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Niagara Falls is in trouble ... big trouble. The city desperately needs help. That's no surprise to longtime residents but, sadly, things are getting worse, especially from an outside view.
Each time I visit my hometown, my emotions are split. It's a joy to see my family and old friends and I still marvel at the great scenic beauty here, but watching the city's continuing economic decline and seeing the physical deterioration of Niagara Falls is most depressing.
Now the people are being asked to accept a property tax increase and water rate boost that in one year represents a one-third increase for the cost of city government services.
Just to ask that is a grave injustice, obscene and unconscionable. To press the people to accept that burden without first making serious cuts in operating costs is a total abrogation of the responsibility of leadership.
The mayor, City Council members and city administrators who are failing to come to grips with the difficult decisions that must be made should seek work in a more serene environment. Walking in front of the convention center last week, I noticed countless broken and dislodged tiles. If that wasn't bad enough, seeing the "repair" job was appalling. The city used blacktop to fill in the broken and missing tiles. It looks horrible but, in a sense, the sorry sidewalk is a symbol of the city's decline and failure to correct its problems.
Simply replacing the tiles is more expensive in the short run, but more lasting and cost-effective in the long run. The quick fix doesn't work and puts off the day the problem will have to be dealt with.
For too long the city has put off dealing with a cold reality. The tax base and population in Niagara Falls cannot sustain the size and cost of the present city government. Radically cutting government costs to reflect that reality is essential, and the political will must be found to do that. All the studies in the world won't provide the decision makers with the courage needed to do what they must.
The upcoming election does provide some hope for the city. I frankly don't think the presidential race will make much difference for Niagara Falls. Neither Gore nor Bush has offered any major initiative on urban issues.
In the race for U.S. Senate, both Hillary and Enrico (Lazio legally changed his beautiful Italian name to Rick -- it always bothers me when people homogenize their heritage) have friends and support in the Falls, and either might come up with a bone or two for the city, but nothing of great consequence.
The most important race for the city is for control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Incumbent Democrat John LaFalce is smart, experienced and knows his way around his district and Capitol Hill better than most members of Congress. He also has precious seniority. LaFalce is the ranking minority member on the House Banking Committee. If the Democrats regain control, he becomes chairman of one of the most powerful committees in Congress. Sure, LaFalce will have more influence in getting federal funds and pork barrel goodies for his district, but Niagara Falls needs and deserves much more than that.
Developers, investors and, oh yes, bankers, will have a greater interest in the needs of the chairman's district. Vital capital would loosen up and the projects that could help revitalize Niagara Falls suddenly would get the attention of the big money types.
So on election night, when you're watching the returns, pay special attention to the control of the House. It's the city's best bet.