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The system is intentionally devised to not allow us to sit at the table

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LOCAL

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Photos By LaVergne Harden

CNY Mocha Men Conference

The CNY Mocha Men at the Top of Their Game conference was sponsored by MeShae Rolling of JTB Financial Literacy. The event was held Saturday, November 23 at the Community Folk Art Center.

Dr. James Haywood Rolling. Jr.

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publications and other media formats committed to fostering self awareness, building community and empowering people of color to reach their greatest potential. Further, CNY Vision seeks to present a balanced view of relevant issues, utilizing its resources to build bridges among diverse populations; taking them from information to understanding. CNY Vision reserves the right to edit or reject content submitted. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. CNY Vision does not assume responsibility concerning advertisers, their positions, practices, services or products; nor does the publication of advertise-

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4 www.cnyvision.com | DECEMBER 5 - 11| 2013

No. 4 Syracuse beats Indiana 69-52

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - Last March, Syracuse shut down Indiana in the NCAA tournament with coach Jim Boeheims signature 2-3 zone defense. Different season, same result for the Hoosiers. The Orange backcourt of Trevor Cooney and Tyler Ennis combined for 38 points, nine assists and eight steals, and No. 4 Syracuse beat Indiana 6952 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Tuesday night. Because its Indiana, its kind of like a rivalry, and theyre a really good team, said Cooney, who scored 21 points. We wanted to come out and prove to everyone that were a good team. Syracuse, fresh from winning the Maui Invitational, registered seven blocked shots, 10 steals and matched the nations top team on the glass with 29 rebounds with just a 12-11 deficit on the offensive glass. Indiana shot 15 of 41 (36.6 percent) and was 6 of 13 from the field in the second half in getting outscored 36-23. We finally got our offense going a little bit, made a couple of baskets, but our defense was really the difference for the first time this year, Boeheim said. Coming back from Hawaii, I thought the way everybody held their legs was pretty good. Our energy level was pretty good. So, too, was that of the crowd of 26,414, whose deafening roars in the second half rocked the Carrier Dome as the Orange assumed control. We just get up for these games, Ennis said. Syracuse (8-0) has won 46 straight nonconference games at home, and there was no love lost in this rematch from last seasons East Regional semifinal won handily by the Orange. Indiana was called for two flagrant fouls Tuesday, the second coming in the second half as the game was slipping away. Syracuse used a 25-4 run to break open a tie game after holding just a 33-29 halftime lead despite scoring the games first 10 points. The first three, four possessions. Im not a big believer in the first 5 minutes, but this one was, Indiana coach Tom Crean said. This is one of those games where the first few possessions were going to be absolutely crucial in the second half, and they were. And it totally went the other way. Im unbelievably disappointed in the lack of fight in the second half. The youthful Hoosiers (6-2) had only lost, 59-58, to No. 12 Connecticut at Madison Square Garden in the championship game of the 2K Sports Classic Benefiting Wounded Warrior Project. After Indianas Noah Vonleh tied it at 33-all early in the second half, Syracuse went on a 12-0 run. Dajuan Coleman started the run with a putback and Cooney followed with a steal and 3-pointer, then went 3 of 3 from the free throw line after being fouled on another 3-point attempt. C.J. Fairs driving layup with 13:18 gave the Orange a 45-33 lead. Ennis had three steals during the spurt and the Orange forced the Hoosiers into a shot-clock violation as they could muster nothing offensively. We had a stretch where we had a lot of turnovers, said Indiana guard Yogi Farrell. We were very quiet. Maybe some guys didnt believe the game was winnable. Fair finished with 15 points but had to sit 5 minutes in the second half after picking up his fourth foul, one of four Syracuse players who finished the game with four. Vonleh had 17 points for the Hoosiers, 13 from the free throw line, and Ferrell added 12 points, only three in the second half - a 3-pointer with 1:59 remaining. The first-ever meeting between Indiana and Syracuse was for the 1987 national championship, and Indiana won 74-73 on a baseline jumper by Keith Smart with 4 seconds left. Boeheim said he never got over that loss until he won the 2003 national championship with Carmelo Anthony, and hes been perfect against Indiana since, winning five straight. In March the Hoosiers were like most of the nonconference teams on the Syracuse schedule, not used to seeing Boeheims trademark 2-3 zone, and it showed right from the outset. The

LOCAL

team that finished third in the country last season in scoring at 79.5 points per game while shooting 48.6 percent had no answer for the zone and lost 61-50 as Syracuse limited the top-seeded Hoosiers to their lowest output of the season while forcing 19 turnovers and blocking 10 shots. The lineups have changed for both teams, but that zone is still OK. Indiana came in leading the nation averaging 50.3 rebounds a game and in rebound margin at plus-18. Indiana was fifth in field goal percentage defense (35.1) and the Orange shot 51.1 percent (24 of 47). Indiana, which trailed 10-0 to start the game, went on a 15-5 run over a span of about 3 minutes late in the opening half to take its first lead, going 5 for 5 from the free throw line. A threepoint play by Will Sheehey and two 3s from the top of the key by Ferrell, the second as the shot clock was about to expire, gave Indiana a 27-26 lead with 3:28 left. The second half we just got away from what we were doing in the first half, Vonleh said.

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LOCAL
State officials push for STAR property tax registrations
Officials are trying to get more homeowners to register for New Yorks STAR property tax break before the end-of-year deadline. State tax officials are providing direct assistance to homeowners in seven STAR registration locations from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Friday. The centers will be in Albany, Binghamton, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse and Long Island. The Syracuse location is at the State Office Building on East Washington Street.

5 www.cnyvision.com | DECEMBER 5 - 11| 2013

PUZZLES

The STAR exemption averages $700 statewide. All homeowners have to reapply for the benefit as part of an effort to weed out waste and abuse. State officials say 800,000 people still havent registered with the Dec. 31 deadline looming. More than 1.9 million homeowners have registered for basic STAR exemptions.

Virginia-Based Insurance Company Repays $2.75 Million to 22,000 NY College Students

Markel Insurance Company will repay $2.75 million to thousands of New York college students who were overcharged for their health coverage. The Virginia-based company also has an office in California, and was cited in a joint investigation between the State Attorney Generals Office and the State Department of Financial Services to have overcharged students in 34 colleges, as well as paid broker bonuses that were inappropriate. State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said, Under our settlement, the health insurer is going to pay that money back to compensate students in 34 colleges all across New York state. Most of the refunds will go to students attending SUNY schools, with SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Binghamton, St. Lawrence University, Nyack College and Bard College having the highest amount of refunds going to its students. The loss ratio is a formula dictated by state insurance regulations that requires companies to pay out 65 cents for every dollar of a premium. Unless a student had comparable coverage through either their parents insurance or their employer, some were required to enroll in Markels coverage. Students who essentially had no choice but to enroll were overcharged because Markels student health plans and sports accident insurance plans significantly underpaid what was actually required, according to the results of the investigation. Students enrolled in a Markel student health insurance plan during the 200708, 2009-10 and 2011-12 school years are currently eligible for a refund. Markel has 90 days to send out refunds to the students. Students will not have to file a claim, and Markel will have to contact all the schools involved to get the students addresses. A combined penalty of $990,000 will also be paid by the company, and it will be split evenly between the attorney generals office and DFS. With the high cost of college already straining family finances across New York, students and parents shouldnt have to worry about paying even more for health insurance, said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. This settlement sends a clear message: Insurance companies, like everyone else, must play by the rules and work together with government to bring down the cost of healthcare. Markel has since stopped selling student health plans, accident insurance plans and sports accident insurance plans in New York. The List of Schools: Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Science (1,000), Alliance Theological Seminary (140), Bard College (5,800), Cazenovia College (150), Clarkson University (750), Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School (30), Colgate University (1,400), Corning Community College (200), Elmira College (316), Erie Community College (120), Finger Lakes Community College (120), Graduate College of Union University (42), Herkimer County Community College (30), Houghton-Alumni (1), Jamestown Community College (75), Jefferson Community College (40), Monroe Community College (375), Nazareth College (100), Niagara County Community College (220), Niagara University (130), Nyack College (1,850), Roberts Wesleyan College (450), St. Bonaventure University (1,000), St. Lawrence University (1,150), SUNY Fredonia (66), SUNY Binghamton (2,250), SUNY College of Technology at Alfred (400), SUNY Geneseo (150), SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/ Rome (463), SUNY Oneonta (1,497), SUNY Potsdam (600), Trocaire College (10), Union College (411), and Wells College (1,200).

ACROSS 1 Quote a source 5 Physique, slangily 8 Do __ others 12 Flow 13 Adam and ___, painted by Tintoretto 14 Close 15 Provide for free, informally 16 Sense organ 18 Chinese appetizer (2 words) 20 Lead-in 23 Extort 27 In direct opposition (3 words) 31 Forerunner of a helicopter 32 Forum greeting 33 Farm young 35 Hay land 36 Close, a contract for example 38 Takes stuff off 40 Column of boxes on a questionnaire 42 Tie type 43 You Give Love a Bad Name singers (2 words) 47 Gather resources (2 words) 50 Old empire center 54 Digs up the garden 55 ___ to Billie Joe 56 Sacred bird of Egypt 57 Cutting part 58 Negative prefix 59 River deposit

DOWN 1 Emission thats bad for the environment (abbr.) 2 United Nations labor org. 3 Antacid brand, _____s 4 Ace 5 Floating ice 6 Settled 7 Art style 8 Go acoustic 9 Safety __ 10 Chinese way 11 Catch-22 pilot 17 Street shader 19 Flub 20 Europes boot 21 Brighter stars, temporarily 22 Young people 24 New Hampshires state flower 25 System of belief 26 It may be French 28 In addition 29 Blockhead 30 North Pole toymaker 34 Croat, e.g. 37 Knock down 39 Egyptian deity 41 Drench 44 Broadway brightener 45 Martial art 46 Visible 47 Girl 48 Trawlers catch 49 Coffee order: abbr. 51 Japanese sash 52 A million bucks 53 Time zone

6 www.cnyvision.com | DECEMBER 5 - 11| 2013

COVER

The system is intentionally devised to not allow us to sit at the table

By Lisa Dumas When Taino Palermo decided to run for the Syracuse school board earlier this year, he said he never realized how difficult it would be to gain the Democratic Partys endorsement. In addition, Palermo said he was equally surprised at how hard it was to join the party as a rank-and-file Syracuse Democratic Committee member. He said he decided to run for the seat, as well as join the citys Democratic committee, after noticing a lack of diversity amongst the members of both groups. However, in the end, Palermo said he found the committees lack of transparency to be the very reason for the problem. I actually was running for the school board, and was attempting to get endorsed by the Democratic Party, he stated. But, I didnt realize the intricacies of how the process works. Palermo said the Democratic committees appointment process was so intricate, in fact, he couldnt find any written document in any government office to explain the procedure at all. And, when he finally did succeed in joining the committee in the 10th ward, according to Palermo, the conditions under which he did so were strange, to say the least. There is no literature anywhere on how to get on a committee, he stated. The insiders will tell you a committee chair appoints a member onto a committee. How I got onto a committee is the co-chair of my campaign knew someone on a committee. The ward chair, who is a friend of someone on my campaign, got me onto a committee. The chair of my campaign sent me a text and said, Youre on the 10th ward. I dont know if thats published anywhere. I dont even know if theres a form. As a matter of fact, he said it almost seemed as if the organization was so exclusive; the process had been deliberately designed to try and keep diverse groups of people out. The system is intentionally devised

7 www.cnyvision.com | DECEMBER 5 - 11| 2013

COVER
to not allow us to sit at the table, Palermo stated. In addition to not being able to find any written procedure on the subject, Palermo said once he did join the committee; he was shocked to find it didnt have to be located in his own community. You do not have to geographically live in an area that you geographically represent, he stated. i.e., I do not live in the 10th ward. Consequently, Palermo said the Democratic Committee in Syracuse now has a very non-diverse group of individuals who are making unjust decisions for a very large and diverse community. He said this is especially concerning when it comes to elections that include only one minority candidate whos been endorsed by the Democratic Party, such as the recent city school board race. When our school district is 80 percent kids of color, and we have one person of color on the school board who will be leaving, its a problem, Palermo stated. In the 2013 election, the Democratic committee endorsed two white school board candidates and one AfricanAmerican candidate. The board has now been left with only one member of color, Derrick Dorsey. Calvin Corridors had previously been the only African-American board member before recently making his exit. This is not an accurate representation of the city of Syracuse, Palermo stated. This committee of 208 members dictates the policy for the 140,000 people in the city. These 208 members, in a heavily-Democratic city, are choosing the next candidate who will be elected. When they distribute weighted votes based on local elections, its not your community that shows up for local elections. In the endorsement process, some Democratic committee votes are more valuable than others. The committee votes are weighted, which means there are different numbers of votes allotted to each committee in each election district. A committee member can cast a number of votes equal to the number of votes that were cast in his or her election district on that party line in the last electoral race. So, if you live in a district with lessactively voting residents, which can often be the case in black and Hispanic neighborhoods, the committee in that district would have less influence than a committee in a neighborhood with a higher voter turnout, such as an area like the 17th ward. In fact, Palermo said the 17th Wards Democratic Committee is so powerful; its Facebook page is titled the Mighty 17th Ward. This, combined with a dynamic thats prejudicial, could potentially affect political races where diversity is important, he said. When youre running for office, you can easily lose an election if theyre not a fan of you, Palermo stated. But, on the contrary, according to Syracuse Democratic Committee 17th Ward Chair David Kirby, choosing committee members is not that simple, and the endorsement process is one that is two-fold. The job of the committee is not only to find and endorse diverse candidates; its also to find the best person for the position, Kirby stated. What happens is each member of the committee casts their vote based on who would be the best candidate. And, as chair of a committee, I would never try to influence any member and who they would vote for. I think its the responsibility of the committee to choose the best candidate. We do need minority representation on the school board, but, as a committee member, you have to choose the candidate who would best serve the district. In addition, he said its up to the candidates to contact committee members and sell themselves, not the other way around. Kirby said this is something candidates who are new to the process may not realize at first. They have to become clear on the process, Kirby stated. For the candidate, its a learning period. Thus, he said he often encourages candidates to reach out to the Democratic Party to let them know what sets them apart from the competition. As for whether there is enough transparency in the committees recruitment process, Kirby said the rules are clear. You have to live in the district to be on a committee, he stated. You must live in that assembly district, thats what the rule is. I dont know whos giving any other information; but that would be incorrect. When it comes to allegations of the committee appointing members based on cronyism, or being partial to friends and relatives, Kirby said the claims are false. I know the assertions been going around that the mayors been filling up the committee with her people, he stated. I dont really see that. Chairs, for the most part, are fairly independent. Im independent. I dont get phone calls from the mayor or Common Councilors saying, Hey, I need this one person on the committee. According to Kirby, depending on whether there was an actual opening on a committee, the next step in the process would be for a committee chair to interview the prospective member, and see if they were prepared to invest the substantial amount of time it takes to become a member of the committee. Next, he said the potential member would need to collect 15 or more signatures based on the number of weighted votes in that election district. Once the process was complete, Kirby said the new member would then automatically be placed onto a committee. But, in terms of diversity, Kirby said he doesnt think the committee in the 17th ward has an issue. Its not a problem for us, he stated. When you look at the 17th ward, you have a very good representation of African Americans. I dont think we have any Hispanics, but were pretty balanced with males and females. Additionally, Kirby said hes reached out to Assemblyman Sam Roberts, as well as other politicians, to help address the matter. Ive talked to Sam Roberts, he stated. Ive talked to Alfonso Davis. I say Give me the name of someone who wants to be on a committee. I work on it. Thats how I get members, I recruit. We dont take this lightly. We need a diverse committee. Nonetheless, Kirby said he still thinks the representation of Syracuses minority constituents is adequately reflected through the current diversity of Syracuses Democratic committee. I would say its reflected across wards, he stated. Let me put it this way. I would like to believe its reflected across wards. Kirby also said he would like to see more young people join the committee in the future, and hed like to continue to work with community leaders to bring more minorities into the group. Onondaga County Democratic Committee Chair Mark English and Syracuse Democratic Committee Chair Tim Carroll had not responded to a request for comment by the time this article was printed.

8 www.cnyvision.com | DECEMBER 5 - 11| 2013

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9 www.cnyvision.com | DECEMBER 5 - 11| 2013

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10 www.cnyvision.com | DECEMBER 5 - 11| 2013

My Hope for the New Year

It is my hope for the New Year that all members of all cities align themselves with better practices when it comes to diversity, and that they gather together more in an effort to improve race relations.

OPINION/EDITORIAL
There is nothing wrong with selfpreservation and success. Some competition is good. Debates are helpful, and we all learn from one another. But, the main idea of this column is, in order for real change, we must admit that it is necessary, and not be fearful that it makes us powerless. Each person has the chance to be powerful and successful as they move about in their daily lives, and interact with other individuals. Yet, we must not complain if we do not act. If crime is up in your city, speak out and ask for help. Talk to the youth; parent and co-parent. Likewise, be guardians of those who dont have parents. Some kids have no positive role models in their lives. There are also many adults in need of mental health and drug treatment,

The views expressed on our opinion pages are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position or viewpoint of MRMG or CNY Vision

but families may not want their communities to know. However, if they harm or kill someone, they will only have to explain later. I think we should be active now, before anyone commits a crime or gets hurt; rather than be ashamed. There are plenty of services in every community that provide support to people with social and mental-health issues. And, if people are in need, its best to use them. The economy may not be as we want it to be, but, remember; services are out there. In addition, all leaders have the potential to do a great service to the people they serve. However, the key word is serve. If you have a public service position, serve your people diligently. People will remember why they voted for you, and if you want their support; support the issues that are important to them as best you can. Transparency is also a big issue for the public. Its an issue for the public that pays taxes and has certain needs it wants to be met. People would like to be on board with honest and legitimate public figures. They want respect, to be heard, and to see some action toward their problems. But, some people who hold degrees in social work, public administration, public affairs, political science, education, and social science are offended by the publics needs. In that case, why get these degrees, if you do not want to work for the public? Youre in the wrong field. Any individual who is not committed should not be working for the public. Especially if they do not like people from different cultures or backgrounds. It doesnt make sense, and people are

aware of your displeasure, even as you smile. So, if you should, go into another field. Otherwise, you may be holding society back with your insecurities. People look up to those who hold titles and expect much from them. And, the higher you are in an organization, the more that is required of you. People need to accept that, and be ready beyond college classrooms, dissertations, PhDs, and medical courses. You are not in the classroom being coddled by the professor. It is time to go to work. And, in public service positions, we are there to work or volunteer for the people. Theres no place for self-serving in public service. Young people watch adults interact, how well we get along, and whether we tolerate, respect or disrespect other human beings. Therefore, we need to be careful what we do and how we treat others. Before you can tell young people to do what you say, you must exhibit the same practices toward those who are different from you. Whether it is based on racial, social, economic, religious, or educational issues, tolerance is not acceptance. People are wise enough to feel the difference, no matter what your educational sophistication. Public servants, serve.

DAPHNE RAMSEY

I hope we can take back our streets as active members of society and start caring about others. Please, each one, teach one. Give a hand up. Humanity should be the daily focus for everyone, because we share cities and countries, and live among many different cultures and religions. We are different, but we are all human.

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Addie Wyatt Succeeded Under Triple Jeopardy!

(TriceEdneyWire. com) Growing up, I was taught that the best response to most insults was to ignore them - leave them unaddressed - as unworthy of further consideration. DR. E. FAYE wIllIAmS, ESQ. After all, we were taught that Sticks and stones might break our bones, but talk wouldnt bother us. I realize now that my mother, who taught me this lesson, had the greater purpose of reducing conflict in my life, as well as eliminating the potential that I would, to my own hardship, breech the social norms of the times. More practically, as an adult, Ive learned that some insults cannot be left unchallenged. The damage that they render is far too costly to allow, and their potential to misshape a larger public perception or to create a distorted influence is too great. Such is the critique of First Lady Michelle Obama as a feminist nightmare by the Politico writer Michelle Cottle. Although Cottles comments have been refuted by numerous individuals who are more in-tune than Cottle is with the cultural imperatives that shape our First Ladys perspectives, Cottles comments deserve, at least, one more castigation. Im sufficiently incensed to be the one to do it. For those who missed Cottles column, as I interpret it, her comments criticize the First Lady for disengagement from real and vital feminist issues. Cottle seemingly trivializes my First Ladys signature issues of a focus on commitment to personal health and fitness, of a commitment to strengthening families and children, and of increasing access and attendance to college by lower income students. She describes Mrs. Obama using demeaning terminology suggesting a lack of courage, a greater willingness to play it safe than to address substantive feminist issues, and of assuming a more politically expedient role than breaking through the conventional First Lady mold. Cottle was even critical of Mrs. Obamas stated position of assuming her role as mother to Malia and Sasha as her primary focus. As already

OPINION/EDITORIAL

11 www.cnyvision.com | DECEMBER 5 - 11| 2013

The views expressed on our opinion pages are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the position or viewpoint of MRMG or CNY Vision

addressed in rebuttals to Cottle, Cottle may wish to reexamine her critique of the First Lady through the lens of Black Feminism. Unlike many white feminists, Black feminists do not have the luxury of defining their positions in subjective either - or terms. As we always have, Black feminists have had to concern ourselves with removing barriers and obstacles to personal achievement while fighting the overt and covert violence directed at our community. While striving for equity in the workplace and fair pay on payday, we Black feminists have had to struggle to overcome the challenge of feeding a family with resources diminished by an economy floundering under the barbaric principles of Ayn Rand and the oligarchy of corporate elitists. Weve had to deal with gender disparities, while watching the opportunities for both females and males in our community lessened proportionate to decreasing educational and training opportunities to students. Even among the communitys poorest residents, the correlation between successful social elevation and good

parenting - especially good mothering - is clear. While she can be a devoted feminist, few Black mothers will prioritize anything over our children. When circumstances allow, even Black feminists will subordinate personal interests to those of our children. We clearly understand the immediate impact of our actions on our children AND the long-term strengthening effect of our actions upon our community. Unlike many White feminists, who view the world from a position of comfort, Black feminists and those who come from backgrounds of lower incomes and greater social liabilities cannot reject the fundamental survival issues of our communities to the exclusion of issues approved by the feminist mindset. Nor should my First Lady have to suffer the castigation and criticism of fellow-travelers who have little or no conceptual understanding of the facts of life that shape her perspective.
--------------------(Dr. E. Faye Williams is National Chair of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. www. nationalcongressbw.org. 202/678-6788)

12 www.cnyvision.com | DECEMBER 5 - 11| 2013