Modernize Services

We live in an age of cloud-based computing, where you can be in your car and reach your desktop computer. It's an age where cell phones can recharge without wires and connecting to other people and information is as much virtual as it is actual.

Troy can improve its overall level of service by more effectively employing technology to keep residents safe and maintain neighborhood quality-of-life. We have first-class municipal services from police and fire departments to code enforcement and the DPW, among others. Yet, there are several ways that we can improve them even more; some complicated, some that would need planning and investment.

First, would be for the city's website to offer a user friendly interface that expands “Action Line” reporting, requesting FOIL-able documents, and overall is a cleaner version of what exists. This can be done by acquiring a content management system, which also enables faster updating by each department head. Troy has a very active and involved community; we need to continue to encourage this. Three and a half years ago I helped co-founded the North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch to assist facilitate the resolution of neighborhood quality-of- life issues. We live in a “point and click age” and we need to make it easier for people to “point-and-click” their neighborhood issues to City officials.

Next, City government can improve the way it reacts to neighborhood issues. Troy is dense city with about 14,000 property parcels. To be effective city governments need quick, accurate, and relevant information to address quality-of-life issues, including Troy. As a member of the Troy City Council, I would support adopting the approach of Everett, MA officials.

Earlier this year, they acquired handheld devices and portable printers from a company called GeoTMS. Their product includes “a complete land-management software package designed…to electronically process and track information such as applications, permits, inspections and licenses” according to a press release.

The release goes on to say “Code Enforcement…Fire and Police officers and [other municipal] officials can enter an address in the device or on the web, look at any history of violations and immediately cite or fine an offender.” In addition to these agencies, we may be able to improve the capability of the City’s Assessor office using this type of new technology.

A third, but certainly not the final way, we can use technology to improve government is to enact a city-wide email and text alert system that goes directly to the resident, free and accurately, assuming they opt into it. This isn’t new either. RPI has a text alert system for their entire campus and Watervliet has recently begun an email newsletter service. I have to believe that while perhaps more complex, we can expand these services to anyone in Troy that wants to receive them.

The internet and social networking has altered the landscape of how government needs to connect to the people. These are simple, cost effective ways to address an information gap that might exist among people that use this new technology.

Proactive government allows for a progressive and successful community. A famous quote states there is no Republican or Democrat way to pick up your garbage. However, we need buy-in from city officials that view technology as an effective solution to municipal issues.

Our City and its services will only be as effective as the tools they utilize. We need to continue engaging our residents and provide them with essential details so they can enjoy all the city has to offer. We need to enhance our communication methods while continuing to maintain our traditional ones.

My Busy Summer

Hello everyone! It’s been awhile since I last posted but I have been tremendously busy. Specifically, I have been heavily involved in several community projects: the planning the 2011 Uncle Sam Parade, recently I have been appointed as a trustee of the Lansingburgh Historical Society, working with the committee coordinating the Capital District YMCA Golf Outing, working with the members of the North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch (as you can imagine “business” is picking up with summer fast approaching) and also I’ve announced my run for Troy City Council as an At-large candidate. Oh and I also celebrated my 31st birthday on May 23rd.

Yes, you read it correctly; I am running for office again and this time city-wide. I have been asked why I want to do this. I can honestly say it’s because I believe I have something to offer for the betterment of our community. We need individuals who will restore Troy government, specifically the city council, to one that is open and proactive, not reactive or obstructive. We need to establish and maintain a can-do, business friendly climate while providing our taxpayers with the highest quality service a municipal government can provide.

There is a toxic tone and too many fractured relationships that currently exist both within our government and with the residents and professionals of our community. This cannot continue to exist. Troy is currently positioned for great things. Over the past several months we have read stories and learned about the great multi-million dollar development projects happening across the city. This needs to continue and furthermore we need to be more aggressive in implementing initiatives that will decrease the cost of government, improve the quality of life for our taxpayers, and entice people and developers to Troy.

I am excited to share that our campaign committee has begun to detail how we will accomplish this. Just this past Monday, I announced the formation of a Sustainability Task Force that has begun to map out a set of initiatives that will reduce the cost our taxpayers are burdened with for waste disposal and energy consumption of our municipal properties. For example, the city of Troy expends $1.2 million dollars a year to dispose of solid waste, garbage. We will show just how implementing new recycling methods, to include composting of food and yard waste, will reduce this cost. Couple this with smart use of alternative energy sources like wind and solar for our municipal buildings to make them more efficient to operate will be less-costly than our current practice and just as important more eco-friendly. Nationwide municipalities are implementing ecologically intelligent plans its time that Troy goes Green as well. To learn more about our proposal or to get involved CLICK HERE

This is just one of the top priorities I will work hard to have enacted upon being elected to the city council. Several other goals include to continue to increase the marketability of our city as an attractive option for private and commercial investment; further develop our parks program; and most importantly, to continually enhance the safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods.

More detail will be provided as our campaign rolls along. I look forward to discussing the issues with as many residents and Troy advocates as possible. Whether it is long term initiatives such as neighborhood renewal in South Troy or everyday issues such as street cleaning or winter plowing (all of which are part of my top priorities) I want to know what is on your mind. I grew up in South Troy, my parents still reside on 2nd Street south of the Canal and I own a home with my wife, Melissa, in Lansingburgh. I have a keen understanding of what both these communities as well as those on the East Side face. I pledge that these areas will not go overlooked while I serve at the pleasure of the taxpayers of Troy. If you know who I am, you know that I have worked tirelessly with numerous community groups and people across this city with the specific goal of improving the city we all love. I look forward to being granted the opportunity to continue to do so as a city councilman.

You may follow my campaign via Facebook by “Liking” by page at www.facebook.com/gordon4troy or by visiting my campaign website, www.JimGordonForTroy.com   

A busy week ahead in Troy

Three items on the agenda for this week are geared to support three distinct and worthy causes happening around the Collar City.

On Thursday, April 28th the Troy Flag Day Parade Committee will be holding a fundraiser for this year’s 44th Annual Parade. Due to major cut backs at the state level the parade committee has publically stated that they may be short on funds to put this year’s parade on. I personally can relate to this as a member of the Uncle Sam Parade Committee we have been finding it tougher to raise funds to host our parade. Costs continue to increase while a constricting economy causes our donors to make tough decisions.

If you are interested, to aid in the effort to raise the money for the parade, the committee is planning a fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. April 28 at Revolution Hall at Brown’s Brewing Co. The event will feature hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and music by John & Terry of Sound Spectrum. The fee for the event is $20 per person. The 44th annual Flag Day Parade, the largest tribute to our nation’s flag, is set for Sunday June 12.

On Troy Night Out! Friday, April 29th the Troy September 11th Memorial Committee will host a fundraiser in support of their efforts in constructing a memorial in Troy. “The World Trade Center lecture “9-11-01 Was 10 Years Ago” presented by Lester J. Millman. The Record Community Lab located at 501 Broadway, will host the event. Light refreshments will be served. The committee is asking for a $20.00 Suggested Donation (proceeds will benefit the Troy September 11th Memorial). Space is limited so if you are interested please RSVP to me Jim Gordon at 365-2270.

The World Trade Center lecture “9-11-01 Was 10 Years Ago,” by Lester J. Millman with photographs taken by Mr. Millman from the first night of 9-11-01 through the first few days of the disaster. These images are quite exclusive as they have rarely been shown before and no other photojournalists were permitted into the area. Ground Zero site was a crime scene and thus closed by the NYPD to the press.

Mr. Millman was the official photographer to Governor George E. Pataki from 1997 to the end of his term 2006. The images are public domain but not widely available. And, each image in the program was made by Lester Millman.

A lifelong photojournalist Mr. Millman has covered 3 wars, 7 U. S. Presidents over 50 terrorist attacks and countless stories of everyday life. From 1973-80 he worked in Israel for Time, Newsweek (cover), the Jerusalem Post and most major American and European publications. He has won awards from the POY in Missouri and the World Press Photo Contest, Netherlands.

Then on Saturday, April 30th the city of Troy will celebrate the citywide Earth Day celebration. Dozens of community groups and hundreds of volunteers will take to the streets of their neighborhoods cleaning up and performing a number of beautification projects. For a complete list of the citywide projects CLICK HERE.

Our group, the North Lansingburgh Neighborhood Watch will be focusing on two projects. The first is an exterior painting project at the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club and the second is a beautification project at the Historic Lansingburgh Village Cemetery. We will begin our projects at 9am, if you are interested in lending a hand please contact me at 365-2270.

Lotto's subsidies for education

Many people, including myself, have always wondered what the financial relationship between the New York State Lottery and education is. Recently, WNYT issued a report with some interesting figures. In 2010, lottery sales totaled more than $7.8 billion! $2.6 billion of this went to fund education in NYS.

Here's how it breaks down:

For every $1 spent on the lottery, $.34 goes to education, $.58 ends up in the pockets of the lucky winners and $.06 is allocated to retail commissions.

Local District Allocations:

• Troy $7,324,914.37 
• Albany $12,171,940.24
• Schenectady $16,657,100.67
• Shenendehowa $9,977,686.19
• Bethlehem $5,473,766.79
• Niskayuna $4,617,544.85 

I reached out to WNYT for a more detailed break down of the Troy allocation, whether or not this was combined for both districts or just the Troy district. A quick look at the both districts budgets didn't simply answer the question, therefore, lets assume its combined. A little over seven million dollars is granted to our two local school districts. To put this in perspective the Troy School District's budget is approx $95 million while Lansingburgh's is approx $38 million. The local benefit is just under $150 per Troy resident, utilizing the new 2010 census number 50,129. The lottery subsidies serve its purpose but it's not the windfall that some believe it to be in "funding education."

Effective Code Enforcement is... NICE

Code enforcement is one the essential services offered by our city. According to the City of Troy’s website “The Bureau of Code Enforcement administers the city's building construction, permitting and housing inspection programs. Under these programs the Bureau is responsible for the enforcement of all state and local codes as well as the city's zoning ordinance. Typical functions of the Bureau include issuance of building permits, performance of construction and housing inspections, vacant building inspections and issuance of certificates of occupancy and compliance.” In other words code enforcement keeps our city safe, clean, and orderly. As you can imagine it’s a tough task keeping an urban environment with numerous socioeconomically challenged neighborhoods. There are many reasonable influences that cause “code” issues. The list includes reasoning’s such as the current economic condition, a transient population, absentee landlords, and an aging housing stock.

The federal government through, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) facilitate the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for local municipalities. The program's purpose is the development of viable urban communities for low-and moderate income persons through the provision of the following: 1) Decent housing, 2) A suitable living environment, and 3) Economic opportunity.

The City of Troy receives approximately $2.5 million annually from HUD. These funds are allocated to numerous citywide projects that fall within a target zone. The target zone is determined by the city administration through the development of a 5 Year Action Plan. The target zone must be within HUD’s qualifying census tracts which are determined through the census and based upon income.

One of the programs that is facilitated and paid for utilizing these federal CDBG funds is called the Neighborhood Improvement through Code Enforcement program (NICE). The approach this code enforcement program takes is aimed at achieve results in a timely manner. Over a specific period of time City Code Officers, whose sole responsibility is to conduct this program, will inspect the exterior of every property within the target area. If a violation is found the property owners will be notified instantly.

Once notified of the violation the property owner has 30 days to begin the repair, cleaning, or painting work that is needed for the property to be brought up to code. Property owners who fail to respond to City notices of violation will be ticketed after 30 days, brought to Code Enforcement Court, and be fined appropriately.

There have been 10 target areas from South Troy to Lansingburgh over the past eight years. Last year, our neighborhood group worked with Mayor Tutunjian to secure the NICE program for 2nd Avenue and 5th Avenue in Lansingburgh from 116th Street to Northern Drive. Personally, I believe the effectiveness of the program speaks for itself. Below are the statistics per target area, you can draw your own conclusions, however.

From the data shown below, for the total program history, there have been 3,526 properties inspected. Initially, just 42% of them where in code compliance (1,471 properties). Within the 30 day notification period 1,055 of those 2,055 found in violation started work to be come code compliant. At the end of the day, realizing that the data is still incomplete for the 2010-11 target areas, 72% of the properties inspected within the target areas are code compliant, a 71% increase from the initial compliance properties and this number will grow as the current programs expire. These are great results that will become greater!   

	Beman Park-Hillside	S. Lansingburgh - North Central
Year	2003-04	2005-06
# properties inspected	390	628
# initially comply	138	156
% comply	35%	25%
# respond or began work w/in 30 days	158	115
# court appearance notices sent	93	127
final # in comply	335	524
% final in comply	86%	83%
	5th Ave tgt blocks	South Central
Year	2005-06	2006-08
# properties inspected	44	530
# initially comply	18	291
% comply	41%	55%
# respond or began work w/in 30 days	16	134
# court appearance notices sent	10	45
final # in comply	34	477
% final in comply	77%	90%
	S. Troy Osgood	Burgh 2nd & 5th (104th -116th St.)
Year	2008-09	2008-09
# properties inspected	249	317
# initially comply	128	171
% comply	51%	54%
# respond or began work w/in 30 days	76	88
# court appearance notices sent	34	51
final # in comply	205	259
% final in comply	82%	82%
	S. Troy	North Central
Year	2009-10	2009-10
# properties inspected	511	334
# initially comply	193	156
% comply	38%	47%
# respond or began work w/in 30 days	132	107
# court appearance notices sent	113	90
final # in comply	433	263
% final in comply	85%	79%
	S. Troy Hillside	Burgh 2nd & 5th (116th St.-Northern)
Year	2010-11	2010-11
# properties inspected	261	262
# initially comply	97	123
% comply	37%	47%
# respond or began work w/in 30 days	131	98
# court appearance notices sent	33	27
final # in comply	TBD	TBD
% final in comply	TBD	TBD

Potpourri: Childhood Cancer Benefit, "Transport-a-Hero," Budget Public Hearing

I wanted to spend a moment to write about three positive initiatives I recently learned about happening in our own community.

First, a neighbor of mine, Don O’Brien, is raising funds for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. Don’s goal is to raise $500 that will go to benefit childhood cancer research. The funds raised and granted through St. Baldrick’s is 100% volunteer driven through people like Don. Once Don reaches his goal he will be shaving the hair from his head during a celebration at the Park Pub at Frear Park on March 27th. To learn more or to donate please click here! As of this writing Don is $96 shy of his goal!

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Secondly, the Commission on Economic Opportunity has recently launched their “Transport-a-Hero” program. Through this program local veterans will receive free transportation to their medical appointments. The transportation service is provided on an as needed basis by community volunteers. CEO is currently seeking individuals who would like to volunteer their time to transport “Our Hero’s” to these appointments. Click the image below for more information.

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Finally, this Saturday March 19th Senator Roy McDonald will be hosting a Public Hearing to discuss the 2011 New York State Budget. The hearing will be held at Knickerbacker Middle School in Lansingburgh from 10am to 12pm. This is a unique opportunity to discuss and learn about the financial situation of the state’s budget with the Senator and senate finance staff. Click the image below for more information.

Police and Schools

Many thoughts and opinions circulate around this topic. When anyone questions or poses change to the “school districts” it normally sparks a fair amount of debate and rightfully so. If there is any one single item in society people hold dear to them, it’s the education and safety of their children. Everyone wants what’s best for their children; my parents did and so did yours. The recent announcement of the Troy Police Department reducing the presence of the School Resource Officers (SRO) at the schools sparked such debate. My wife and I do not have any children and I cannot speak from that perspective, but I can speak as a person who has been involved in the community, served as a member of several school/community forums, and as a graduate of the Troy School District.

When I first learned of the SRO program a number of years ago I could not believe what I was hearing. Really, you need cops to patrol Troy schools? I wondered what happened from when I graduated, which wasn’t that long ago, to now, that requires the presence of uniformed, armed, police officers. I was stunned. But as I learned more, took stock of the changing social climate in the city, and became more involved, it began to make sense. From then on I became a believer. I personally know a few of the current and previous SRO’s. I hear the examples of how their intervention has positively impacted the at-risk youth and the community as a whole through educating kids and parents, and preventing incidents. I personally support this program.

When I was first learning about SRO’s, I asked how this program was funded and what is the relationship between the school districts and the City? I was told that the City was reimbursed with grant monies for the officer’s time while they are in the schools. However, the grant had an expiration date and over the life of the grant the reimbursement monies decreased until the grant is exhausted, thereby placing the burden of the expense on the City. The grant is now exhausted and has been for a period of time. Three Troy Police Officers work, while school is in session, at Lansingburgh, Doyle, and Troy High. Many people have said to me, “How can anyone put a value on the children’s education and safety, by saying we can’t afford police in our schools?” That’s a valid question, but what about my previous question of, “What is the relationship between the school districts and the City?” What happened to the school security service and the “no nonsense” administration policies that were in place when I was in school? We pay more in school taxes every year than we pay in city and county taxes. What does or should this afford us? There are administrators in our schools that earn a great deal more than our mayor and for the most part we have no say in who governs our schools. Yes, there is an elected school board of education, but honestly what level of influence do they hold? Isn’t it fair to say that our schools are not performing at a desirable level? Doesn’t anyone see an issue with both schools districts rushing bond votes through worth tens of millions of dollars and the majority of these projects, at each school, revolve around renovation of the athletic fields, converting them to artificial turf? What happened to priorities? What happened to public accountability? If the education and safety of our city’s youth is top priority, I believe it is incumbent upon the school districts to get their house in order.

This isn’t a political issue, currently all sides are calling for reform, and Governor Cuomo is calling people to task. Just like any business you can’t fix the problem just by throwing money at it, which has been the practice far too long. We created a governmental agency, the NYS Lottery, to assist in the subsidization of the public school system. All that was created was a beast of a public entity and all that has been achieved is furthering people’s gambling addictions.

It would be a shame if these officers were removed from the schools. It would be a shame if the school districts didn’t take the bull by the horns and say, “How can we make this happen, together?” Rather than play the victim. People should be tired of school districts playing the victim, tugging at the strings of the public’s heart; all while rising our taxes by three or more percent a year on a regular basis, constantly underperforming. It’s time for them to step up to the plate, clean up their act, and act accordingly. The school administrators should be held to the same standard we hold our elected officials on the city council, our mayor, and administrators such as our police chief. Work together and resolve this issue.