all be poorer for his departure from our school system, and the children will have to pay the terrible price for this error.” Statement from Bill Thompson and members of the Board of Education.

This was excerpted from the DAILY KOS, an online newsletter that points up the underpinnings of the issues that beset the embattled school system under Giuliani and continued under Bloomberg: “The record shows that Giuliani was less effective at solving problems in which such efforts require cooperation with other levels of government, labor unions or communities of color. As a result, public schools got worse during the Giuliani years. Police-community relations got much worse. Much less affordable housing was built, and budgeted for, than under Ed Koch. The poor became a much lower priority than under Mayors Dinkins, Lindsay and Wagner.

In Giuliani's second term, the poor became scapegoats and lab rats for experiments in conservative social policy. Giuliani also governed in a fashion that created problems beneath the surface, for which the bill of reckoning is only now coming due. His borrowing left his successor with a $4.5 billion budget deficit only eighteen months after Rudy sat on a $3 billion surplus. And in a political deal, he closed the city's largest landfill, creating a crisis in garbage disposal and a tremendous budget burden for the sanitation department. There was no room for the Board of Education in the Giuliani administration. The record shows that Thompson's role at the Board of Education would be overshadowed by a New York City's mayor that had higher priorities for the school system than education. Thompson pitched battle with Giuliani during the balance of his incumbency, stepping down to run from Comptroller in 2001. He was viewed by many as the bridge for peace between the Board and Giuliani.”

Per Daily Kos: “Thompson pledges to overhaul curriculum to reduce the focus on standardized testing and create a school-by-school plan to cut class size. He also promises to better involve parents by creating a Parent University to educate families on ensuring children's academic success, similar to what Philadelphia has done.”

BILL THOMPSON COMES FROM A FAMILY OF EDUCATORS AND PUBLIC SERVANTS, GREW UP A COMMUNITY WHERE EDUCATION WAS IMPORTANT AND IMPERATIVE, BILL THOMPSON WILL KEEP HIS PROMISE AND TRANSFORM NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLS TO HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION CENTERS, NOT FIEFDOMS THAT ARE SET UP LIKE CITADELS THAT KEEP OUT THE FAMILIES THAT NEED THEM MOST.

Get More Information About New Yorkers For Bill Thompson

Bill Thompson the right choice for Mayor of New York City.

Stay Tune For Part V 'Eight Is Enough'

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EIGHT IS ENOUGH!! PART IV

EIGHT REAL REASONS WHY BILL THOMPSON MUST BE ELECTED MAYOR TO SAVE THE SOUL OF NEW YORK AND WHY WE CANNOT AFFORD BLOOMBERG EVER AGAIN

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

New Yorkers need to disabuse themselves of any hope of increased affordable homes, or jobs that are geared to New Yorkers. Witness the fact that, according to Barrett, developer Steve Ross, the administration's favorite developer, “was so cozy with city development czar Doctoroff that he assumed a $4 million loan Doctoroff made to the city's Olympic committee shortly before Doctoroff took office. And it's stunning that the mayor himself boldly endorsed the biggest real estate acquisition of all time—the $5.4 billion purchase of Stuy Town—even though the 20 percent owner of Bloomberg LP at the time, Merrill Lynch, was one of the buyers and he was legally barred from doing anything in his official capacity to aid Merrill.”

Isn’t it interesting that the current residents of Stuyvesant town, who had come within $1 million of jointly purchasing the property for themselves, were squelched from doing so? Under the original HUD rules, they should have been awarded the property because of having come in such close approximation to the asking price. The property now is so over priced that the remaining residents are being forced out, and there are no takers for the overpriced vacancies! Additionally, the property is now facing massive financial difficulties (I wonder why?)

That’s a scene that is replicated all over New York City’s 5 Boroughs, where affordable properties have come into the hands of private developers, and have become over priced properties, forcing the original residents into homelessness. Had it not been for the joint efforts of Congressmembers Edolphus Town, Yvette Clarke, Nydia Velazques, and Senator Chuck Schumer, Starrett City, the largest affordable development in New York City with 16,000 families, would have met the same fate. Now, however, high price properties constructed in Manhattan, once reserved for Wall Street purchasers are too high even for them. Also witness the fact that whole blocks of New York, especially in Harlem and other predominantly Black communities were sold wholesale to foreign interests, unbeknown to the residents. And that Harlem sports a Condominium where the studio apartment started at $750,000 -- well out of the reach of the residents in that community.

Who owns New York Now?

So what then of the New York’s middle class working families, and lower income residents? They apparently get no love or support from this Administration. Those who found themselves homeless as a result of the economic downturn, and the sudden mass reduction of jobs, were put on buses to go ‘wherever” as long as they never returned to New York.

DON’T THINK THAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED HAD BILL THOMPSON BEEN MAYOR AT THE TIME. It’s unconscionable!

Bloomberg is proud of his self-financed campaigns, often celebrating the fact that he takes no contributions from anyone. But, per Barrett, “the evidence is mounting—with 33 of Bloomberg LP's top 124 customers having business with the city—that we may be getting the quid without the quo. The mayor's friends and prime-time business supporters appear to be reaping the same rewards as those big donors used to get, only minus the donations, and the circle of insiders that openly rallied to him during the term limits debate is, by and large, the same group that is prospering from his discretionary decisions.” (but I didn’t need to tell you that, did I?)

Barrett cited “The New York City Partnership, co-chaired now by Goldman's Lloyd Blankfein and Rupert Murdoch, (owner of the New York Post and Fox Five News) has become Bloomberg's modern version of an oldline political club. Even as the mayor can make the case that his health initiatives and other priorities benefit the poor, his near 100 rezonings, construction deregulations, generous subsidies, and other policies have fed the aura of a government of, for, and by the elites.”

It's at least a bit awkward that Bloomberg LP's business news channel, a linchpin to the growth of the media giant Mike owns almost entirely himself, But that same media giant failed to warn the city of the impending doom. Don’t you find it amazing that the Mayor of the city hit hardest by the Wall Street down turn, could have the temerity and the gall to stand and brag that he started out with $5 billion, and now he has $16 billion? Forget about Bernie Madoff? How is it that he is realizing a profit while so many New Yorkers suffer? One also wonders how many of Bloomberg’s cronies were given a total pass in the fall of Wall Street.

Who and what and when did he know what he/they knew? How is it that there has been no real action on the part of the Mayor to stop the bloodletting that New York City is suffering from? Where are the initiatives to normalize the cost of housing, the cost of utilities, the glut of properties while more and more families are forced onto the street. The will to privatize in order to give more contracts to cronies, while New Yorkers go begging? Where is the mayor for all people.

NEW YORK CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER DAY OF BLOOMBERG, LET ALONE 4 MORE YEARS

Bill Thompson the right choice for Mayor of New York City.

Stay Tune For Part V 'Eight Is Enough'

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EIGHT IS ENOUGH!! PART III

EIGHT REAL REASONS WHY BILL THOMPSON MUST BE ELECTED MAYOR TO SAVE THE SOUL OF NEW YORK AND WHY WE CANNOT AFFORD BLOOMBERG EVER AGAIN

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hopefully, as with the election of Barack Obama for President, New York residents will be savvy enough to see through the sham and scam and vote for the interest of the community: Nothing Bloomberg has done has been in the positive interest of the Black/Hispanic community.

BILL THOMPSON WILL BE MORE INCLUSIVE, COGNIZANT AND ACTIVE IN ENSURING NEW YORKERS ARE MADE WHOLE.

If the New York Democrats in this pivotal race are solidly behind Democrat candidate Bill Thompson, this can be a clear signal that New Yorkers are no longer subjected to schizophrenic support ie, predominantly Democratic in population, under the thumb of Republican elected officials.

THIS IS THE TIME TO STOP THE MADNESS.

And why, in nearly 2010 is the World Trade Center is still a bone of contention? While there has been the recent construction of two baseball stadiums in the Bronx, the World Trade Center continues to twist in the wind of controversial fits and starts. The necessity and success of these stadiums is questionable, as evidenced by the reduction of ticket prices for Citifield to entice crowds to come out to a ball game that most can’t afford to attend.

Paraphrasing Barrett: “The city spent a half-billion on the two stadiums, and used tax-exempt bonds (set aside for projects of great public value, like hospitals,) for a total of $1.9 billion. They further provided subsidy for the two teams (who claim to have personally invested $1.3 billion). “The evidence that top officials of the Bloomberg administration reversed land assessments for the Yankees deal to artificially jack up the value in order to qualify for the tax-exempt financing.!!

Barratt points out “E-mails like one from a top aide to Deputy Mayor Doctoroff explicitly said they were making the assessment "so high" in an attempt "to support the tax-exempt financing."

Theoretically, Bloomberg has invested $4 billion in new housing, but most of that has been high end, not affordable homes; and primarily concentrated in the Manhattan area. According to Barrett: “But the fact remains that the only major projects built or to be built in the Bloomberg era—the monuments to Mike—are Yankee Stadium, Citi Field, and the soon-to-be-bonded-by-the-city Nets arena in Brooklyn (an arena that Brooklyn citizens do not want). Kind of sounds a little like the term limits issue all over again, doesn’t it, where the will of the people is totally disregarded by Bloomberg. Does anyone see a pattern here?

The threat of Bloomberg “improving” the transit system should strike fear in the hearts of every New Yorker. We have now witnessed two fare increases under his regime. With that in mind, one should shudder under the concept of his having anything to do with the transit system, from standing only cars, to zoned transit fares, to locked platforms: BE AFRAID - BE VERY VERY AFRAID!!!

Watch out for some last minute “lame duck” manuvering if Bloomberg loses this election. And expect even more riding roughshod over New Yorkers if he wins. Either way New Yorkers have to be vigilant. It has been noted that there are plans on the book to “replicate its scandal-ridden history of bonding the Atlantic Yards projects by supporting the issuance of $678 million in state tax-exempt bonds for the Nets. Estimates are that the arena will also cost the city $350 million.

Per Barrett, the late Senator Patrick Moynihan attached an amendment to the IRS code in 1986 to try to bar cities from using tax-exempt bonds to finance stadiums, but the city "found a way to circumvent these strictures" by technically structuring these two privately built and operated stadiums as publicly owned and leased for 99 years. The IRS originally OK'd this arrangement and then reversed itself, prohibiting such maneuvers in the future. Yet the city plans to do the arena precisely the same way,

Bill Thompson the right choice for Mayor of New York City.

Stay Tune For Part 4 'Eight Is Enough'

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EIGHT IS ENOUGH!! PART II

EIGHT REAL REASONS WHY BILL THOMPSON MUST BE ELECTED MAYOR TO SAVE THE SOUL OF NEW YORK AND WHY WE CANNOT AFFORD BLOOMBERG EVER AGAIN

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Fire Commissioner Scopetta, according to Barrett failed to make sure that the mandatory inspections were made to ensure Deutsche Bank’s safety during post 911 demolition. No one knows how much this may have contributed to the fatal fire. Add that to the fact that there was a rise in construction incompetency, increased safety violations during that time, with few, if any, permits to Black contractors. None of which were reviewed upon Ms. Lancaster’s stepping down. Per Barrett, Lancaster was forced out over failings unrelated to Deutsche Bank, with deputy Building Commissioner LiMandri elevated to commissioner, and former Deputy Mayor Doctoroff becoming the president of Bloomberg LP. By the way, watch for an increase in demolitions as Bloomberg cronies rush to get a jump on properties should he not be re-elected next year.

Barrett also pointed up Bloomberg appointees who have served no useful purpose to the City of New York. Among them “Giuliani's cousin, Ray Casey, installed by Bloomberg as a favor to Giuliani“ who apparently took a profitable Off-Track Betting (OTB) Corporation into such a “financial tailspin that, six and a half years later, Bloomberg finally prevailed on the state to take the nearly bankrupt bookie over.”

Robert Walsh, who was appointed Small Business Services commissioner, mishandled two great minority initiatives. When his agency's mishandling of both was revealed, the mayor said "nobody read" the damning critique. Per Barrett, Bloomberg garnered “half of the black vote and a third of the Hispanic vote in 2005 as a white Republican running against Fernando Ferrer. During the 2005 campaign, he spent millions buying the minority vote, and announced a new City Hall program designed to recruit black and Hispanic apprentices into the construction trades. Bloomberg's Commission of Construction Opportunity targeted minorities during that campaign, but never followed through once he was re-elected.

To further entice the Black and Hispanic vote, he also initated an executive order creating a new Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) program. Subsequently these programs which he highly advertised during 2005 campaign, are no where to be found. SOUND FAMILIAR? BLOOMBERG MAKES BIG PROMISES, WITH LITTLE TO NO RESULTS.

Bloomberg’s minority hiring and contracting are a joke. According to Barrett, after the 2005 election “the implementation of both initiatives was immediately relegated to an obscure city agency called the Department of Small Business Services (SBS)—which had, surprisingly, more blacks at the top under Rudy Giuliani than it does today under Mike Bloomberg.” The four Black commissioners no longer exist, and the department is being run by white employees. (???!!)

Incidentally, where is the mainstream media in the call for accountability? Per Barrett: "If it were anyone else, there would be much more accountability on these promises." He also points out that the media "quiescence" has selectively protected the Bloomberg administration. "I have never seen it so still," he says, contrasting the media's lack of penetrating questions about Bloomberg's second-term record with the intensive coverage of his three immediate predecessors: Giuliani, David Dinkins, and Ed Koch. But if you check the members on Bloomberg LP’s board, you’ll find Rupert Murdock, owner of Fox TV, New York Post and other media outlets. Get the picture?

What is called Bloomberg’s self financing of his campaign, can also be called blatant attempts at vote buying. How many votes can a candidate buy whether with dollars or false promises. And how deep does the commitment go? It is rumored that among the individuals or organizations said to endorse Bloomberg in the Black Community are Rev. Al Sharpton, Rev. Floyd Flake and Rev. Calvin Butts. Fact or rumor, the assumption is that their constituencies will follow lock step behind them. The assumption that their endorsement will actually trickle down to their followers is (hopefully) erroneous.

One has only to look back at the Nixon “trickle down theory” to remember what it felt like to get trickled on.

Bill Thompson the right choice for Mayor of New York City.

Stay Tune For Part 3 'Eight Is Enough'

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson

EIGHT IS ENOUGH!!

EIGHT REAL REASONS WHY BILL THOMPSON MUST BE ELECTED MAYOR TO SAVE THE SOUL OF NEW YORK AND WHY WE CANNOT AFFORD BLOOMBERG EVER AGAIN

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Given Bloomberg’s blatant failures over the past 8 years, it is clear that New Yorkers cannot afford one more day, let alone 4 more years of this mayor. The cost of housing has quadrupled, New York is facing the highest percentage of unemployment ever since the great depression. Water and utility bills have increased 98% since Bloomberg’s assuming office in 2002. And one wonders why is it that the founder of Bloomberg LP, which is reputed with being in the forefront of information re Wall Street, Stock Exchange, and investments completely and totally slept the impending and subsequent collapse of Wall Street to the detriment of mainstreet.

Bloomberg, who crossed party lines to run as a Republican against other fellow Democrat contenders to become Mayor of New York in 2001, has obviously found that he can keep New Yorkers confused and off balance if he keeps switching parties. First he’s a Democrat, then he’s Republican, then he’s an “Independent.” (???!!) If he could get away with it he’d be all three. If he can’t even chose which party he represents (Republican), how can he be trusted to truly represent the interests of New York?

BILL THOMPSON HAS ALWAYS BEEN A NEW YORK DEMOCRAT. HAS BEEN LOYAL TO HIS PARTY, BUT EVEN MORE IMPORTANT, LOYAL TO HIS CONSTITUENTS.

In a recent article appearing in the Village Voice entitled Bloomberg III, Wayne Barrett has correctly pointed up some of the inequities New Yorkers have suffered under the Bloomberg Administration. The scrapping of term limits and total disregard for the wishes of the New York Voters is a glaring one. States Barrett: “I believe that the self-serving reversal of term limits was the greatest abuse of power I have covered in more than three decades on this beat.”

Over the past eight years building permits were granted to Bloomberg cronies, changing the New York cityscape - not necessarily always for the better. Though two deadly crane accidents forced buildings commissioner Patricia Lancaster to step down, no one audited previous building permits she signed off on to determine whether they were equitably granted. So hundreds of buildings torn down unnecessarily, replaced by buildings we did not need. The New York skyline is losing buildings of class, being replace by building of glass that have no artistry, personality, and most likely will not last as long as the buildings they replaced.

In fact, whole neighborhoods have been uprooted and destroyed by buildings for the rich, while families are being uprooted -- destroying the quality and personality of the community. These buildings now sit empty forming a new blight of dark canyons where viable communities once stood. Brooklyn has one of the largest gluts of unfinished construction, with at least 66 of them in Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries area.

By the way, exactly how long is a building supposed to be surrounded by scaffolding before the repairs are made? I’ve seen some buildings where the scaffolding has been there as long as six or seven years. With nothing being done to improve the property, leaving dark, unsafe areas to walk through.

Bill Thompson the right choice for Mayor of New York City.

Stay Tune For More 'Eight Is Enough'

Stay Blessed and Eclectically Black,

Gloria Dulan-Wilson