ASK THE NEIGHBORS

As a long-time resident of the East Side, I can say my reaction to Rod McCallum’s project was mixed (“The City Bountiful,” Artvoice v6n13). In a nutshell the problem is that every aspect of the project is exciting and progressive, but I fear that this is just going to be the first wave of the “progressive” middle-class types who come from West Side Buffalo, North Buffalo, Amherst, Clarence, Tonawanda, etc. who don’t live here now but will very soon and who actually will succeed in getting a lot of great things done, while the long-time residents who live here now will get pushed out as you all buy up the houses we can’t afford to keep up with. I don’t think Mr. McCallum is a sinister person or has sinister motives but gentrification is a reality. One big criticism I have, for instance, is how the first news of this happening is in the Artvoice and not the Challenger! It was encouraging that you mentioned how the spot in question is right around the corner from the African-American Cultural Center but it would be nice to know if he plans to have any community information meetings at the center about what he’s doing—or, even better, at the brand new library on Jefferson.

Many current residents on the East Side would like to see a project like this actually come to the East Side and invest in it to make it a reality. Hopefully Mr. McCallum will look for some people from the neighborhood to invest in this worthwhile project.

George Winfield

Buffalo

THE WHISTLEBLOWERS

And so it goes…someone with moral standards stands up to a City of Buffalo or Erie County entity, and gets their ass handed to them on a platter. Last week it was the water department (“Muddying the Water,” Artvoice v6n11), this week the school board (“The Trials of Ralph Hernandez,” Artvoice v6n13). Both of these offices are run with taxpayer dollars, with the purpose of serving the public, yet the “management” seems to believe they are beholden to no one.

In the latter example, we are talking about the school board and Superintendent James Williams. These people are entrusted with the care and education of our children, for Christ’s sake. It’s no wonder the city schools are a mess—and apparently are going to stay that way.

This is the dysfunctional status quo here in Buffalo. One big, corrupt public agency after another goes on the attack when someone tries to hold it accountable. Inevitably, it takes the intervention of Albany to get things settled. How dysfunctional is that?

Those who are willing to take on the ethically challenged fat cats running things here deserve our support.

Ginger Allen

Buffalo

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE

Good afternoon to you who reads this letter!!

To the Editor.

My name is Valentina. I am writing to you from distant Russia. I am a big fan of Marilyn Monroe and in fact, the president of her fan club here.

We have quite a few members now, and are looking for more members, and pen pals, every day. We are looking to contact other members in other countries, such as yours.

We know that in America, there is a huge following of Marilyn Monroe, and hope you will post our address in your fan club newspaper.

Some of your “Artvoice” is found and read here in Russia with great eagerness. Please include my address in your publications in the future.

This will be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much!

Valentina Bochneva

[Address withheld]

Archangelsk, Russia