And now: A special report from the Department of Really Bad Ideas. And this one is a doozie. It comes from Hizzoner Eric Adams, the present mayor of New York City. Like mayors everywhere, Adams is routinely expected to respond to city council members, state reps, members of Congress, and other elected officials who ask for help on city issues and problems affecting the people they represent. After all, that’s how it’s supposed to work – local folks have an issue needing city attention, so they go to officials in their local community who can carry this issue to the top level. Most of these matters are resolved by – hello – relevant officials simply having a phone call, a quick meeting, or even an email exchange.
This requirement for an online form starts with the “Let them eat cake” assumption that everyone is computer literate and has access to a computer and internet subscription. My 70 year old sister never had to use a computer as part of her working life and would have no idea where to find one much less how to use it.
How incredibly idiotic - bureaucracy gone absolutely bonkers! And what an incredible waste of time and emails/paperwork. I am having the same sort of problem with a cat food delivery - each time I try to cancel the order I speak with a delightful person with a heavy but almost incomprehensible accent who promises to cancel the order and sends a confirming email --- but then three months later everything starts again. I thought computers were meant to save time but I spend far too much time trying to set things right. I guess just getting in the car and buying whatever I want is the best way to go! It may be wasting gas but at least I get what I want and don't have to go on line or try to understand some poor person who barely speaks comprehensible English.
It didn't feel too hopeful to me when NYC voted him in, though he calls himself a Democrat. Hopefully, he'll get voted OUT. SOON. Strange ~ I'm in Tucson, AZ, and we have a Dem Mayor & City Council, and Governor & AG, who feel more Dem (usually), than the NYC situation! While we can't encourage a greater influx (it's the water, or lack of it), even more progressive voters here would be really great! Hmm, in NY. too.
Well said! This is one of the worst ideas I have read in a long time.. there is not muuch that would totally stop any dialogue faster than having to fill out a 7 page appilcation form to meet with an official to dicuss a concern or an idea.. BAD very BAD IDEA!!!
A sort of "flip side" - here in Iowa, we CAN talk directly with our leaders - local, state, national reps and senators - via any number of avenues; but then the state legislators, governor, representatives and senators (generally not local officials) basically ignore what we say and do whatever they want to do. IA is in a "race to the bottom" with FL and a few other states when it comes to responding to the expressed needs of its citizens, whether statewide or nationally. Re: Eric Adams - to say I'm extremely disappointed is probably a vast understatement, even though I don't live in NY. Oh, and remember NYC folks elected "America's mayor" Rudy Giuliani about 25 years ago - and we've seen how that ultimately turned out, even after he did a very creditable job post 9/11.
OK. Then I assume that bankers, businessmen, and real estate developers will have to submit a seven page request to contact and those requests are open records.
What the hell is going on in this country. Is everyone insane! Jim Morrison of the Doors once wrote, all the children are insane. We were the children at that time. Perhaps he was right!
And those who don't have internet access, for whatever reason, are SOL?
Sounds like an arrogant son of a bachelor.
This requirement for an online form starts with the “Let them eat cake” assumption that everyone is computer literate and has access to a computer and internet subscription. My 70 year old sister never had to use a computer as part of her working life and would have no idea where to find one much less how to use it.
How did this fool get elected? I thought the good folks in NYC vetted their leaders with some common sense. I guess I'll have to adjust my thinking.
When is this fool's term up for re-election? Soon, I hope. Maybe they won't make that same mistake again.
That’s a good one. Efficacy isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Ouch.
How incredibly idiotic - bureaucracy gone absolutely bonkers! And what an incredible waste of time and emails/paperwork. I am having the same sort of problem with a cat food delivery - each time I try to cancel the order I speak with a delightful person with a heavy but almost incomprehensible accent who promises to cancel the order and sends a confirming email --- but then three months later everything starts again. I thought computers were meant to save time but I spend far too much time trying to set things right. I guess just getting in the car and buying whatever I want is the best way to go! It may be wasting gas but at least I get what I want and don't have to go on line or try to understand some poor person who barely speaks comprehensible English.
You tell ‘em, Jim!
It didn't feel too hopeful to me when NYC voted him in, though he calls himself a Democrat. Hopefully, he'll get voted OUT. SOON. Strange ~ I'm in Tucson, AZ, and we have a Dem Mayor & City Council, and Governor & AG, who feel more Dem (usually), than the NYC situation! While we can't encourage a greater influx (it's the water, or lack of it), even more progressive voters here would be really great! Hmm, in NY. too.
🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊💙🗽💙🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊🌊
Well said! This is one of the worst ideas I have read in a long time.. there is not muuch that would totally stop any dialogue faster than having to fill out a 7 page appilcation form to meet with an official to dicuss a concern or an idea.. BAD very BAD IDEA!!!
Outrageous- thanks for posting this method to make people go away
A sort of "flip side" - here in Iowa, we CAN talk directly with our leaders - local, state, national reps and senators - via any number of avenues; but then the state legislators, governor, representatives and senators (generally not local officials) basically ignore what we say and do whatever they want to do. IA is in a "race to the bottom" with FL and a few other states when it comes to responding to the expressed needs of its citizens, whether statewide or nationally. Re: Eric Adams - to say I'm extremely disappointed is probably a vast understatement, even though I don't live in NY. Oh, and remember NYC folks elected "America's mayor" Rudy Giuliani about 25 years ago - and we've seen how that ultimately turned out, even after he did a very creditable job post 9/11.
I hope elected Democrats will not try to outdo Republicans with such ultra conservative tactics
One more level of Flappers between the people and those in power
OK. Then I assume that bankers, businessmen, and real estate developers will have to submit a seven page request to contact and those requests are open records.
What the hell is going on in this country. Is everyone insane! Jim Morrison of the Doors once wrote, all the children are insane. We were the children at that time. Perhaps he was right!
It often seems like I am interacting with an algorithm pretending to be a human.
Disappointing, I know NYC is like running most countries and many request are sadly lacking in merit, but seriously come on!