Welcome To Buffalo, A Miserable, Dying City
Tags: Buffalo, Byron Brown, corruption, Ed Rath, Forbes, Mickey Kearns, Sam Hoyt, Skyway
Maybe that’s what the signs should say because once again, Buffalo has made Forbes’ Top Ten Most Miserable Cities list. Buffalo came in ranking at #8, unchanged from last year. Buffalo has also been ranked one of the fastest dying cities in the country, too.
While I am sure some would argue these assessments are incorrect, let’s be honest… this is how people outside the area view us, and considering the way the population has been declining here, it is safe to say many locals don’t view the city and its surrounding areas favorably either.
I think, more than anything, even the weather, Buffalo suffers from poor leadership. Poor leadership that is rewarded and reelected rather than punished and voted out. Byron Brown’s reelection was secured in his primary victory against Mickey Kearns… I’m sorry, but given the epic failure of Brown and his “leadership” it is mind boggling the man even had a chance.
So, who is to blame for the bad leadership? The people. I am sorry to say it, but the truth hurts sometimes. When politicians like Byron Brown, or the slime ball Sam Hoyt get reelected despite their sleaziness and corruption, you might as well give them a blank check to do whatever they want because they know their transgressions will be forgiven at the ballot box because of the D after their name. And yes, I know Republican leaders share some blame and need accountability as well, but let’s face it… who runs the show here? Exactly.
Buffalo can be a great city again. But the status quo has to be rejected. We need leaders who can get things done. not leaders who sit by and let a new bridge remain unbuilt for over a decade or let the Skyway remain in place for God knows how long. Buffalo should be better than this. We have the potential, but we apparently don’t have the will to be better than what we are.
So, are we going let this city die a slow and miserable death? Or are we gonna do something about it?
Matt Margolis is co-author (with Mark Noonan) of Caucus of Corruption: The Truth About The New Democratic Majority. He also blogs at Blogs For Victory. Follow Matt on Twitter.
Liberalism is to blame…
I’ve known Sam Hoyt for years. He’s not a “slime ball” in any sense. He fights like hell for Buffalo every day he’s in Albany. Get a clue.
…and at night?