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Election Year - Quality of Life and Communication Issues As the Fall '99 elections approach we are prompted to think about our City and its needs. TUI has petitioned its community members to send us questions they feel should be addressed by the candidates. Two themes emerged - Quality of Life, and Communication with Constituents. Neighborhood organizations and individuals across the nation have become increasingly concerned with quality of life issues within their cities. New York City's community leaders have been particularly active in improving that city's quality of life for its many residents, workers and visitors. The wholesale transformation of Times Square and development of Battery Park City are but two examples. Closer to home, there are many individuals and neighborhood organizations urging our community leaders to address quality of life issues ranging from noise problems to capital projects. Within the past couple of years we have seen the Broadway corridor and Congress Street revitalized with new side walks, lighting, and paving. Several other streets are being repaved as well. With such visible activities and positive results, individuals now want their streets and sidewalks similarly improved - including much of downtown, sections of the South end and Lansingburgh. Is there a master revitalization plan? At another level, people in some parts of downtown and outlying neighborhoods are concerned about loitering, trash in the streets and on the sidewalks, noise from radios and trucks, etc. Some have suggested the need to build Police substations and establish foot patrols in particularly difficult areas. It has also been suggested that businesses be encouraged to take greater responsibility for clean up around their establishments - particularly the many fast food outlets. What is being done in each neighborhood to improve quality of life? Another area of concern pertains to enforcement of the City's laws, ordinances, and codes. TUI has published a few articles highlighting quality of life laws and codes that could be better enforced. One reader expressed concern about burnt out buildings left for extended periods of time without being renovated or torn down. Related building and safety codes, garbage disposal and pickup, the litter patrol, and general health concerns are issues to be addressed. Last but not least, regular proactive communication between community leaders and their constituents is desired. The Mayor, Council members, department and project leaders are asked to regularly issues progress reports and plans. Direct mailings to all residents seem to be the favored method of communication - possibly a single flyer with contributions from various representatives. Press releases should be issued to The Record, Times Union Rensselaer Section, local civic organizations, and local colleges. In today's high tech environment, a simple World Wide Web site could be used to facilitate communication as well. During this election year and after elections come to pass, representatives are asked to keep in mind the six basic questions as applied to their tenure in office: What, Where, Why, Who, How, When. What is the problem or issue? Where in Troy are similar problems or issues raised? Why are they occurring? Who is responsible - individuals, organizations, coalitions? How can the problem or issue be resolved? When will the necessary actions begin and end? And also, how may we best keep all concerned individuals informed. In cooperation with Troy United Ink Corp., a not-for-profit corporation 
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