Recent Comments
Re: “Perspectives: Cedric Alexander on police and the community”
We now know why that office looked so bare.
http://www.rochesterforall.com/deputy-mayo…
Re: “Sinclair TV spreads the conservative message”
Animule, advocacy means giving a voice to the voiceless, exposing problems and making sure the powerful answer to the people. Advocacy meant spending a lot of my career doing stories on how your tax dollars were spent. There is no secret here, only a long record of this work and engagement with the public on journalism. Sadly, he-said-she-said reporting and crime continue to dominate.
All journalists are biased. Story selection alone shows newsroom bias. This is a progressive paper, for example. The key is making sure theres transparency and that the bias doesnt impact truth.
Re: “Perspectives: Cedric Alexander on police and the community”
This is yet another soft interview detailing Cedric Alexanders views on policing. What is not included is the fact he writes articles for CNN calling for militarization of police and tweeted long live the brotherhood, praising a scary militia group.
Alexander is deputy mayor, not the second police chief. Can he discuss any other urban policy issues? In his first appearance on Connections, the host revealed he agreed to only ask Alexander about policing. Are we paying Alexander $140,000 a year to be deputy mayor or a celebrity police expert?
To that end, I have filed open records requests with the city for his schedule and travel. The City constructively denied his schedule. (It provided the schedule of Warren.) I am appealing. I am still waiting on travel records, which will include who paid.
Alexander is Exhibit A for why City Council must strengthen disclosure laws. Pending legislation would require officials, including the deputy mayor, to disclose all sources of income. This will let us know about all potential conflicts. Alexander did disclose the City purchased 100 copies of his book, a purchase they should explain. He should not use this position to enrich himself.
Re: “Monroe Dems get a taste of victory”
Todd Baxter reaffirmed on the radio today he doesnt support sanctuary cities. He said the Black Lives Matter movement is us v. them and has a branding problem. (Maybe thats because people like Baxter spend time on Twitter bashing it and furthering Blue Lives Matter. Its not complicated. Black Lives later as much as yours.) Baxter said in the debate he loves guns. Baxter said today he has no regrets voting for Trump. Before he cleaned up his Twitter feed, Baxter was MAGA all day long. He also algae that said if he believes in marriage equality or abortion, or transgender and LGBTQ protections at the jail and workplace.
His supporters say, Have coffee with him. Have a private conversation. Hes a public figure, and should answer for his beliefs in public. These arent personal beliefs. These are beliefs about policing. These are professional stances.
The debate over Baxter is not about a perfunctory party switch a la Doorley. Its about philosophy. Should the Democrats have a big enough tent for someone like him? Does winning matter more than what we believe?
Re: “It's time to build support for a regional school”
Kathryn, I didn't say white children. I said people with means. Studies show socioeconomic integration works. Our best city schools are the economically diverse ones. The only way to replicate them is to get more people to invest in our schools and provide opportunity to all children. We must create diverse and equitable schools - for all kids. That takes hard work and tough conversations. That takes a plan. We can take action, or continue to throw up our hands and accept the abandonment of our schools and city. (Despite City Hall's fuzzy math, census data shows we've lost population and have fewer employed residents since 2013. )
Re: “It's time to build support for a regional school”
Regional schools, magnets and Urban-Suburban are nice for participants, but do not lead to systemwide change. In the absence of a countywide system, we must look within to desegregate our schools. Dallas and NYC are doing this. Rochester is socioeconomically diverse, but people with means have abandoned our schools. We must do he hard work of encouraging all families to invest in our schools. We need a comprehensive integration plan. Piecemeal approaches don't work. Rachelformayor.com/education/
Re: “Feedback 7/18”
It was too late for City to add to my letter, but FEC data shows:
Morelle spent $461,000 on primary victory, or $28 per vote.
Wilt spent $73,000 ($43,000 of her own money), or $12 per vote.
I spent $35,000 or $5 per vote.
Incomplete data on McFadden., but he'll probably be lowest per vote.