Old Rail Road Depot, Mount Upton New York

Afternoon 19th Warders, and supporters! After spending several days in Chenango County, one of the poorest counties in New York State, it is great to be back in Rochester.

I grew up in Chenango County in a little Hamlet called Mount Upton on the Unadilla River. I have not lived Mount Upton in 10 years. The last decade has not been kind to my hometown. I have seen the economy bottom out, people move away. Homes, buildings and businesses have disappeared. But my parents still live there. Each and everyday, they get up and go about their business, not worrying about what has been, or what might have been. They believe they can make things better by staying where they are. I guess that's where I get my outlook on life. I always try and see what can be, instead of what has been.

In recent days here in Rochester there have been some ugly things happen in our community here in the city. We can dwell on the negative. Attack our attackers, keeping the ugly cycle going. Or we can, like my parents have taught me, look forward. Believe in tomorrow. Believe in out community. Believe in each other! Just as it takes someone to fire a gun. So too does it take some one to pull a rake. Pick up trash. Say hello to someone on the street. We will never get anywhere if we continue to argue with those who rather see us fail. Be it in a local discussion group, in the paper, or on the streets. We need to stay positive. Keep our message positive.

But let me also say this, staying positive does not mean backing down. We need to continue to fight for what we believe in. Safe streets, education, community and economic development and the list goes on. We need to continue to call the authorities when they are required. If it's 911, 311, Codes enforcement, or animal control. We need to be consistent and diligent in these areas. Why do we think Park Ave is safe? People call the cops for the smallest thing. I'm not saying we need to go to the extreme. But we need to do more. And get more of our neighbors to do more as well.

So my New Years Resolution for 2009, Stay Positive. Stay on Message. Be involved.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIENDS!
See you in the Ward -Shawn