Opinion

Op-ed: Cluster-siting is a Community Killer

The New York Times recently featured an article on cluster-siting, a controversial city program aimed at housing the homeless that impacts the Bronx in a disproportionate manner. It’s time to rethink this old problem. And as one seeking to serve the public in City Council, it’s time to formulate a public policy solution … smartly and quickly.

Op-ed: Why NYPD Needs an Inspector General

In June of 2012, the City Council introduced a bill that would establish the office of Inspector General for the Police Department. The office would oversee the policies and practices of the NYPD and analyze the effect of those policies and practices on civil liberties, among other things. Mayor Bloomberg has expressed serious opposition to the bill, promising to veto the legislation and describing the creation of an Inspector General’s office as mere “politics” that tamper with public safety. The mayor could not be more wrong.

Op-ed: Stop School Closures and Co-Locations for Third Term

If something is broken – fix it. Sadly, Mayor Bloomberg adheres to a different philosophy when our city’s education system is concerned. The Administration’s default response to struggling schools has been to close them, without first investing enough time and resources into turning them around. And instead of laying out a thoughtful plan for some schools to share facilities in the same building – co-location – the Administration turns a cold shoulder to community input. We need a new approach for our city’s one million students.

Op-Ed: Helping the ‘Washeros’

Growing up in the Bronx, one of the most exciting portions of an otherwise unbearable day with my father running errands was our inevitable trip to the car wash. I would ask for us to stay in the car as the conveyor belt carried us through the huge wipers and brushes. I never gave much thought to the men who manually dried the car once we exited this fantastical vortex of water and soap however. But these men, in all likelihood were either undocumented immigrants, underpaid, overworked, or all of the above.

Editorial: Our Wish List for 2013

The Norwood News will be tracking countless stories over the coming days, weeks and months in 2013. Here are some of the outcomes and headlines we’ll be rooting for.