In Buffalo, more than anywhere, there is a growing need for media accountability.

In this space I'll try to add some perspective to the local media scene in Buffalo.

BUFFALO HOUSING AUTHORITY FAILS TO INVOLVE COMMUNITY - YOU Can Make a Difference, reprint by Aqiel Qadir
The Federal government has provided great flexibility and discretion for Public Housing Authorities to use funding to address the needs of low and very low income families in our community. With this flexibility, there is a requirement for accountability to all local citizens and to the government, to prevent misuse and/or abuse of funds and authority, and to make sure that services reach those who need them most.

Unfortunately, for several years now, Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority has been derelict in their duty to adequately inform the citizenry of their ability to review and have input on BMHA's finalized plans for the Buffalo community. BMHA is required by law to submit two plans to HUD. One is a 5 Year Plan, which is a comprehensive guide to proposed BMHA programs, operations, and strategies for meeting housing needs in Buffalo.The second is a 1 Year Plan which also serves as the annual request for grants to support improvements to public housing buildings, safety, etc.

It is vital that all citizens of our city who are concerned with adequate housing for the elderly, poor, and very poor among us review and have input into these finalized plans. HUD has made it abundantly clear that this process must and should take place. Since 1999, BMHA has made no good faith effort to adequately inform citizens of Buffalo of the opportunity to review and question their finalized plans. They have published one small notice in local papers and have made no effort to reach out and explain to people that their input is sought. Did you see the notice this year? Did you understand its significance? Probably not.The meeting has not been adequately explained and publicized to the general public.The past result is that turnout is almost non-existent, and BMHA is left to do exactly as it pleases once again without bothering with questions and input from the community it represents. In addition, the public meeting which is supposed to be conducted by the Board of Commissioners for BMHA and knowledgeable staff members, has been conducted by staff members who are not fully informed, and without required Commissioners. In short, any significant community involvement has been effectively eliminated, violating both the spirit and the letter of HUD.

The quality of life in Buffalo is affected by the quality of life of each and every citizen of our city, from the well-off, to the poorest. Hold BMHA accountable and make your opinion count by taking part in the public hearing and/or reading the Proposals and submitting your comments in writing to: Ms. Sharon M. West, Executive Director, BMHA, 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204.

Help to make sure that everything intended to improve the quality of life in our city reaches those who need services the most. This year, the PUBLIC HEARING will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, April 3, 2002 in the Board Room at 300 Perry Street, Buffalo, NY 14204. In addition, copies of BMHA proposals are available to be read in the Perry Street office and at the Downtown Public Library.

For more infomation call 578 - 2680 (Qadir)