smAlbany: An Idea and a Mission
You know, the only thing worse than being talked about is not being talked about, so I wanted to thank everyone who read or replied to my smAlbany blog postings.
Without signaling out any replies (they were all so good in my book!) I noticed a trend that while the term can be a bit annoying, “smAlbany” can also be quite endearing.
I also sensed the feeling that our region has the potential to become a “destination” for new businesses and residents based on our strengths in technology, education, health care, recreation, location and more, if we could only get our act together to promote it.
I believe that this is eminently doable, and we must task ourselves to achieve this goal. I am reminded that throughout history, small groups of individuals have gotten together to effect great change. We have a great tradition of that in our own country — our chambers of commerce, nonprofits, free school systems (our founding fathers would probably qualify too).
Our local organizations – Chambers of Commerce, BNIs, Tech Valley organizations, some media and politicians & more – have done much to promote our region, but we must do more.
I commend Steve Jeffes who recently started the Albany Professionals Group on the LinkedIn social networking site. He has attracted over 2,000 members in just a few months and is developing a number of workgroups and member activities. It’s a good example of the power of social networking, and the time is now to harness this power.
What I would ask at this time is that each person respond with the one change or improvement that Albany needs to take it to the next level. I would ask for 3 or 5 suggestions but that’s too complicated right now. What I’d like to see is the best, the greatest idea that’s been nagging at you, that you think would make all the difference. We’ll find a way to present these to the smAlbany Mayor.
To paraphrase Arlo Guthrie, with one person you have an idea, with three people you have an organization, and with 50 people you have a movement!
So just think about that when you hear Arlo singing the annual “Alice’s Restaurant” on the radio this Thanksgiving. Think about smAlbany, me and Arlo, and have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends.
I look forward to your comments!
November 25th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Either enforce the speed limit on the Dunn Memorial Bridge and I-787 ramps onto it and into the Empirer Plaza or raise them. It is currently dangerous to go the speed limit there.
November 25th, 2009 at 8:57 am
I have always been impressed by the approach to family recreation found in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Local swimming pools are all mini waterparks with slides, fountains, zero-depth entry, and family picnic and play areas. Because of the winter weather (similar to our Upstate NY weather, but with more wind), there is also an abundance of indoor playgrounds and sports centers where families can get their “ya-yas” out when being outdoors is dangerous. Add to this the ability to move in and around the city via a warm light-rail system at street level, and the second-storey Skyway system for downtown pedestrians, and you’ve got a combination that drastically improves the quality of life for folks living in the area.
With our recreational focus on such natural beauties as the Adirondacks, Catskills, Lake George and other local lakes and streams, I wonder if there isn’t room for a provision for more indoor low- or no-fee winter activities. Also, I wonder if the Northway corridor could support a light-rail commuter system?
November 25th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Your reference to Arlo Guthrie brought back a memory of my Siena College graduation in 1983. That year at Graduation Arlo Guthrie was given an Honorary degree for his musical contributions to society.
November 25th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
A clean-regime emphasis,if-you-will. Something that I’ve always found disturbing is the countless times that I’ve seen littering. All over !! Not only the fast-food discards but also the “butt”. The foul and disgusting non-biodegradable filters from disgusting and foul smokers. Change smAlbany ? at least “do not litter” and for those who want to,if you see trash,pick it up and dispose of it !
No one should be homeless ! Regardless of circumstance. Especially during the winter months. And no one should be without food ! Bring back the “I am my brother’s keeper” philosophy,and begin losing the “it’s all about me” and the “me first!” attitudes.
Emphasize that education actually begins AT HOME ! And that parents are to be more responsible.
How about a “stop the blaming,and start owning” program,along with “support small an local businesses,spend your money close to home !”
Volunteers for yard clean-ups for the elderly,general assistance…
Could go on and on…but for now I won’t. I’ll just “suck it up !”
November 26th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
I think we should have a ‘cleanup your neighborhood day.’ Scrubbing buildings, clean up the buses. neighborhoods could organize and get cleaning.
I would also like to see more business shows with workshops and networking; happy to help. Thanks for keeping on this.l
November 28th, 2009 at 1:43 am
Wow people, it’s Thanksgiving Day! I’m enjoying my extra day off, and I am planning to make something fun that will probably involve a bike ride and seeing something new in Hanover I haven’t seen yet.
You write something new at Thanksgiving?
November 29th, 2009 at 1:20 am
Larry…will you please run for office? I will vote for you!
November 29th, 2009 at 1:22 am
I would also be honored to be your campaign manager. Think about this seriously…I am not joking. Whether I’m that campaign manager or not…seriously…you should run for office.
November 29th, 2009 at 9:34 am
First off, think big. Then bigger.
Turn the national media spotlight our way by promoting one national-scale radical idea that catches the attention of the world.
For instance:
Get the city council to pass a resolution favoring gay marriage. Or pot decriminalization, or a corporate death penalty.
Get the city council to pass a resolution censuring Glenn Beck. Use the word “sedition” in the resolution.
Embrace atheists by helping raise money to put ads on billboards.
Encourage the president to create a massive Apollo-style national research program to defeat major diseases in the next 10-15 years — “ABCD by 2023″ (Alzheimer’s, Birth defects, Cancer, Diabetes).
November 30th, 2009 at 7:41 am
I think a better mass transportation system would be really cool, even
an above ground rail/metro system.
November 30th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
I agree with the comments about making Albany more ‘user-friendly’, whether it’s with family activities that are enjoyable and accessible or increasing activities that bring citizens downtown.
The waterfront, a true gem if it were capitalized and promoted, needs to have a larger profile. Having a centralized hub i(like an active downtown) where people want to go would greatly enhance the quality of life here. It’s starting (with 1st Friday & more good restaurants )in downtown Albany, but it certainly takes a long time for things to get going here.
December 5th, 2009 at 9:30 am
time the lights on central,western,wash.
February 23rd, 2010 at 1:22 am
@Marco I know what your saying there . In todays economy its difficult to find a job that pays good and is stable . I have discovered that if you just work hard and are consistent you can succeed. Look at the writer of this page , they are clearly hard working and have just been consistent over time and are now enjoying at least what would appear as somewhat of a success. I would encourage everyone to just keep hustling and moving forward.