Mayor Jay Williams Addresses the City Club of Cleveland February 5, 2009

I am posting this video here with no comment on my part. However, if you were a participant in the downtown tree debate a year or so ago you would be interested in hearing what the Mayor has to say at minute 8:30 on Video 5. Once again thanks to Janko for pointing that out. I would be very interested in your thoughts about the mayor's speech and will post your comments here. I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Looking Back - and Moving Forward

Janko at Shout Youngstown has posted a story about the genesis of his blog. I want to encourage everyone to check out his post at Shout Youngstown.I did not see the film footage he presents when it was first aired because I was en route to Houston Texas and busy making a life with my family in a new place because my now ex-husband had just lost his job at Sheet and Tube. I want to thank Janko for sharing it now and for reminding us that we are some of the most resilient people in the country. I also want to thank him for continuing to Shout Youngstown.

Speaking of genesis it was over a year ago that I began Youngstown Moxie. The reason I started Moxie was because I was inspired by the many young bloggers that were creating a buzz about Youngstown. I have lived here for many years and have always been involved in various forms of activism, however it wasn't until Janko at Shout Youngstown, Tyler Clark from Renaissance Youngstown and Phil Kidd from Defend Youngstown began blogging that I began to rejuvenate and once again get excited about the potential here in the city. We have come a long way since the early days of Y-town blogging. For more about that growth see Tyler's blog post today. Since the early days of Moxie I have learned a great deal about technology thanks to the patience of the aforementioned bloggers. I have also developed a keen respect for the power of the blog and see it as one of the few ways to get the news of the day as seen through a different lens than that of the establishment press.

Today we have a new President and I fear that he may be damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't. The Washington Press Core is part of the very establishment that Obama wants to change. Many in the press derive their livelihood from their knowledge of establishment politics. If the knowledge required to do the job were to change, that means that many in the media can no longer operate as they have been. Whether conscious or not, they have a personal stake in maintaining the status quo. The spin they put on politics determines to a large degree the approval ratings of the President. I do not believe that the press is necessarily conservative or liberal, I believe that they merely want to maintain the world as they know it.

The establishment of Washington fully expects that Obama will come around to their view of the world. They fully expect things to stay the same. In other words they figure Obama said what he needed to say to get elected, but now that he is President, it will be business as usual. I do not believe this is Obama's intention. However, if pushed up against a wall by negative public opinion created by the establishment press, he could ultimately find himself a part of the very establishment he wishes to change.

As citizens we must not stop our support now, we must continue to make our voices heard. If necessary we must demonstrate and create some tension to make certain that Obama has an opportunity to implement the programs that we have been lacking for over eight years. Granted the stimulus package is for a great deal of money, but government spending on programs has been substantially reduced in recent years. We have a lot to make up for. Granted, I would prefer that the package itself were written in a more comprehensible format but nevertheless, we need it and we need it now. It is time for the creation of a green economy and public transportation on a large scale. My personal dream is that some day we in the U.S. will have high speed rail service. It is by the development of such projects that we will create real growth in the economy. For more on the economy and the stimulus package see Tyler Clark's blog Renaissance Youngstown and by all means don't shut up yet,continue to make your voices heard.

Youngstown - Mahoning County Vacant Property Initiative

Youngstown-Mahoning County Vacant Property Initiative Announces Launch of National Vacant Property Campaign Report
February 4, 2009 - Youngstown OH


The Youngstown-Mahoning County Vacant Property Initiative invites all members of the public to attend the launch of the National Vacant Property Campaign report entitled Regenerating Youngstown and Mahoning County through Vacant Property Reclamation on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 from 12:00 noon to 2:00 PM at St. Patrick's Church Hall on Oak Hill Avenue in Youngstown. Distinguished guests include Joseph Schilling (National Vacant Property Committee, Virginia Tech) and Daniel Kildee (Genesee County MI Treasurer, Genesee Land Bank Chair and CEO.

This groundbreaking report is the result of 18 months worth of work by a diverse collection of local leaders who have collectively addressed the vacant property challenges that face both the city of Youngstown and Mahoning County. The main focus of the VPI and this report is to revise existing and create new city and county systems for the prevention and reclamation of vacant property. The report promotes the integration and coordination of policy and practical solutions to more effectively prevent, acquire, and reuse these community assets.

The VPI steering committee is comprised of members from a number of state, county and city organizations along with community groups and the private sector. This unprecedented illustration of regional collaboration includes representation from Mahoning County, the City of Youngstown, Wick Neighbors Inc. Austintown Township, Boardman Township,Coldwell Banker/First Place Real Estate, Home Savings and Loan, Lien Forward Ohio, Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative, Ohio Department of Development, Ronald Cornell Faniro Architects, Seventh Ward Citizens Coalition, St. Patrick's Church, and Youngstown State University.

I highly recommend that if you have an interest in this issue that you attend this event.

This Land is Your Land

Pete Seeger and Bruce Springstein performed Woody Guthrie's song "This Land is Your Land" at yesterday's concert for Obama. Eighty-nine year old Seeger, had the crowd of a half million people sing along. Ever the activist, he had the crowd sing along to verses that were previously removed from the song because they demanded rights for citizens and workers. This may well be the first time that many have heard all of the original verses to the song as they were not included in the version most of us were taught as school children.

Pete Seeger hoboed with Guthrie, and at one time was blacklisted, questioned by Congress in the 1950's for subversive activities and banned from television. The fact that Obama's inaugural committee brought Pete Seeger to the stage at this time in history made me cry for joy. I have to believe that finally, at last, perhaps, we have a president who gets it.

Henry Steelecommager said in Freedom Loyalty and Dissent 1966, "Our tradition is one of protest and revolt, and it is stultifying to celebrate the rebels of the past while we silence the rebels of the present."

Obama is celebrating the rebels of the past throughout his inauguration, it is up to us now to keep watch, to make certain that the activists and citizens of the present are no longer silenced. It is up to us to make certain that the new administration brings about the positive change our country needs.

I am not so naive that I believe that Obama will make us all wealthier and end unemployment, the recession and the war simultaneously. What I do believe is that although it may not be possible to improve the conditions of the people immediately, at the very least Obama can lead our government toward equal justice, liberty, and fairness, and provide more transparency in government,and a lot more truth telling. George Orwell said, "In a time of universal deceit telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." The time for revolutionary action is now.

As a people we are strong enough to handle the truth. President Kennedy once stated, "We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies,and competitive values. For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people."

If on our watch we do not see the positive change we want,we must all remember that, " In a democracy dissent is an act of faith" (Fullbright). Not only is it an act of faith but it is also our responsibility.

,This Land Is Your Land
Words and Music by Woody Guthrie
Chorus:
This land is your land, this land is my land
From California, to the New York Island
From the redwood forest, to the gulf stream waters
This land was made for you and me
As I was walking a ribbon of highway
I saw above me an endless skyway
I saw below me a golden valley
This land was made for you and me
Chorus
I've roamed and rambled and I've followed my footsteps
To the sparkling sands of her diamond deserts
And all around me a voice was sounding
This land was made for you and me
Chorus
The sun comes shining as I was strolling
The wheat fields waving and the dust clouds rolling
The fog was lifting a voice come chanting
This land was made for you and me
Chorus
As I was walkin' - I saw a sign there
And that sign said - no tress passin'
But on the other side .... it didn't say nothin!
Now that side was made for you and me!
Chorus
In the squares of the city - In the shadow of the steeple
Near the relief office - I see my people
And some are grumblin' and some are wonderin'
If this land's still made for you and me.
Chorus (2x)
________________________________________
I

Update from Phil Kidd on Meeting in Columbus

Update: After the last post, Phil Kidd sent me further information as a comment. I believe that it is important information and have posted it here in its entirety.

Hi Deb:
Thanks for posting the release. In addition, here is a summary/update on the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. Good stuff.

Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation Update

WHAT IS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION?
A Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a not-for-profit organization incorporated to provide programs, offer services and engage in other activities that promote and support a community. Community Development Corporations typically serve a geographic location such as a neighborhood or a city. They can be involved in a variety of activities including economic development, foreclosure prevention, housing rehabilitation and development, community greening, neighborhood marketing and community building.

YOUNGSTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT CORP BACKGROUND
The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC) is being developed to undertake strategic neighborhood development and revitalization activities in target areas throughout the city. Historically, Youngstown has had limited community development capacity and currently there is no functioning CDC that is able to work comprehensively on a targeted citywide scale. The YNDC is being developed to fill the existing void and to provide the community with a high capacity and multifaceted organization staffed by talented and experienced professionals capable of achieving the needed results.

MISSION STATEMENT
The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation is committed to improving the quality of life in Youngstown by building and encouraging investment in neighborhoods of choice for all.

INITIAL WORK OF THE YNDC
Initially, the YNDC will target its work in a handful of neighborhoods based on objective neighborhood selection criteria and alignment with existing neighborhood revitalization efforts. Preserving the viability and facilitating market recovery in the stable and transitional neighborhoods the city has left will be the focus of initial targeting strategy. The YNDC will utilize a broad palette of programs, focused on neighborhood recovery from housing rehab, homebuyer assistance, home maintenance assistance, vacant lot management and greening, neighborhood marketing and engagement, to begin the process of neighborhood stabilization and recovery. These market recovery tactics will be used in tandem with the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative’s (MVOC) ability to strengthen and reknit the social fabric and capacity of the target neighborhoods. The MVOC will also work hand in hand with the YNDC to effectively lobby for sufficient resources to undertake these strategic and innovative community development activities. The Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation is intended to be a "sister project" to the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative. The two organizations will work together to rebuild the social and physical fabric of neighborhoods across the City of Youngstown. The two organizations will also work in partnership with existing organizations such as the City of Youngstown, Lien Forward Ohio and other groups involved in urban revitalization activities.

CURRENT STATUS
Currently, a sponsoring committee composed of residents and representatives of stakeholder groups has been meeting monthly to begin crafting and developing the organization. The initial articles of incorporation have been filed and approved. A formal board will be in place in several months and will then continue the organizational development process. A national search for an Executive Director will be conducted in late spring/early summer with the goal of having the organization functioning by summer 2009.

Phil Kidd

Meeting in Columbus to Discuss NSP Funding

Here is the summary of events from the Ohio Department of Development Meeting in Columbus hedl on January 9th.

Mahoning Valley participants:

1. Jay Williams, Mayor, City of Youngstown
2. Bill D'Avignon, Community Development and Planning Director
3. John McNally, Mahoning County Commissioner
4. Pat Lowry, Press Secretary, Office of Congressman Tim Ryan
5. Joe Schiavoni, State Senator
6. Emily McBane, State Rep. Hagan Legislative Aide
7. Pastor Michael Harrison, Union Baptist Church
8. Patricia Dougan, President, Seventh Ward Citizens Coalition
9. Councilwoman Annie Gillam, 1st Ward
10. Councilwoman Janet Tarpley, 6th Ward
11. Deb Flora, Executive Director, Lien Forward Ohio
12. Kirk Noden, Executive Director, Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative
13. Ian Beniston, Director of Policy, Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative
14. Phil Kidd, Director of Communications/Organizer, Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative
15. Robert Hagan, State Representative (via phone)
16. Joel Ratner, Raymond John Wean Foundation (via phone)

17. City of Youngstown Councilpersons DeMaine Kitchen (2nd Ward), Jamael Tito Brown (3rd Ward), Carol Rimedio-Righetti (4th Ward), John R. Swierz (7th Ward). (via phone)

State of Ohio participants:

• John Magill, Chief Strategic Officer
• William Murdock, Director, Urban Development Division
• Ian Nickey, Legislative Liaison, Governmental Relations Office
• Bill Graves, Director, Community Development Division
• Rob Schmidley, Cartographer, Policy Research and Strategic Planning
• Marvin Hayes, Director, Governor’s Office – Urban Development and Infrastructure
• Arnie Clebone, Regional Economic Development Director
• Ken Carano, Governor’s Regional Representative
• Blaine Brockman, Assistant Director, Ohio Housing Finance Agency

Meeting Summary:

Pastor Michael Harrison opened the meeting by thanking the members of the State of Ohio for meeting with our group and explained the objectives that the meeting hoped to reach. These objectives included:

1.) An explanation as to why the City of Youngstown failed to receive any state discretionary NSP funding as well as an explanation in regards to the process in which that decision was made;
2.) To provide an overview of new various political, community development, and policy initiatives currently underway in the Mahoning Valley of which state officials may not have been completely aware of and which make the Mahoning Valley an area of strategic investment;
3.) To discuss additional resources/secure a meeting with Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher in Youngstown sometime in the month of February.

Pastor Harrison then gave a brief overview of MVOC whom organized the meeting and had each individual in the room introduce themselves.

After introductions were completed, the Mayor began the meeting by stating that – while displeased - he understood the rationale/restriction placed on the State regarding the lack of allocation from the State of Ohio NSP program to Youngstown. He also stated that Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher had expressed displeasure and assured the Mayor that all efforts will be made to find additional resources to assist Youngstown. Finally, the Mayor explained that we were here today to “reintroduce” Youngstown and framed the meeting by describing a number of “transformative” initiatives currently underway. Pastor Michael Harrison echoed the Mayor’s comments by saying “a new day is dawning…” in Youngstown and resources are needed to address the foreclosure and abandonment crisis which has been detrimental to city neighborhoods.

Joel Ratner spoke next and provided an overview of the Wean Foundation’s involvement in the Valley and its commitment to funding important initiatives currently underway. Joel said the philanthropic community has taken a significant role in being part of the good things happening in the community. He commented briefly on some of the major investments of the foundation to include: General grant allocation and Neighborhood SUCCESS Grant programs, the Mahoning Valley’s soon-to-be first ever community college, the MVOC, and the newly formed Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation.

Kirk Noden introduced the MVOC and discussed the significance and importance of organizing in Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. He stated that the MVOC is focused on rebuilding and reknitting social capacity as well as providing professional policy development work. He then introduced the recently completed citywide vacant property survey and its relation to the Vacant Property Campaign as a whole. Noden ended by stating the “parts equal the sum in the Mahoning Valley”.

Patti Dougan continued the discussion of the work/investment of MVOC and Wean Foundation, respectively. She discussed the various participating block watches and grass roots institutions involved in a number of the initiatives and stated that people want to “have a voice”. People in Youngstown no longer accept the status quo and are willing to work with each other, the state, or whomever in order to get the work done that needs to be done and to receive the resources necessary to be able to effect real change.

Deb Flora discussed formulation the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation. She explained the great need for and the importance of such an organization in Youngstown and also indentified of some of the YNDC’s capabilities as well as a provided an overview regarding the timelines/details in terms of development.

Pat Lowry discussed the Congressman’s support for the various initiatives aforementioned as well as the work being conducted on the ground in the Mahoning Valley. He also brought with him a letter to the Speaker of the House sent by the Congressman and 7 other congressional leaders which seeks demolition money from the federal government as part of a federal stimulus package. Pat also discussed the Urban and Suburban Communities Regeneration Act being introduced by Congressman Ryan and six other cosponsors in the House. Pat read a section of the bill and provided copies to all State officials. He concluded by stating that the Bill should be on the house floor by the end of January or in early February.

Lee Fisher entered the meeting via telephone and said the state is committed to finding funding and “exploring ways to find funding” but that “money is tight”. The Mayor provided a follow up to Lee Fisher’s comments, again highlighting the collaboration among business, faith based, non-profit, philanthropic and public sector leaders present from the Mahoning Valley and stated that a “…a partnership is being rebirthed…”.

Bob Hagan commented via telephone that “there were no back room deals” regarding how the NSP allocation decision was made and the Strickland administration has brought forth a “sea change of politics” at the state level. Hagan continued by stating that the Lt. Governor and Governor are “eager to participate and are working feverishly..” to assist the Mahoning Valley to which Lee Fisher briefly echoed Hagan’s comments regarding the state’s commitment to urban communities. State Senator Joe Schivoni added that people are really hurting in the Mahoning Valley and that the lack of funding further damages the morale of those who live in the community and have been frustrated by continued lack of adequate previous state assistance. Kirk Noden followed highlighting again the “innovative and creative work taking place across sectors in the Mahoning Valley…” and Patti Dougan also made brief reference to the Vacant Property survey data.

Bill Graves commented on the legislation proposed by Congressman Ryan and stated that it fills the gaps left by the NSP that was developed for “hot” real estate markets. Lee Fisher finished his phone call by adding that he is willing to have a follow up conversation in Youngstown. Bill Graves said he will see the Lt.Governor’s commitment through and will come with him to the Mahoning Valley in order to have a more detailed discussion about funding opportunities. He also commented on the need for the YNDC and was very encouraged to hear that it is under development.

Commissioner John McNally expressed his thanks for the Mahoning County NSP allocation ($2.9 million) and his disappointment over the city being shortchanged. McNally made a commitment to lobby for a portion of the county’s allocation to assist the city, stating that the “city is part of the county”. McNally also discussed the National Vacant Property Campaign and the Youngstown-Mahoning County Vacant Property Initiative to include the major priorities of said initiative.

Marvin Hayes followed and answered a question by Annie Gillam’s whom asked if the state would listen to “our concerns and find money” by explaining sprawl and the problems facing urban communities throughout Ohio. Hayes continued by saying the state is “building state programming that fits the needs of urban communities…” and that the state is in a transition and is moving toward being more friendly and supportive of urban communities. He also touched on economic development and the need to stabilize neighborhoods because “quality of life equals economic development”. Bill Graves reacted to some the comments and spoke about potential state resources as did the associate director of OHFA.

Bill D’Avignon commented that Youngstown 2010 has received national and international attention and noted how the plan is “based in reality”. He went on to say, “We are not trying to build glass towers. This is about stabilizing a community. That, in essence, is the Youngstown 2010 plan. You cannot deny that Youngstown did not get what it deserved.” Bill continued with similar comments about Youngstown being shortchanged and suggested that the data used by the state was inaccurate. Joel Ratner voiced similar concern. Bill Graves responded by discussing the state’s methodology and reiterating the state’s commitment to finding additional resources in “tight and constrained times…”

Someone raised the question that should other communities whom have received an allocation not have the capacity to utilize the funding or if there is a surplus, would that money be rechanneled back to the state and redistributed to other communities of need/with capacity (i.e. Youngstown). The State said that that was a legitimate question and that they have considered creating such a review process. Janet Tarpley asked about a timeline to which the State said that they had no timeline at present but would inform us of any and all updates as discussion continues regarding looking for additional funding.

William Murdock discussed Clean Ohio funding and how it is not only a great resource for communities like Youngstown but further commented on how Youngstown is taking great advantage of the program.

Pastor Harrison thanked everyone for attending the meeting and the meeting adjourned at aprox. 4pm.


For more information please contact the MVOC at (330) 743-1196.

I also received this press release this morning.

Ohio Department of Development Meeting Summary
January 9, 2008, 2:00pm - Vern Riffe Center, Columbus, Ohio

Contact: Phil Kidd, MVOC (330) 743-1196 C (330) 519-8712 phil@mvorganizing.org

COLUMBUS – A delegation of federal, state, city and county officials as well as community and faith-based leaders organized by the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative met with state officials in Columbus this past Friday to discuss the state’s commitment in allocating additional resources to address the foreclosure and vacant property crisis in Youngstown.

The meeting was spurred by the state’s recent announcement of a zero dollar allocation to Youngstown in regards to its $116 million dollar Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

In October, Youngstown received a direct allocation of $2.7 million from Housing and Urban Development through the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of July 2008 which provides billions of dollars to cash-strapped local governments and states to acquire, demolish, or rehabilitate homes vacated due to foreclosure. In addition to direct federal funding, the State of Ohio received $116 million in discretionary funds to additionally distribute to the areas of greatest need.

In December, city and community officials submitted a formal request to the Ohio Department of Development asking for an additional $16 million, however, while Mahoning County as a whole received 2.9 million, the City of Youngstown received no specific funding from the State of Ohio’s discretionary allocation.

According to City of Youngstown Community Development Director William D’Avignon, the cost to “stabilize” the City of Youngstown is $42.9 million.

D’Avignon – who attended the meeting Friday – made specific reference to the city’s Youngstown 2010 Citywide Plan which, he noted, has received national and international attention due to its recognition and acceptance of the city’s population decline. D’Avignon noted that the plan is “based in reality” and went on to say that “(in Youngstown) we are not trying to build glass towers. (The plan) is about stabilizing a community. That is the Youngstown 2010 plan. You cannot deny that Youngstown did not get what it deserved.” D’ Avignon suggested that the foreclosure data used by the state was inaccurate and being that state officials had to adhere to a federal formula, getting that data correct was critical to the funding allocation to Youngstown.

Valley representatives also acknowledged that Friday’s meeting was not an attempt to have the state reallocate NSP funding but rather to discuss what alternative funding could be found to assist the city.

Mayor Jay Williams stated that he had been in discussions with Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher prior to the Friday’s meeting and stated the Lt. Governor expressed displeasure about the allocation and assured the Mayor that all efforts will be made to find additional resources to assist Youngstown.

Williams also explained that representatives were also here today to “reintroduce” Youngstown and added that the meeting, additionally, was an opportunity to discuss a number of “transformative” initiatives currently underway that make Youngstown a strategic investment area, largely unlike in the past. In addition to Youngstown 2010, Valley representatives outlined initiatives such as the recently released Youngstown/Mahoning County Vacant Property Initiative which includes the establishment of a county-wide land bank, establishment of professional community organizing (MVOC) and the establishment of a multi-faceted, high capacity, city-wide community development corporation (Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation) in addition to Congressman Ryan’s Urban and Suburban Communities Regeneration Act which will reach the house floor at the end of January or early in early February.

Lt. Governor Lee Fisher – who attended the meeting by telephone – reiterated that the state is committed to “exploring ways to find funding” for Youngstown and that he is willing to have a follow up conversation in the Mahoning Valley in February. William Graves, Director for Community Development for the Ohio Department of Development, said he will see the Lt. Governor’s commitment through and will come with him to the Mahoning Valley in order to have a more detailed discussion about funding opportunities.

Musings about the State of the City - Youngstown

Please note that this map is one associated with foreclosed homes. Youngstown which has more foreclosures than anywhere else in the state is not even on the map. Why?



Lately I've been feeling blue. As you know, I have been very involved in Youngstown activities ranging from greening Youngstown to support for the arts in the Youngstown. If anything I generally suffer from being overly optimistic. The reason for my overall malaise these days is that I've begun to notice a very large and what appears to be an almost insurmountable disconnect between those who are in positions of power in city government and citizens working in the community.

Yesterday, it came to my attention that Sean Safford, Assistant Professor of Organizations and Markets at the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business has written a book to be released in January 2009. It is titled, "Why the Garden Club Couldn't Save Youngstown: The Transformation of the Rust Belt". Many of us who are interested in urban development are familiar with the article of the same name that was written several years ago.

The author compares the recent history of Allentown, PA with that of Youngstown, OH. Allentown had a noticeable rebound over the course of the past twenty years. Their economy has reinvented itself. Youngstown although similar to Allentown in its industrial history, has as the author stated, "fallen into a race to the bottom". It was while reading a review of the book, that I decided it is time to talk about my current state of mind.

Safford, argues in the book, that the structure of social networks among the cities' economic, political and civic leaders account for the divergent trajectories of post-industrial regions like Allentown and Youngstown The book offers a probing historical explanation for the decline, fall and unlikely rejuvenation of the Rust Belt. It emphasizes the power of social networks to shape action, determine access to and control over information and resources, define the contexts in which problems are viewed, and enable collective action in the face of externally generated crisis.

The author presents the view that the rejuvenation of the rust belt is unlikely. I do not share Safford’s view about rejuvenation of the rust belt. However, I agree with his theory about social networks. Youngstown needs better communication between its leaders and the citizenry, we need to move beyond the social network as defined by organized crime, where I'll do a favor for you, if you do a favor for me, tit for tat and where it is all about who you know in a position of power. It is time to move toward open source communication to borrow a tech term. Power is in participation, it is through open communication that communities can grow, knowledge can be acquired, and markets developed.

As you may know, Youngstown has not received its fair share of demolition money from the State of Ohio. Youngstown also was not included in the feasibility study for a light rail system connecting major cities in Ohio. So far, it does not appear that Youngstown will be in the forefront of development of wind power, solar power, alternative energy or anything else. The companies that engage in these things appear to like other places in Ohio better. So once again our politicians have failed us by not actively seeking this new development.

Simultaneously,our population is steadily diminishing, our school system is in horrible shape and Forbes is including us on their list of fastest dying cities along with the Austintown community. People who would like to bring about change run into brick walls every which way they turn. Now, we are in a recession. The foundations that have been giving their funds to help us undoubtedly had their money tied up in the markets and undoubtedly have diminished revenues to share with the community.

I fear the reason that Youngstown has received so little state and federal support is because of preconceived notions some may have about our area. I've been told that the mafia no longer has a strong hold in Youngstown. I have no idea whether or not this is factually true, however I do know one thing, when individuals, cities, states, and nations have lived with a particular type of culture for a very long time, whether that be totalitarianism, slavery, or organized crime, the vestiges of that culture may be destroyed, but the people continue to carry the cultural mindset. I fear that many of our citizens and our politicians in Youngstown have lived in a culture of corruption for so long that they fail to see the ethical problems inherent in cronyism, and favor exchanging. They fail to see that democratic government should be transparent so the people who are represented know whether or not their interests as citizens are being served. It is time that we here in Youngstown start talking about ethics, not as they pertain to organized crime, but as they pertain to good government.

Our current politicians do not seem to understand their role in the development of legislation or the need for legislation that will bring about cohesiveness and consistency between the city and its 2010 plan. What’s more, so much time has passed since the 2010 plan was designed that I now believe it is time to revisit the plan in order to update it and make needed changes. For example environmental issues have become more important in recent years and need even more consideration in the 2010 plan. We need zoning that recognizes the need for walkability to stores, cafes, etc. We need mixed use zoning and if we can’t have that, we at least need to have the ability to make spot zoning changes that would serve the public good.

Currently, the emphasis in the city has been on demolition. It is of course important that the properties be taken down; it would however be a good thing to rehabilitate those properties that are salvageable. Furthermore, we could be turning our demolition efforts into the creation of a new industry, deconstruction. We could be deconstructing properties, salvaging those parts that are valuable and reselling them on the market to offset the expense of the deconstruction. We could become experts in this field. We could be in the lead on this, but we aren't, we are passing up an opportunity. It is this kind of thinking outside the box that should be encouraged by city government. Unfortunately it is not.

Our mayor has received numerous awards and is regularly asked to give speeches about the shrinking cities theory. We have been visited by people from all over the world. I fear that they have taken the idea and run. Even Cleveland is moving ahead on their shrinking city plan, meanwhile, here in Youngstown, things are moving too slow and we are going to be left in the dust.

We all know, that funds are a problem, we also know that when the 2010 plan was first introduced it was stressed that citizens must participate and work to bring the plan to fruition. To the city I say, get the hell out of our way, help us streamline procedures for acquisition of land, development of urban farming, and citizen lead progress such as park cleanups and festivals. Citizens know what we need to do to get things moving.

In addition to obtaining more funds for demolition and neighborhood stabilization, we need to make certain allocation of current funds is appropriate, and take advantage of learned volunteers, whether they be urban planners, lawyers, teachers, etc. We need to bring people together to talk honestly about the problems we face, put aside the cronyism, the favors, the political games and personal feelings. We need to brainstorm and problem solve. We need a Youngstown Think Tank, and it needs to be made up of the best minds Youngstown has to offer, it needs to cross racial barriers, class barriers, religious barriers, age barriers, and it needs to be problem centered. As Toni Van Pelt on Lincoln Avenue indicates, public policy should be based on objective evidence. A Youngstown think tank needs to serve as the voice of reason as well as serve as advisor to the major and city council. City Council must understand that it is time to move beyond their petty turf wars, and toward a larger vision of the city as a whole.

Several years ago, it appeared that there was an influx of new blood to Youngstown. Young people who understand transparency in government, who understand that people will come back or move to Youngstown when Youngstown has something to offer them. They have brought their positive attitude and it has been infectious. The old guard rather than being mired down in their petty cronyism and feelings of personal grandeur need to get out of the way. Our city employees need a shot of morale, our school system needs to get real and bring to the attention of the powers that be that when you take the best students out of a public school system, and leave the lower achieving students and behavioral problems behind, that this is not the teacher's fault nor the administration's, but rather the result of what I now call the development of sub-prime educational markets. We need some magnet schools in the city and we need to make them competitive, and some of the best in Ohio so that students that currently go to the better schools will want to come to ours. This is how we will draw the middle class with families back to the city. We also need to work hard to make certain that Youngstown is included in the development of green collar jobs.

If not, I fear that the young folks won't be staying, as they will burn out, and also want a better quality of life. Our schools will continue to deteriorate, our politicians move on to more prestigious positions, or retire, and the rest of us will live in a city that isn't even on the map of Ohio. It is time to start asking our politicians the hard questions. We have been riding on a cloud of hope and optimism now for a while, it is time to see some results.

Street Music to Move the Masses

The Playing for Change Community is a group of artists and inspired people brought together to connect the world through music. People play music all over the globe and the impact it has on all of our souls is something we share.

The idea for Playing for Change came to Mark Johnson one day as he was going to work in New York City. He came upon a performance of two monks painted all in white from head to toe. He saw about 200 people of varying races,genders and cultures sourrouding the monks. It occurred to him at that moment that music is the key to a better world. He took up this calling and has been making films ever since to inspire everyone on the planet to come together as one.

The Playing for Change journey of discovery celebrates the freedom and the lives of street musicians everywhere. I saw the video this morning via an ODE e-mail. I found it very moving and had to share it with you all. Please support Playing for Change and their goal of creating a musical revolution in the world, one that will help to inspire and improve communities everywhere.

David Giffels - All the Way Home

David Giffels, author of the book All the Way Home Building a Family in A falling Down House,came to Youngstown in November to speak at Cedars as part of the YSU Youngstown Reader's Series. His book was also the November selection of the Oakland Book Club of which I am a member. I was hooked on this book from page one. This is probably the case because I have spent most of my adult life renovating different living spaces. However, I admit that I have never taken on anything as daunting as the task that David Giffels took on. I applaud those who have the will and determination to restore the beauty of old houses, and my hope is that more and more people will see the beauty in some of Youngstown's falling down houses and feel moved to take on the project of restoring them as David Giffels did in Akron.

For pictures detailing Giffels journey in home renovation check this video out.
All the Way HomeBuilding a Family in A falling Down House.

Watch CBS Videos Online

The Changing Image of Youngstown

Janko over at Shout Youngstown posted this video today. I believe this information should be spread far and wide so I have posted the video here as well. Pass it on.