Caribbean nationals missed an opportunity to weigh-in on topics of interests they would like the next city government to address. During public forums, digital transmissions and name-tag stickers available since Nov. 9 at a temporary structure in Manhattan, thousands voiced concerns to aid in the transition from leadership from Mayor Mike Bloomberg to Mayor Bill DeBlasio.
Using an online portal at www.talkingtransitionsnyc.com residents were able to speak to topics they consider important.
Talking Transitions – the tag identified with the aid — offered New Yorkers an opportunity to imprint notes directed to the mayor-elect, Scott Stringer, the next comptroller and Leticia James, the only Black woman elected to a city-wide position and also the City Council.
The ‘sounding board’ presented a tool to assist in the transition and was funded by private organizations.
Throughout the glass-framed edifice individuals etched brief phrases and sentences to amplify the most urgent issues the new administration must address. An overwhelming majority decried police brutality, lack of jobs, poor schools and questioned the possibility of affordable health and housing. Many offered suggestions related to education, employment, the subway system, NYPD and quality of life issues.
However, Caribbean concerns were scarce to none.
On any given day, elected officials also stopped into the space, held press conferences, talked with individuals and groups and were able to answer queries about policies the next city administration might implement.
Simultaneously panel discussions and forums were presented in two spaces erected throughout the green-space.
The process ended Nov. 23, but perhaps should be considered as an aid to the federal government.
With that the focus could allow a more impressive soapbox for Caribbean nationals.
Among the posts one individual asked the next city administration to “Bring back Rock & Roll.”
However, for most, name-tags stuck throughout the space read:
“Justice for bike riders”
“Is Obamacare really good for us?”
“More jobs please”
“Rents Too high”
“Fewer Skyscrapers in Brooklyn”
“Stop over-developing Atlantic yards”
“Stop Stop & Frisk”
“Jobs for artists”
“No racial profiling”
”HPD Need to be audited”
“I live in a dump – can’t afford to move”
“End HIV criminalization”
“Food stamps are too low”
“Less expensive Toys”
“Universal Pre-K”
“Raise minimum wage”
“Create more jobs”
“Stop targeting Muslims”
“Ban guns now”
“Stop privatization – public libraries, hospitals”
“Stop NYPD surveillance”
“Justice for bike riders”
“Please stop putting Fluoride in the water”
“Protect the rights of home attendants”
“Legalize marijuana”
“Stop victimizing minorities”
“Make the city affordable”
“Bring more lights into parks”
“City ID’s for immigrants! Yes”
“Let’s talk about race”
And at least one sticker pleaded for “justice for the Central Park Five.”
Catch You On The Inside!
