An Open Letter to Mayor Robert J. Duffy

Shawn O’Hara
60 Penhurst St
Rochester, New York 14619
October 24, 2009

Mayor Robert J. Duffy
30 Church Street
Rochester, New York 14614

Dear Mayor Duffy,

Today the 19th Ward witnessed another outrageous and senseless act against our community, with the suspected arson at 202 Trafalgar Street. We are devastated. Again.

Not less than a week ago our community was rocked by the flagrant, broad daylight, shooting of a young person on Thurston Road. And now, six days later and only blocks away, a resident of 40+ years and her son, as well as a new family to our city have been left homeless by this disturbing event.

For years our community has been fighting to lift ourselves up in an effort to end the violence and make our streets safe. But we are getting tired Mr. Mayor, and we need some help.

As you may know, the Southwest side of Rochester has one of the oldest community associations in the country, with our 19th Ward Community Association. We are also the home to many active block clubs, neighborhood groups and organizations that are fighting to make our streets safe, walk-able and crime free. We have marched. We have organized. We have held candle light vigils. But as quick as pulling a trigger, or lighting a match, all of our hope, energy and enthusiasm is extinguished. Our residents are tired, scared and feed-up. With many of us feeling helpless.

As the Mayor of this great city, I ask you to please consider committing more resources to our neighborhood. Such as fully staffing our Neighborhood Service Center, installing sound responding street cameras, and aggressive enforcement city codes, and laws such as littering, illegal parking and traffic violations. Coupled with these basic service improvements, it would be beneficial to implement and fund the final phase of the Thurston Road design study.

With these investments and improvements, the 19th Ward would not only become a more desirable place to live and work, they would also facilitate the increase of property values resulting in increased revenue for the city. But aside from the monetary benefits, we should consider the emotional well being of our community as a whole. Think of the positive effect on a child, knowing that they can walk to school safely without the fear of being shot. Think of the positive effect for a block club that can meet to plan a street fair, instead of planning on how to help a burned out family. These are the small things that happen, when we invest in our streetscapes, repair our building facades, and encourage business development. It is time Mr. Mayor. It is time to help us lift ourselves up, and end this seemingly endless battle against decay, violence and crime. It is time.

Sincerely,

Shawn O’Hara
Resident 19th Ward Rochester, New Yrok
Student Rochester Institute of Technology
Founder/Administrator Location19.org

Cc:
Patricia K. Malgieri, Deputy Mayor
G. Jean Howard, Chief of Staff
Darryl W. Porter, Assistant to the Mayor
Richard Hannon, Director of Special Projects
Dana Miller, City Councilmember At Large
Adam McFadden, City Councilmember South District
David Moore, Police Chief
Charles Reaves, Commissioner, Recreation and Youth Services

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on October 24, 2009 at 1:23am

Thanks Karl! It can't hurt. I'm just really tired of all the nonsense lately.

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Permalink Reply by Marian Boutet on October 24, 2009 at 1:37am

Eloquently said, Shawn. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Mark Sweetland on October 24, 2009 at 2:30am

Shawn,

I think this is the best letter I have seen that sums up the situation, it's great! Thank you so much for all your efforts to make this a better place to live!

Mark

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Permalink Reply by Anthony Fasolo on October 24, 2009 at 2:35am

I am always so proud of you Bo! I could not have put this in better words!

I love you!

Anthony

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Permalink Reply by Wendy Sullivan on October 24, 2009 at 3:19am

thank you Shawn, the only correction is the last line. "it is past time!"

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Permalink Reply by Inge Mallory on October 24, 2009 at 6:05am

Thank You Shawn for saying the things that need to be said in such a well composed letter.
Have you thought about submitting it to the D & C? I know they are very selective about their letters but I think you should give it a try.
Thanks again for writing such a good letter.

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Permalink Reply by MacClurg Vivian on October 24, 2009 at 8:33am

Beautifully written letter. thank you
MacClurg

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Permalink Reply by MacClurg Vivian on October 24, 2009 at 9:01am

Shawn, call me. 546 1469
MacClurg

(Your page is hanging, I cannot get into it have to abort each time. )

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Permalink Reply by Rachael Baldanza on October 24, 2009 at 9:36am

Shawn,
This is a very well written letter that communicates what many of us in this neighborhood feel. Please do send it to the Democrat and Chronicle, or City Paper and I for one would be happy to have my name added in support. Or to write a follow up letter.
Thanks for writing and sharing this.
best,
Rachael

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Permalink Reply by Brenda Driscoll on October 24, 2009 at 9:57am

I am a 3rd grade special education teacher at School 16 on Post. We have St. John Fisher students in our classroom and yesterday they asked my students for topics they would like to talk about during "Open Class Meeting". One of the male thrid graders who lives on Thurston and saw last weeks shooting wanted to talk about "guns in our neighborhood". He listed several types of guns at the bottom of his paper. He has asked me if I have ever "been in a fight". I told him I have had disagreements with people and that is OK but fighting is not. As adults we would like assistance. Our children and next generation need help, now! No 9 year old should have to think about these things.

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on October 24, 2009 at 10:15am

It's heart breaking to hear stories like this. When I was in third grade, I new my father had a hunting rifle, but I don't think I ever saw it, or touched it until I was in high school. It's a blessing to know that we have teachers like you who care, and talk about what is right and wrong with their students. Thank you Brenda.
-Shawn

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Permalink Reply by Shawn on October 24, 2009 at 10:03am

Thank you for the support everyone. I have sent it to The City Newspaper and posted it on my profile blog their website as well. I sent it to the several people and departments at the D&C. I also posted it to my personal Facebook Page, and the Location19 Facebook page. And last but not least, I Tweeted it!

What I would ask, is for you all to follow up with a letter. You can post it here, send it to the Mayor, D&C, or where ever you feel it appropriate. The more we speak together, the more we are heard. Feel free to co-opt my letter, or parts of it, or pen one from your heart.

Here are the contacts I used:
Mayor Robert J. Duffy
Patricia K. Malgieri, Deputy Mayor
G. Jean Howard, Chief of Staff
Darryl W. Porter, Assistant to the Mayor
Richard Hannon, Director of Special Projects
Dana Miller, City Councilmember At Large
Adam McFadden, City Councilmember South District
David Moore, Police Chief
Charles Reaves, Commissioner, Recreation and Youth Services

Thanks again,
-Shawn