Despite the critical role of the PAB and the need for independent police oversight in Rochester, ROC DSA has made the decision to resign as a member agency of the PABA. This decision was not made lightly. Over the last several years, the PABA has become a challenging and, at times, deeply toxic environment. Our organization’s departure is far from the first and, unfortunately, it will almost certainly not be the last. We urge the leadership and remaining members of the PABA to take a critical look at the state of the alliance and find the lessons that must be learned. This city needs the PAB, and the PAB needs a functional PABA.
Author: Greg Lebens-Higgins
RDDC’s Limited Vision for Downtown: A Rising Tide Lifts a Few Yachts…
We are at Rochester Downtown Development Corporation’s Economic Growth Series: Vision~Future 2023, and Mayor Evans is taking the property owners, developers, and investors filling the conference room at Rochester Riverside Convention Center on a journey of economic opportunity.
Socialism in Perspective: DSA Co-Chairs Host a Fireside Chat
On Wednesday, February 7, National Political Committee Co-Chairs Ashik Siddique and Megan Romer held an address to hundreds of DSA members tuning in from across the country. Broadcast over Zoom, the event was termed a ‘Fireside Chat’ in a 21st century ode to Roosevelt’s famous radio communications to the public. Like the tone of Roosevelt’s communications, the Co-Chairs demonstrated resolve, reassuring membership in a period of financial uncertainty and uneven transformation.
Business Improvement Districts in Theory and Practice: Comments from Socialist Sunday School #53.
BIDs remove democratic power from the hands of working-class residents and place these areas under private control of local property owners. Even BID members are not immune. Instead of one person one vote, property owners have weightier votes with the more properties they own, leading to the voices of small businesses being drowned out by large property owning corporations.
Joe Morelle Supports Genocide in Palestine, but Won’t Own Up to It
Instead of engaging in the democratic process, Joe Morelle decided to hide from the event. Protestors gathered anyway to demand an end to American support for the heinous crimes being committed against the Palestinian people.
The Rochester Police Accountability Board’s Union Drive so Far: A Masterclass in Union Busting
In the past few years, the push for civilian oversight of law enforcement has expanded nationwide. Body cam technology and police reform are increasingly being written into law, and social movements like Black Lives Matter have generated incredible energy. Along with it, however, new ways of obstructing the work of holding law enforcement agencies accountable have and continue to emerge.
Never Again For Anyone: Comments from the Rally for Palestine at Batavia City Hall
So much of the discussion surrounding the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza is designed to derail conversation about atrocities being committed against Palestinians or prevent one from being sympathetic to those in Gaza. One of the rhetorical devices that has been frequently employed in the propaganda and conversation surrounding Palestine is the thought-terminating cliché.
Speak to Council: Pass a Ceasefire Resolution!
I’m calling on you to join over a dozen cities, including Detroit, Atlanta, San Francisco, and right here in New York, Albany—in passing a resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire. You have the power to signal to President Biden, to Governor Hochul, and to Netanyahu himself, that Rochester doesn’t support this genocide. That the state of New York doesn’t support this genocide. That the American people don’t support this genocide.
Justice for Todd Novick: Rally and Community Speak Out, Rochester City Hall (January 6, 2024)
Ultimately, as activists and organizers, we must not focus our energy on mere police reform. We cannot reform a system premised on the violent protection of private property and maintenance of class hierarchy.
Finding Comradeship and Building Trans Solidarity with ROC DSA
As a transgender person, being politically involved is important to me – especially at a time when trans rights are being heavily legislated. Belonging to political organizations helps give me a sense of meaning as well as community. So naturally, when I moved to a new city where I knew nobody, I sought out the local DSA chapter.