Perhaps you've noticed some trends in local politics.

• Do you notice how RARELY our elected officials ever complete their terms?
• Do you notice how candidates get moved around and elevated into new positions mid-term, then benefit from a power of incumbency in the next election?
• Do you notice how we rarely have a choice in the general election and rarely even in our primaries?
• Do you notice how our elected officials get re-elected and then a week later abandon their constituents and position by declaring their interest in another job or position in politics?

I notice! My friends and neighbors notice. My fellow advocates and organizers notice.

We do not need to accept these tactics as the unfortunate reality of modern politics. We do not need to accept these outcomes or be a passive pawn in these games. This is a conscious strategy by our elected officials to seize and hold onto power at the expense of our people, our neighborhoods, and our city’s image. Particularly on the local level, we have a voice and if you are uncomfortable with this status quo, we must work together to resist these trends in favor of more political engagement, more transparency, and more accountability.

This is a BIG reason why I'm running to be the next Mayor of Buffalo. I've fought against the daily realities of our toxic political system for 20 years and I want it to change. It's not just me; everyone I speak to wants a change and they are eager to work for it. Sadly, some people don't believe that change is possible and have given up hope. We must be vigilant in reversing these trends. We must believe in Buffalo by being hopeful, envisioning both new ideas and proven ideas that will enliven the debate. Finally, we must lead with action and begin by solving the nagging problems that have plagued our city for years.

For nearly two years now, the Kensington Expressway has been one of the largest issues in the news and some would argue the most critical issue of our time here in WNY. There have been stories and editorials nearly every week. The media has been following the story and engaging with residents, organizers and activists. The "Toxic Tunnel" would have been the most expensive transportation project ever undertaken in this region. Not only that, the tunnel would have left its imprint on our transportation grid and on the health of our neighborhoods for decades to come. Its existence would have stood as a daily reminder of the failures of our past leadership, akin to building our stadium in Orchard Park or UB North Campus in Amherst. Its legacy would have been that it perpetuated the segregation of our city and the environmental and social injustices of our urban renewal policies.
But residents were unwilling to accept this reality! They stood together, organized, raised money, and demanded a different outcome. Hundreds of organizations and individuals city-wide have stood with the Humboldt Parkway community in DEMANDING something different. This is how communities create change! Empowered citizens, an articulated vision, and a determined, passionate drive to solve a problem. I'm so proud to have contributed to this effort. Proud of my friends, my neighbors, and my fellow city residents.

Yet, throughout this two year struggle, not ONE public statement by any elected official in support of this vision for a stronger, healthier, more unified Buffalo. Not one elected official supported the hundreds of residents, immediately adjacent to the Kensington Expressway that have said "NO!". Crickets folks!

This is when we know that there must be change. Checkmate. Game Over! We are better than this! We must work together to change the system that has enabled this situation and elect leaders that prioritize people over their position of power.