Participatory Budgeting is Here and Waiting for You

We live in a neighborhood but we become part of it if we engage in local politics--"of, for and relating to citizens" -- on the micro level.

(School of Athens Revisited: adrianeisenhower.blogspot.com)

While the country worries about the Affordable Care Act and the deficit,

(Source:  dailykos.com)

 

(Source: nydailynews.com)                    

we may also be worried about the bicycles that nearly mowed us down or the garbage. 

 

(Source: myfoxny.com)

At our meeting last night, the group discussed whether there should be an uptown bike lane on Amsterdam to match the downtown bike lane on Columbus with cyclists, small business owners and senior pedestrians voicing points of view.

(Source: nydailynews.com)

Our Councilmember introduced the concept of participatory budgeting and said she plans on turning over $1M of the $2M she gets to spend to her constituents--that would be us. We get to come up with ideas on how to spend it and vote for our choice--whether for youth, seniors, schools, housing or transportation. This is a good idea. Otherwise, we might not like the choices people make for us.

(Source: cheesburger.com)

Whatever our choice, we have to show up to get it done. And I was impressed by how many of our elected representatives did show up. Our Councilmember, Assemblyperson, Community Board Chair, District Leaders and Congressman all made an appearance along with a lot of our community.

Here is the most important part--we need to vote and November 5 is the day. We shouldn't say--well, our candidate has a lead of 40 points--and think our vote won't matter. Believe me, the other side is counting on that. Let's make sure to find our local polling place, be there and be heard.

(Source: townhall.com)

NOVEMBER 5.

#retiredinnewyork
#localpolitics
#voteonnovember5
#GOTVnewyork