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I’m guilty of rushing around and not really noticing changes taking place. I think that is pretty common for many of us. Today, while traveling down Hertel Avenue I made a point of really looking around. One of the first things that caught my eye is how the storefronts are becoming more colorful and appealing. Sure, everyone usually notices a new business, but it is the improvement taking place with established businesses that illustrates the fact that Hertel Avenue is alive and well! The same positive changes have been more noticeable in other areas of the City, notably Elmwood, Allentown and the Chippewa districts. I can’t wait to see more!

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As I was sitting at the corner of Elmwood & Hertel waiting for the light to change, I couldn’t help but notice the bus at the corner. Do you think that if all the Metro buses were painted this color the NFTA would have lower insurance costs? Imagine having an accident with that bus and saying - “I never saw it coming”.

Once the insurance costs are lowered, the County could save money with a corresponding decrease in the subsidy to the NFTA. It wouldn’t amount to much in relation to the overall deficit, but every little bit helps.

Here goes - this is my favorite rant subject. Anyone who is familiar with politics in this area knows that nothing seems to change. I have a couple of different reasons for this. First, and most important, is that too many taxpayers have a vested financial interest in the status quo. By that I mean that when you count all of the people benefiting from entitlement programs, government employees and union members, you don’t have enough voters left to make changes for the good of the whole community. Second, voters are apathetic and either don’t vote or they don’t take the time to learn about the issues they are voting on. The amount of party line voting in this area is enough to turn my stomach. Now, before you think I am just sitting hear ranting, I would like you to know that there is a very good group of people working diligently to affect positive change. That group is Free Buffalo. Please check out their website. If nothing else, read some of the policy papers and studies posted, I promise it will be an eye opening experience. Also, many of the members blog at this site. Take a look for a different perspective on the news and issues that affect us locally and nationally.

This is my first “official” post. I pondered what I should write about and decided to keep it uplifting and innocuous. There will be plenty of time for rants and other highly opinionated posts.

Back to the topic, Spring is Near. Tomorrow is St. Patrick’s Day and Sunday (March 19) is the parade. Green beer, corned beef and people marching down Delaware Avenue in the cold heralds the coming of warmer weather. I can hardly wait. Although we haven’t had a very snowy winter, it is time for for sunshine and outdoor activities.

This was last year’s parade. It was a bit chilly, but fun.