Throughout the year, local reporting and community activism shined a spotlight on a number of unethical and illegal actions taken by City Assessor Scott Snyder over the last few years that generated significant financial benefits for Mayor Rich David. Some of the local reporting even resulted in internal investigations by the City Attorney's Office, an … [Read more...] about Binghamton City Council President Tom Scanlon Refuses to Allow Discussion on Good Government Reform Proposals
Wee Folk Mini Garden Contest 2020
Magic Friends, get out your tiny rakes and trowels… find some moss and magic… and make a Fairy Garden! Anyone, anywhere, can enter. The winners will be chosen from different categories so everyone has a chance to be a winner… from the very youngest to the oldest granny - just keep in mind that should you be chosen as a Fan Favorite, you will need to be … [Read more...] about Wee Folk Mini Garden Contest 2020
Truth Pharm receives $20,000 grant from the Drug Policy Alliance
Truth Pharm is thrilled to announce they have received a $20,000 grant from the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) to assist with their efforts for policy change in the Southern Tier and New York State. The DPA is the world’s leading drug policy reform organization, and their mission focuses on advancing policies that reduce the harm of drug use and drug … [Read more...] about Truth Pharm receives $20,000 grant from the Drug Policy Alliance
Press and Sun Bulletin Ignores Recent Medical Neglect
Again, the Press & Sun Bulletin ignored the recent medical neglect at the Broome County Jail. But the Broome County Jail is banking that the crime page is not of interest to you. The average person does not pay attention unless they are personally affected. When you go to your doctor what is one of the first items the nurse asks you, do you have any … [Read more...] about Press and Sun Bulletin Ignores Recent Medical Neglect
Save the Davidge Mansion!
It has come to our attention that there is a plan before the Planning Commission that the Davidge Mansion be sold to a developer who plans to turn it into student housing!! It is not enough to preserve the historical outside of the mansion; we need to preserve the inside from the kind of destruction that housing students entails. Omg need only go into … [Read more...] about Save the Davidge Mansion!
Mass Shooting and Mental Health: The Real Story
This excellent article on the controversy about mass shootings and the political realities for various solutions. It was the lead article in Access/Ability, a publication of Southern Tier Independence Center.--ed by Ken Dibble In the wake of the most recent mass shootings and the ongoing drama of people on the far right and the far left baiting each … [Read more...] about Mass Shooting and Mental Health: The Real Story
Binghamton’s Assessment is Broken and Inequitable; but Working Just Fine for Landlords of Student Rentals and Wealthy Downtown Developers
The primary revenue source for the City of Binghamton--as with most local governments--comes from local property taxes. For example, in 2019, the City collected $35 million in local property taxes, which alone covered more than half of the $64.5 million general fund operating budget. [Yes. Worst intro ever. I know. But trust me: the research and graphics … [Read more...] about Binghamton’s Assessment is Broken and Inequitable; but Working Just Fine for Landlords of Student Rentals and Wealthy Downtown Developers
Broome County Inmate Hospitalized
Broome County Inmate Hospitalized with Life-Threatening Burns Following Medical Negligence A Local Man Is the Latest to Sustain Serious Injuries Related to Medical Malpractice at Broome County Jail Release from Binghamton PLOT Sep 16 A man being held in Broome County Jail was rushed to the Clark Burn Center of Upstate University Hospital (UUH) in … [Read more...] about Broome County Inmate Hospitalized
Mayor David Promises No Sewer Rate Increase, but Quietly Proposes (Another) Sewer Rate Increase
- Come next summer, the sewer rates will be 35% higher than in January 2017, thanks to Mayor David - According to his own statements and as reported by multiple local media outlets--including WNBF radio, the Press and Sun newspaper, and WBNG--Mayor Rich David promised no increases to the sewer rates. But a simple review of the 2020 proposed budget shows … [Read more...] about Mayor David Promises No Sewer Rate Increase, but Quietly Proposes (Another) Sewer Rate Increase
Mass Incarceration Opposition Locally
Editor: Jack Norton with the Vera Institute of Justice just published a piece about anti-mass incarceration activism in Binghamton. He highlights the groups like JUST, Truth Pharm, and PLOT that are putting in the work to dismantle mass incarceration. It's a piece that's very sensitive and respectful of the challenges our community faces and the type of work … [Read more...] about Mass Incarceration Opposition Locally
