Binghamton Mayor Rich David unveiled his 2022 Budget last week, a financial plan that the next mayor will inherit. As usual, Mayor David’s final Budget Address was full of political soundbites and rosy rhetoric, intentionally directing the gaze of the media exactly where he wanted. Here are four key takeaways, unpreported by the local press, that Mayor … [Read more...] about Mayor David’s 2022 Budget: Hidden Gems for Police, the Baseball Stadium, and the Golf Course; And the Impacts of David’s “Big Flush” Start to Emerge
Well Armed
When the SWAT vehicle picked me up, I was most scared of losing was my son. It’s a terrifying thought, a fear that’s universal across parent and gender. The second thing that scared me, was my attraction to one of the presumably male officers. It hadn’t happened a lot in my life, but it had happened. I didn’t really expect to have to share my sexuality as … [Read more...] about Well Armed
“I can’t breathe” in the Broome County Jail
August 30, 2021 / Bill Martin / From Just Talk website. “Strip, N-word!” That’s what Broome County correctional officers told Taej’on Vega after dragging the prone and handcuffed Black/Latino teenager across the floor to his cell. It got more brutal quickly, leaving Vega badly bruised and traumatized. Similar stories have for years been … [Read more...] about “I can’t breathe” in the Broome County Jail
The Pink Bat Signal and the Last Adderall.
by Kyle Pond Disclaimer: I’d previously been diagnosed as having “bipolar disorder” and had been awake for three days (popping Adderall) when I was picked up in the SWAT vehicle. My motives for sharing are simple: I want to demonstrate resiliency; I want to feel strong; I want to feel like I have grit, and I want to heal by helping other people. … [Read more...] about The Pink Bat Signal and the Last Adderall.
Who are you?
by Kyle Pond When we pick up a book or read an article, often we already know a bit about the person we’re reading. Many of you know me, even if you don’t know who I am. I have a penchant for inserting myself into unusual places- at the right time, and the right place. I have a story to tell, and I need to practice before I’m able tell it in a way that … [Read more...] about Who are you?
Mayor David Already Exhausts All $23 Million of Recovery Funds On Outrageous, Slap-In-The-Face Priorities Without Any Public Input
Binghamton received the first half of the unprecedented federal recovery award, $23 of $46 million, this summer. According to the 8/16 City Council Work Session Packet, Mayor David has already programmed every penny. And aside from a last-minute, face-saving announcement of $6 million for affordable housing, not a single penny is being allocated to help … [Read more...] about Mayor David Already Exhausts All $23 Million of Recovery Funds On Outrageous, Slap-In-The-Face Priorities Without Any Public Input
In Loco Parentis?
When Judy heard the loud pops outside she assumed it was fireworks so popular at end of term parties. When she looked out from her State St. apartment a very different scene materialized. Presumably drunken students had scattered recycling all over the street and the popping noise was cars running over bottles and cans. The annual Pub Crawl, which has bled … [Read more...] about In Loco Parentis?
Citizen Action Condemns Anti-Semitic Violence
Citizen Action Condemns Anti-Semitic Violence, Shows Solidarity with Jewish Communities Albany, NY— In response to the rise of anti-Semitic attacks in New York, Ivette Alfonso, president at Citizen Action of New York, released the following statement: “We condemn the recent rash of anti-Semitic violence in New York and across the country. This has been a … [Read more...] about Citizen Action Condemns Anti-Semitic Violence
Transformations: The Visionary Art of Jerome Weinberger
Transformations: The Visionary Art of Jerome Weinberger will be at the Cooperative Gallery for the month of June. The special guest exhibit will feature some 30 selected works by Jerome Weinberger from the Museum of the Transformed Object. "Jerome Weinberger created wonderfully thought provoking sculptures from found objects. They're intriguing, as well … [Read more...] about Transformations: The Visionary Art of Jerome Weinberger
Bill for Survivors of Human Trafficking Passes
ALBANY, NY (May 6, 2021) – Yesterday, the New York State Assembly passed the Survivors of Trafficking Attaining Relief Together (START) Act, S.674 (Ramos)/A.459 (Gottfried), a critical bill that would help survivors of labor and sex trafficking move forward with their lives. This will allow trafficking survivors to overcome previously insurmountable barriers … [Read more...] about Bill for Survivors of Human Trafficking Passes
