Working at construction publication, I see projects that are currently being planned by the state. There is hundreds of million-dollar future new construction and renovations people don’t know about.
But, what gets me is how the state can afford all these projects, especially when funds are cut from programs and there is a high rate of unemployment.
For instance, there is a multimillion dollar convention center being in Albany. This project seems too extravagant, when Albany already has sufficient hotels and conference spaces available. After all, the city is the crux of state legislation, so I am sure it has a proper number of places to house government makers and organizations.
I see capital improvements on school districts put on hold because there is not enough funding for much-need renovations and alterations. Asbestos is present in buildings and roofs are deteriorating. With the money for the convention center in Albany, you could improve half a dozen school districts.
I even look at my Alma matter. They are building a large sports complex center when current buildings on campus are in dire need of renovations, especially the dorms.
Towns and villages also can’t get funds to improve water and sewer districts. Neighborhoods smell, and people aren’t getting clean water.
Why can’t the state realize there are buildings and other projects that already exist that need a facelift? This will improve the life of New York residents and students, increasing the quality of life and learning. Instead, the state spends millions of dollars to impress non-residents.
It’s disappointing to see the state puts the new construction of a luxurious convention center over the improvements of educational facilities. The focus of the state government should be to work for the best interest of the residents, not what will make New York aesthetically pleasing.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Stuck Between Mud and Sun
Sometimes you are walking in a straight line, and then you suddenly come to a crossroads. Each one is 100 percent different from the other, and each has the potential to make changes in life.
One road looks smooth, and the sun shines on every part of the road, making the path easy to see. There is not a cloud in the azul sky. The path is clear, with no broken branches carelessly askew on the ground and gravel is kept and neat. It looks seemingly perfect and straightforward.
The second road looks rough and mean. Leaves are scattered on ground, and there is mud and muck. You have to jump over fallen trees and the sky is cloudy, with a forecast for rain and thunderstorms. You know your feet will get dirty if you choose this road.
As you are looking at these two roads, sometimes you wish you could go back so you wouldn't have to make a decision. The road you have traveled was familiar and known. There were no questions or uncertainty. But that road has already been walked, so you can't go backward, only forward.
There is hesitancy in the upcoming decision. At times, you want things to be clear and bright, like the smooth road, but sometimes that road has the potential to be gilded. You know that not everything on that road really is perfect. In fact, you know there is the chance for something bad at the end of the road, or good. This road is easy, but you know you are going the easy way because you are afraid of hardship and the unknown. You can deny pain here, and no one will know.
You know the second road is going to be tough by looking at it. There are no questions or hesitancy about the obstacles that will come as you walk forward. But, you question if you have the strength and faith to trudge forward, knowing you will fall on the way. The chief worry is whether you will be able to pick yourself back up after you fall over a branch or become stuck in the mud.
The decision is approaching quickly. You look to the smooth road, then at the rough road. No one else can make this decision, and frankly, you know you are an indecisive person.
As you look to the roads, you are thinking to yourself. You think the rough road is hard, but the pain is real. You know you will scrap your knees when you fall, but you also know that pain will subside eventually. The smooth road will cause no heartache, loss or pain. But you also think that life without suffering is not living. You know you will not grow or "roughen" up with this road, but you are scared of that time when you know you will be hurt.
So, do you choose pain and reality or fantasy and denial?
Choose wisely. You cannot go back.
One road looks smooth, and the sun shines on every part of the road, making the path easy to see. There is not a cloud in the azul sky. The path is clear, with no broken branches carelessly askew on the ground and gravel is kept and neat. It looks seemingly perfect and straightforward.
The second road looks rough and mean. Leaves are scattered on ground, and there is mud and muck. You have to jump over fallen trees and the sky is cloudy, with a forecast for rain and thunderstorms. You know your feet will get dirty if you choose this road.
As you are looking at these two roads, sometimes you wish you could go back so you wouldn't have to make a decision. The road you have traveled was familiar and known. There were no questions or uncertainty. But that road has already been walked, so you can't go backward, only forward.
There is hesitancy in the upcoming decision. At times, you want things to be clear and bright, like the smooth road, but sometimes that road has the potential to be gilded. You know that not everything on that road really is perfect. In fact, you know there is the chance for something bad at the end of the road, or good. This road is easy, but you know you are going the easy way because you are afraid of hardship and the unknown. You can deny pain here, and no one will know.
You know the second road is going to be tough by looking at it. There are no questions or hesitancy about the obstacles that will come as you walk forward. But, you question if you have the strength and faith to trudge forward, knowing you will fall on the way. The chief worry is whether you will be able to pick yourself back up after you fall over a branch or become stuck in the mud.
The decision is approaching quickly. You look to the smooth road, then at the rough road. No one else can make this decision, and frankly, you know you are an indecisive person.
As you look to the roads, you are thinking to yourself. You think the rough road is hard, but the pain is real. You know you will scrap your knees when you fall, but you also know that pain will subside eventually. The smooth road will cause no heartache, loss or pain. But you also think that life without suffering is not living. You know you will not grow or "roughen" up with this road, but you are scared of that time when you know you will be hurt.
So, do you choose pain and reality or fantasy and denial?
Choose wisely. You cannot go back.
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