Comments on: New York’s Aging in Place http://www.policy-wonk.org/erika-rosenberg/new-york%e2%80%99s-aging-in-place/ Let's talk about where we're headed... Wed, 18 Aug 2010 18:28:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Dennis McDermott http://www.policy-wonk.org/erika-rosenberg/new-york%e2%80%99s-aging-in-place/comment-page-1/#comment-108 Dennis McDermott Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:00:51 +0000 http://live.cgr.org/policy-wonk/?p=129#comment-108 New York State clearly was at the cutting edge back in the 19th century, when travel was dependent on the horse and carriage, when communication took place by letter or telegraph, and it was likely that someone born in one town would live, learn, work and die in that same town. Unfortunately, the concept of "home rule" that pervades goverance and public education in New York State no longer makes sense in the 21st century. However, wealthy suburban residents who are both politically and socially connected find it adventageous to maintain the status quo, thus creating an almost insurmountable barrier to change. Were I to write a report comparing Westchester County to another comparable place (say, Pinelas County, FL) I would feel the need to stick with comparing non-emotional services (garbage, sewers, water supply, fire protection, and the like), yet perhaps the most egregious outcome related to the home rule concept is in the K-12 public eductation arena. Where in many states and regions, K-12 public education is managed and delivered on a county or other regional level, in NYS, over 700 school districts serve our young people in a very inefficient and inequitable manner. The K-12 public education system in NYS also dates to the 19th century, and provides another example of financial extravagance that confers excess benefits on the wealthy while depriving children of traditional working families from access to a good quality education. New York State clearly was at the cutting edge back in the 19th century, when travel was dependent on the horse and carriage, when communication took place by letter or telegraph, and it was likely that someone born in one town would live, learn, work and die in that same town.

Unfortunately, the concept of “home rule” that pervades goverance and public education in New York State no longer makes sense in the 21st century. However, wealthy suburban residents who are both politically and socially connected find it adventageous to maintain the status quo, thus creating an almost insurmountable barrier to change.

Were I to write a report comparing Westchester County to another comparable place (say, Pinelas County, FL) I would feel the need to stick with comparing non-emotional services (garbage, sewers, water supply, fire protection, and the like), yet perhaps the most egregious outcome related to the home rule concept is in the K-12 public eductation arena. Where in many states and regions, K-12 public education is managed and delivered on a county or other regional level, in NYS, over 700 school districts serve our young people in a very inefficient and inequitable manner.

The K-12 public education system in NYS also dates to the 19th century, and provides another example of financial extravagance that confers excess benefits on the wealthy while depriving children of traditional working families from access to a good quality education.

]]> By: David Lum http://www.policy-wonk.org/erika-rosenberg/new-york%e2%80%99s-aging-in-place/comment-page-1/#comment-109 David Lum Mon, 16 Apr 2007 19:13:12 +0000 http://live.cgr.org/policy-wonk/?p=129#comment-109 Too often, New Yorkers compare one dysfunctional government against another dysfunctional government nearby. Having lived in six other states, including Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, I have had the opportunity to see better services at a fraction of the price. I do admit that while in Illinois, I did not have three libraries within three miles of my home, like I do in New York. But I can only visit one at a time... and they all require a drive, as did the one in Illinois. No, the other states are not flawless... nor is northern Virginia. New York's natives take the position: it's always been done this way... Why change? That's the same attitude Detroit's "big three" had for a few decades. You can see where it has led them. My compliments to CGR for helping us be more aware of the impact of our aging dysfunctional governments. Now, can we citizens take on the challenge, and let our local governments know we want more productive services? Too often, New Yorkers compare one dysfunctional government against another dysfunctional government nearby.
Having lived in six other states, including Virginia, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio, I have had the opportunity to see better services at a fraction of the price.
I do admit that while in Illinois, I did not have three libraries within three miles of my home, like I do in New York. But I can only visit one at a time… and they all require a drive, as did the one in Illinois.
No, the other states are not flawless… nor is northern Virginia.
New York’s natives take the position: it’s always been done this way… Why change?
That’s the same attitude Detroit’s “big three” had for a few decades. You can see where it has led them.
My compliments to CGR for helping us be more aware of the impact of our aging dysfunctional governments.
Now, can we citizens take on the challenge, and let our local governments know we want more productive services?

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