Evict the Mayor and Control Board, Not Families and Seniors
Activists and people facing foreclosure demonstrated at the City’s unjust auction of people’s homes October 24. A large number of families are being foreclosed solely for water or garbage fees. Many of the homes belong to seniors, women with children, or workers who have been laid off or injured. These families provide a stable and important force in our communities yet now they are being brutally attacked. Many families could still be thrown in the streets. Activists stood up to oppose this injustice, saying Housing Is A Right!
The sign reading, “Evict the Mayor and Control Board Not Seniors” got many honks, especially from City workers driving by. Many passersby appreciated the stand demanding that the City take up its social responsibility to block these foreclosures and assist those in need. As one person put it, “If the Mayor and Control Board can not provide even the most basic needs like housing and water and heat for our most vulnerable families, we don’t need them. Like the sign says, evict them. Let them get out of our way so we can govern ourselves!”
Many people attending the auction, like those in the community, were glad to get the information that homes on the foreclosure list are occupied by families. People said they would organize to find out which homes were occupied and not bid on those homes. Despite the fact that the City does not provide this information, a number of people left the auction to go directly check on the properties and inquire at City Hall. Others also pledged to join activists in on-going plans to stop evictions. Overwhelmingly people said it was unfair to put people on the list for garbage and water fees.
Activists continue to inform everyone of their right to dispute the foreclosures and demand a payment plan, with whatever funds they could spare. The City, again, did not widely publicize that payment plans were available to all who came to demand them, even if only small payments could be made.
Door to door work and similar efforts to inform the public of their rights and mount opposition to the foreclosures are a main reason hundreds of families were able to get their homes off the foreclosure list. Just two weeks before the auction there were 3700 properties, including vacant lots, on the list. After concerted organizing efforts to publicize this government brutality and inform people of their rights, an estimated 1300 homeowners succeeded in getting their homes off the list. Even during the auction itself, as a result of leafleting and discussion by activists, families who came to the auction to try and save their homes instead immediately took action to go to the County Court House and get a stay. More homes were saved as a result.
The City is not yet making available facts concerning how many homes occupied by families, including seniors, were auctioned. These families can still challenge the auction and organizers are working to identify them so as to prevent future eviction. Buffalo Forum urges all those who had homes on the list at auction time to call us at 602-8077.
According to the City, 683 properties, including vacant lots were bid on at the three-day auction. The City seized another 545 properties. About 1,200 foreclosures were adjourned, meaning the current owner retains ownership and has another year to solve any outstanding problems. About $4.5 million has been pledged from the auction. When it is collected, by December 16, it will be turned over to the Control Board.
The Mayor’s office reports that its “get tough policy”— that is terrorizing residents by imposing foreclosures and including garbage and water fees — secured an estimated $4 million since December, and $7 million over the past year and a half. The combined figures amount to about $11.5 million, all taken off the backs of the people. It does not come close to the $70 million the City could secure by freezing City and School Board debt.
What is becoming clear, as the Mayor says he is “comfortable” with terrorizing families and his office claims “foreclosure is the only effective vehicle for collecting what is owed to the city,” is that government is refusing to recognize that the people have legitimate claims on the government. It is their rights, to housing, to water, to secure retirement, to social services, that need to be met. Government has a social responsibility to its members. The public funds belong to the public by right, not the Control Board, not the financiers.
We are witnessing the elimination of social responsibility by governments. We now face governments, like Buffalo’s and Erie County’s, that exist to collect and hand over the public treasury and public assets (like housing) to the monopolies. This is wrecking activity that must not stand.
Buffalo Forum salutes all those who have joined in opposing this wrecking and defending rights and encourages all concerned to continue this fight. The battle for our housing and communities and to evict the Control Board is not over. Join in the organizing work going forward to block any future evictions, to stop government brutality against the people and to evict the Control Board.
Evict the Mayor and Control Board, Not Families and Seniors!
Housing is a Right! Stop Foreclosures!
Read the complete article
The sign reading, “Evict the Mayor and Control Board Not Seniors” got many honks, especially from City workers driving by. Many passersby appreciated the stand demanding that the City take up its social responsibility to block these foreclosures and assist those in need. As one person put it, “If the Mayor and Control Board can not provide even the most basic needs like housing and water and heat for our most vulnerable families, we don’t need them. Like the sign says, evict them. Let them get out of our way so we can govern ourselves!”
Many people attending the auction, like those in the community, were glad to get the information that homes on the foreclosure list are occupied by families. People said they would organize to find out which homes were occupied and not bid on those homes. Despite the fact that the City does not provide this information, a number of people left the auction to go directly check on the properties and inquire at City Hall. Others also pledged to join activists in on-going plans to stop evictions. Overwhelmingly people said it was unfair to put people on the list for garbage and water fees.
Activists continue to inform everyone of their right to dispute the foreclosures and demand a payment plan, with whatever funds they could spare. The City, again, did not widely publicize that payment plans were available to all who came to demand them, even if only small payments could be made.
Door to door work and similar efforts to inform the public of their rights and mount opposition to the foreclosures are a main reason hundreds of families were able to get their homes off the foreclosure list. Just two weeks before the auction there were 3700 properties, including vacant lots, on the list. After concerted organizing efforts to publicize this government brutality and inform people of their rights, an estimated 1300 homeowners succeeded in getting their homes off the list. Even during the auction itself, as a result of leafleting and discussion by activists, families who came to the auction to try and save their homes instead immediately took action to go to the County Court House and get a stay. More homes were saved as a result.
The City is not yet making available facts concerning how many homes occupied by families, including seniors, were auctioned. These families can still challenge the auction and organizers are working to identify them so as to prevent future eviction. Buffalo Forum urges all those who had homes on the list at auction time to call us at 602-8077.
According to the City, 683 properties, including vacant lots were bid on at the three-day auction. The City seized another 545 properties. About 1,200 foreclosures were adjourned, meaning the current owner retains ownership and has another year to solve any outstanding problems. About $4.5 million has been pledged from the auction. When it is collected, by December 16, it will be turned over to the Control Board.
The Mayor’s office reports that its “get tough policy”— that is terrorizing residents by imposing foreclosures and including garbage and water fees — secured an estimated $4 million since December, and $7 million over the past year and a half. The combined figures amount to about $11.5 million, all taken off the backs of the people. It does not come close to the $70 million the City could secure by freezing City and School Board debt.
What is becoming clear, as the Mayor says he is “comfortable” with terrorizing families and his office claims “foreclosure is the only effective vehicle for collecting what is owed to the city,” is that government is refusing to recognize that the people have legitimate claims on the government. It is their rights, to housing, to water, to secure retirement, to social services, that need to be met. Government has a social responsibility to its members. The public funds belong to the public by right, not the Control Board, not the financiers.
We are witnessing the elimination of social responsibility by governments. We now face governments, like Buffalo’s and Erie County’s, that exist to collect and hand over the public treasury and public assets (like housing) to the monopolies. This is wrecking activity that must not stand.
Buffalo Forum salutes all those who have joined in opposing this wrecking and defending rights and encourages all concerned to continue this fight. The battle for our housing and communities and to evict the Control Board is not over. Join in the organizing work going forward to block any future evictions, to stop government brutality against the people and to evict the Control Board.
Evict the Mayor and Control Board, Not Families and Seniors!
Housing is a Right! Stop Foreclosures!
Read the complete article
Death of the American Dream
The death of the American dream is a reality few in Buffalo can deny. It is perhaps most sharply illustrated by the mass foreclosure on people’s homes imposed by the Mayor and Control Board. After all, owning a home is the heart of the dream. Now everyone is being told that you have no legitimate claims on the public treasury — a treasury that was created by the workers. The claims to social services like garbage and water, to education and healthcare, to housing, all are being denied. Indeed, even your claim to your own home is not respected by government.
Right alongside this brutal attack on the people, especially our most vulnerable families, there is the demand that public sector workers take 20 percent wage cuts and that industrial workers like those at Delphi take 65 percent cuts and more. Poverty-level wages are being demanded across the board.
Industrial workers, like those at Delphi, are a reflection of the standard of living achieved by the workers through their struggle for their rights. It reflects the affirmation of their just claims on the wealth they produced. When the monopolies and their media insist that these standards be abolished and replaced by impoverishment, they are revealing their own inability to keep the dream alive. In fact, they are openly sounding its death knell, demanding that the dream be forever buried.
But in burying the dream, the rulers are exposing their system as one that cannot meet even the most basic needs. They are revealing a long-standing truth that the dream has hidden — monopoly capitalism cannot move society forward for the majority. And at this stage, it is taking everyone backward.
Within this situation, a dream handed down by the rulers, and a dead one at that, cannot be our guide to action. When the top UAW leadership, for example, says it will “continue the struggle to fulfill” the American dream, it is clinging to old, outdated thinking. Such thinking will only tie the workers to the failed system and its failed government.
What is needed is stepping up resistance on the basis of defending the rights of the workers and the rights of all. It is the claims of the people on society that must be met. It is the dream of a socialized humanity, of societies organized to guarantee the rights of all and governments organized for this purpose that must become the reality.
Affirming our rights in the course of building resistance to the brutality and reaction the U.S. is unleashing inside the country and abroad is what is needed. Uniting as a collective political force and organizing to ourselves be the government is what is needed. Let us bury today’s rulers and their dreams, right alongside the founding fathers. Let us fight with our own thinking and vision of the future.
Read the complete article
Right alongside this brutal attack on the people, especially our most vulnerable families, there is the demand that public sector workers take 20 percent wage cuts and that industrial workers like those at Delphi take 65 percent cuts and more. Poverty-level wages are being demanded across the board.
Industrial workers, like those at Delphi, are a reflection of the standard of living achieved by the workers through their struggle for their rights. It reflects the affirmation of their just claims on the wealth they produced. When the monopolies and their media insist that these standards be abolished and replaced by impoverishment, they are revealing their own inability to keep the dream alive. In fact, they are openly sounding its death knell, demanding that the dream be forever buried.
But in burying the dream, the rulers are exposing their system as one that cannot meet even the most basic needs. They are revealing a long-standing truth that the dream has hidden — monopoly capitalism cannot move society forward for the majority. And at this stage, it is taking everyone backward.
Within this situation, a dream handed down by the rulers, and a dead one at that, cannot be our guide to action. When the top UAW leadership, for example, says it will “continue the struggle to fulfill” the American dream, it is clinging to old, outdated thinking. Such thinking will only tie the workers to the failed system and its failed government.
What is needed is stepping up resistance on the basis of defending the rights of the workers and the rights of all. It is the claims of the people on society that must be met. It is the dream of a socialized humanity, of societies organized to guarantee the rights of all and governments organized for this purpose that must become the reality.
Affirming our rights in the course of building resistance to the brutality and reaction the U.S. is unleashing inside the country and abroad is what is needed. Uniting as a collective political force and organizing to ourselves be the government is what is needed. Let us bury today’s rulers and their dreams, right alongside the founding fathers. Let us fight with our own thinking and vision of the future.
Read the complete article
Concessions Are Not Solutions: Delphi Using Bankruptcy to Wreck Living Standards
Workers across the country are responding with outrage to the latest demands of auto-parts maker Delphi. Delphi, having declared bankruptcy, is now demanding wage cuts to poverty-level wages, a freeze in the pension plan that will stop accrual of benefits for current workers and likely end the pension plan altogether for new workers. Cuts to healthcare benefits will require minimum payments by workers of $5,000 a year for families, up from the current $500. The proposal also eliminates existing restrictions on contracting out and on closing or selling plants.
The bankruptcy court has already approved a $2 billion financing plan for Delphi and is allowing the monopoly to shift funds from its U.S. plants to those in 40 other countries. The court is not supplying any funding or guarantees for the workers jobs, pensions and wages.
Workers from many unions, including the United Auto Workers (UAW), United Steelworkers of America (USWA) and the International Union of Electrical Workers (UE) negotiating with Delphi, as well as airline and public sector workers, are closely watching developments with Delphi and preparing for resistance. Buffalo’s steelworkers, like steelworkers and airline workers nationwide, are assessing their own experience with the use of Chapter 11 bankruptcy to decimate the workers, their unions, and whole communities. Public sector workers are also paying attention, as they can see that the claims of “bankruptcy” by cities and states, alongside government intervention with Control Boards and similar arrangements, are being used to eliminate unions and drive living standards down to the lowest level.
Workers are also looking into the thinking that has often guided the top union leadership, which says the job of the union is to help the monopolies be profitable and support whatever bankruptcy restructuring plan is proposed. With this kind of thinking, steelworkers and airline workers have already seen massive concessions imposed, and always more demanded, as well as many jobs and pensions lost and communities destroyed.
Broad experience has shown that what is needed is defense of the workers rights and rejection of the notion that the role of the union and workers is to ensure the profits of Delphi, or GM, or Northwest and submit to Chapter 11 restructuring plans. Workers are not to blame for the failures of the monopoly system. They have a just claim on the wealth they produce and it is by defending their rights that a way forward can be found.
As Delphi increases its demands and blackmail, claiming that “there is no alternative,” concern is growing that the UAW will refuse to organize resistance to defend the rights of the workers. This concern among the workers deepened with the news that the UAW top leadership is calling on GM workers to accept more than $1 billion in healthcare cuts, in the name of “keeping GM alive.” The UAW went so far as to file a suit to block its own union retirees from challenging the cuts. Ford is now demanding the same deal. It is high time the UAW leadership reject this old thinking that concessions will solve the current problems.
Not a few in Buffalo are also following the struggle by Stelco workers and USW Local 1005 in Canada against Canada’s version of Chapter 11, known as Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). Local 1005 has refused to be a part of any restructuring plans and is organizing under the banners: Fight for the Dignity of Labor, Concessions Are Not Solutions, Hands Off Our Pensions and CCAA is Legalized Theft. They have also reached the conclusion that in order to be more effective, the workers as a collective must be political and oppose government intervention and laws that serve monopoly right and go against the well-being of the public. (To follow the struggle at Stelco go to www.cpcml.ca or request a copy of Workers Forum from your Buffalo Forum distributor.)
Read the complete article
The bankruptcy court has already approved a $2 billion financing plan for Delphi and is allowing the monopoly to shift funds from its U.S. plants to those in 40 other countries. The court is not supplying any funding or guarantees for the workers jobs, pensions and wages.
Workers from many unions, including the United Auto Workers (UAW), United Steelworkers of America (USWA) and the International Union of Electrical Workers (UE) negotiating with Delphi, as well as airline and public sector workers, are closely watching developments with Delphi and preparing for resistance. Buffalo’s steelworkers, like steelworkers and airline workers nationwide, are assessing their own experience with the use of Chapter 11 bankruptcy to decimate the workers, their unions, and whole communities. Public sector workers are also paying attention, as they can see that the claims of “bankruptcy” by cities and states, alongside government intervention with Control Boards and similar arrangements, are being used to eliminate unions and drive living standards down to the lowest level.
Workers are also looking into the thinking that has often guided the top union leadership, which says the job of the union is to help the monopolies be profitable and support whatever bankruptcy restructuring plan is proposed. With this kind of thinking, steelworkers and airline workers have already seen massive concessions imposed, and always more demanded, as well as many jobs and pensions lost and communities destroyed.
Broad experience has shown that what is needed is defense of the workers rights and rejection of the notion that the role of the union and workers is to ensure the profits of Delphi, or GM, or Northwest and submit to Chapter 11 restructuring plans. Workers are not to blame for the failures of the monopoly system. They have a just claim on the wealth they produce and it is by defending their rights that a way forward can be found.
As Delphi increases its demands and blackmail, claiming that “there is no alternative,” concern is growing that the UAW will refuse to organize resistance to defend the rights of the workers. This concern among the workers deepened with the news that the UAW top leadership is calling on GM workers to accept more than $1 billion in healthcare cuts, in the name of “keeping GM alive.” The UAW went so far as to file a suit to block its own union retirees from challenging the cuts. Ford is now demanding the same deal. It is high time the UAW leadership reject this old thinking that concessions will solve the current problems.
Not a few in Buffalo are also following the struggle by Stelco workers and USW Local 1005 in Canada against Canada’s version of Chapter 11, known as Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA). Local 1005 has refused to be a part of any restructuring plans and is organizing under the banners: Fight for the Dignity of Labor, Concessions Are Not Solutions, Hands Off Our Pensions and CCAA is Legalized Theft. They have also reached the conclusion that in order to be more effective, the workers as a collective must be political and oppose government intervention and laws that serve monopoly right and go against the well-being of the public. (To follow the struggle at Stelco go to www.cpcml.ca or request a copy of Workers Forum from your Buffalo Forum distributor.)
Read the complete article
Attention Homeowners Facing Foreclosure
It is still possible to get your home off the foreclosure list, even if you have little or no funds to pay. Go to the Erie County Court House, 25 Delaware, 2^nd floor, Ceremonial Courtroom. Demand a stay and reasonable payment plan. Explain whatever your difficulties are. Go even if you have little or no money. You can still get a payment plan and stop foreclosure on your home!
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Read the complete article
Evict the Mayor and Control Board, Not Seniors
Activists demonstrated at the City's auction of homes that have been unjustly foreclosed on. Many of the homes belong to seniors, women with children, or workers who have been laid off or injured. These families provide a stable and important force in our communities yet now they are being brutally attacked and many could be thrown in the streets. As well a large number are being foreclosed on solely for water or garbage fees. Activists stood up to oppose this injustice, saying Housing is a Right!
The sign reading, "Evict the Mayor and Control Board Not Seniors" got many honks, especially from City workers driving by. Many passersby appreciated the stand demanding that the City take up its social responsibility to block these foreclosures and assist those in need. As one person put it, "If the Mayor and Control Board can not provide even the most basic needs like housing and water and heat for our most vulnerable families, we don't need them. Like the sign says, evict them. Let them get out of our way so we can govern ourselves!"
The people attending the auction were also glad to get the information that many of the homes are occupied by families and supported the stand that housing is a right. People said they would organize to find out which homes were occupied and not bid on those homes. Despite the fact that the City does not provide this information, a number of people left the auction to go directly check on the properties and inquire at City Hall. Others also pledged to join activists in on-going plans to stop evictions.
Activists also continued to inform everyone of their right to dispute the foreclosures and demand a payment plan, with whatever funds they could spare. The City, again, did not widely publicize that payment plans were available to all who came to demand them, even if only small payments could be made. As a result of leafleting and discussion by activists, a number of families who came to the auction to try and save their homes immediately took action to go to the County Court House. A number of homes were saved as a result.
As the auction continues, efforts are being made to inform everyone that it is still possible to stop individual foreclosures by going down to the Erie County Court House, 25 Delaware, and demanding a stay and reasonable payment plan. Protests are continuing and organizing work is going forward to block any future evictions and demand that the Mayor and Control Board stop their brutality against the people.
Evict the Mayor and Control Board, Not Seniors!
Housing is a Right! Stop Foreclosures!
Read the complete article
Housing is a Right! All Out to Block the Auction
- Transit Workers Discussion Group -
As a result of on-going resistance and broad public opinion against the foreclosures, a number of people have been able to receive stays on their foreclosures, giving them more time to pay their garbage and water fees. Many hundreds more still face foreclosure at the auction on October 24. TWDG is urging all transit workers, all those facing foreclosure, all city residents and workers to join the demonstration October 24, 8:30am to demand that the City cancel the auction. The action is being organized to demand: Housing is a Right! No Foreclosures! No Evictions! We are organizing to defend the most vulnerable in our City and to defend the interests of the City itself. The stand of all against these attacks is vital. Join in!
It is as a result of the on-going resistance to the City’s plan to foreclose on more than 3500 homes, as well as limited opposition from the Common Council, and recognition by the City that they are organizing a disaster, that some concessions for the people have been gained. The City, after first insisting that no payment plans would be allowed after September 2, has now backed off. For the week from October 17-21, they have generally been providing stays and payment plans to everyone who appears at the Eire County Court House. A stay means the house is removed from the auction list and the homeowner is provided more time to make payments on their fees and/or taxes.
Activists went to the Court House on Monday, October 17, the first day assistance was made available. We were there to assist those coming forward to tell their story, reassure them of their right to demand a stay and to see whether the City would actually back down from some of the foreclosures. Everyone who went to Court on Monday did receive a stay, with payments required varying widely, ranging from $50 to more than the $439 foreclosure fee. So long as people were able to meet the payment by Friday, October 21, their home was removed from the foreclosure list. Most were given until next August to complete payments.
By Tuesday, after hearing one horrific story after the other about the difficulties people have faced, the City simply was asking people how much they could immediately pay and basing initial payments and payment plans on that. While people welcomed the change by the City, many were angered that the City did not take this stand from the beginning, instead of telling everyone that only full payment would be accepted. Most felt certain that the acceptance of payment plans was taking place now because of the broad outrage in Buffalo against this government-organized Katrina. What was the aim of terrorizing so many people with the threat of losing their homes, instead of assisting them from the start?!
In addition, it is clear that the City did not want those facing foreclosure to know that they no longer needed to make full payment. Many homeowners those doing door-to-door work spoke with said they were not going downtown because they did not have the money. It took considerable effort to convince people that the City was now accepting partial payments and providing payment plans. Why was this vital information not provided? Can it be said that “everything” was done, when first the City threatened that only full payments would be accepted, then changed, but did not inform people of the change? This is unjust, just as all the foreclosures against families are.
For many hundreds of homeowners, the nightmare of becoming homeless has not yet ended. They still face foreclosure. Many of them are poor, elderly, sick and unemployed. Blocking the auction is the next important step in this battle for the right to housing and we urge all workers and residents to step forward! Uphold our fighting banner of All for One and One for All!
Housing is a Right! Block the Auction
October 24, 8:30am, Buffalo Convention Center
Read the complete article
As a result of on-going resistance and broad public opinion against the foreclosures, a number of people have been able to receive stays on their foreclosures, giving them more time to pay their garbage and water fees. Many hundreds more still face foreclosure at the auction on October 24. TWDG is urging all transit workers, all those facing foreclosure, all city residents and workers to join the demonstration October 24, 8:30am to demand that the City cancel the auction. The action is being organized to demand: Housing is a Right! No Foreclosures! No Evictions! We are organizing to defend the most vulnerable in our City and to defend the interests of the City itself. The stand of all against these attacks is vital. Join in!
It is as a result of the on-going resistance to the City’s plan to foreclose on more than 3500 homes, as well as limited opposition from the Common Council, and recognition by the City that they are organizing a disaster, that some concessions for the people have been gained. The City, after first insisting that no payment plans would be allowed after September 2, has now backed off. For the week from October 17-21, they have generally been providing stays and payment plans to everyone who appears at the Eire County Court House. A stay means the house is removed from the auction list and the homeowner is provided more time to make payments on their fees and/or taxes.
Activists went to the Court House on Monday, October 17, the first day assistance was made available. We were there to assist those coming forward to tell their story, reassure them of their right to demand a stay and to see whether the City would actually back down from some of the foreclosures. Everyone who went to Court on Monday did receive a stay, with payments required varying widely, ranging from $50 to more than the $439 foreclosure fee. So long as people were able to meet the payment by Friday, October 21, their home was removed from the foreclosure list. Most were given until next August to complete payments.
By Tuesday, after hearing one horrific story after the other about the difficulties people have faced, the City simply was asking people how much they could immediately pay and basing initial payments and payment plans on that. While people welcomed the change by the City, many were angered that the City did not take this stand from the beginning, instead of telling everyone that only full payment would be accepted. Most felt certain that the acceptance of payment plans was taking place now because of the broad outrage in Buffalo against this government-organized Katrina. What was the aim of terrorizing so many people with the threat of losing their homes, instead of assisting them from the start?!
In addition, it is clear that the City did not want those facing foreclosure to know that they no longer needed to make full payment. Many homeowners those doing door-to-door work spoke with said they were not going downtown because they did not have the money. It took considerable effort to convince people that the City was now accepting partial payments and providing payment plans. Why was this vital information not provided? Can it be said that “everything” was done, when first the City threatened that only full payments would be accepted, then changed, but did not inform people of the change? This is unjust, just as all the foreclosures against families are.
For many hundreds of homeowners, the nightmare of becoming homeless has not yet ended. They still face foreclosure. Many of them are poor, elderly, sick and unemployed. Blocking the auction is the next important step in this battle for the right to housing and we urge all workers and residents to step forward! Uphold our fighting banner of All for One and One for All!
Housing is a Right! Block the Auction
October 24, 8:30am, Buffalo Convention Center
Read the complete article
Demand to Mayor to Cancel the Auction
The letter that follows was sent to Mayor Anthony M. Masiello’s office, following the action taken on Wednesday, October 19. Activists went to the Mayor’s office to call on him to defend the rights of the people and cancel the housing auction. The auction, organized and imposed by the City, threatens thousands of families with eviction.
It was brought out that housing is a right and that the Mayor has responsibility to assist the people of the City, not evict them from their homes. People spoke to the massive layoffs and cuts people of Buffalo have already faced and the worsening conditions of poverty for more and more families. Door to door work has brought out that many people facing foreclosure are already being forced to choose between having water or heat in their homes. In this situation it is criminal to force families, many of them our most vulnerable residents, into the streets.
Participants also brought out that using the garbage and water fees as a basis for foreclosures is unjust and likely illegal. The fees were not included as part of the tax bill and were arbitrarily added by the Mayor, using authority granted by the state. In this manner, the Common Council, the elected representatives of the City with legislative powers, are being blocked from having any say. Activists demanded that the Mayor cancel or at least postpone the auction. This is what is required to defend the human rights of the people and to assist those in need. For many, all they need is more time to resolve their difficulties.
The Mayor, knowing activists were coming, was not in his office. He gave no direct response to activists. He did later tell reporters, “I’m not backing down from going after people who have milked the system for years.” He added, “I’ve personally looked at the list, and I can’t believe how many people haven’t paid user fees or water bills for years. That tells me they never intended to pay.” It also tells the people of Buffalo that the Mayor makes no distinction between families and long-time residents in need and the banking and real estate monopolies who are the ones “milking” the system, assisted by local and state government.
* * *
Dear Mayor Masiello,
On behalf of all the families facing foreclosure and possible eviction, we call on you to cancel the upcoming housing auction. It is clear to us that the City has some discretion in this situation and we urge you to use it. The Mayor’s office and its Department of Taxation, after first refusing payment plans after September 2, is now again accepting them. The families who are aware that they can come forward without paying the full amount – a fact the City has not widely promoted — are coming forward to do so. These homes are being taken off the foreclosure list. This indicates that the City is in a position to organize to remove all homeowners from the list, simply by accepting payment plans en masse for everyone and asking the housing judge to sign off, as he is now doing. The refusal to do so is a refusal to defend the people and the City. We urge you to reconsider and take a stand that benefits Buffalo and its residents, especially our most vulnerable families.
We also call on you to reject the demands of the Control Board to “get tough” with the people of Buffalo. The residents and workers of Buffalo did not cause the present crisis yet are already paying over and over for it, whether through cuts to healthcare, education and layoffs, or now through foreclosures. We demand that as an elected representative, you represent the people, not the Control Board and not the financiers.
We specifically call on you, as Mayor to:
1) Distinguish between those homes owned by families and those owned by real estate and banking monopolies. We urge you to focus on collecting back taxes and fees from these monopolies and to cancel the foreclosures of homeowners. Housing is a right—defend it!
2) Take all measures possible to defend the interests of our most vulnerable, provide them the time and assistance they need and refuse to allow a single person to be evicted.
3) Join all those representing the people at the demonstration October 24 and stand against the auction.
4) To secure more funds, look into the alternative to freeze the debt, which the Control Board has consistently increased. The 2005 debt payments, for example, for Buffalo and the School Board, were almost $70 million, far more than what is owed in fees and will be secured through foreclosures.
Signed,
On behalf of the people of Buffalo, Buffalo Forum and all those defending the right to housing
Read the complete article
It was brought out that housing is a right and that the Mayor has responsibility to assist the people of the City, not evict them from their homes. People spoke to the massive layoffs and cuts people of Buffalo have already faced and the worsening conditions of poverty for more and more families. Door to door work has brought out that many people facing foreclosure are already being forced to choose between having water or heat in their homes. In this situation it is criminal to force families, many of them our most vulnerable residents, into the streets.
Participants also brought out that using the garbage and water fees as a basis for foreclosures is unjust and likely illegal. The fees were not included as part of the tax bill and were arbitrarily added by the Mayor, using authority granted by the state. In this manner, the Common Council, the elected representatives of the City with legislative powers, are being blocked from having any say. Activists demanded that the Mayor cancel or at least postpone the auction. This is what is required to defend the human rights of the people and to assist those in need. For many, all they need is more time to resolve their difficulties.
The Mayor, knowing activists were coming, was not in his office. He gave no direct response to activists. He did later tell reporters, “I’m not backing down from going after people who have milked the system for years.” He added, “I’ve personally looked at the list, and I can’t believe how many people haven’t paid user fees or water bills for years. That tells me they never intended to pay.” It also tells the people of Buffalo that the Mayor makes no distinction between families and long-time residents in need and the banking and real estate monopolies who are the ones “milking” the system, assisted by local and state government.
* * *
Dear Mayor Masiello,
On behalf of all the families facing foreclosure and possible eviction, we call on you to cancel the upcoming housing auction. It is clear to us that the City has some discretion in this situation and we urge you to use it. The Mayor’s office and its Department of Taxation, after first refusing payment plans after September 2, is now again accepting them. The families who are aware that they can come forward without paying the full amount – a fact the City has not widely promoted — are coming forward to do so. These homes are being taken off the foreclosure list. This indicates that the City is in a position to organize to remove all homeowners from the list, simply by accepting payment plans en masse for everyone and asking the housing judge to sign off, as he is now doing. The refusal to do so is a refusal to defend the people and the City. We urge you to reconsider and take a stand that benefits Buffalo and its residents, especially our most vulnerable families.
We also call on you to reject the demands of the Control Board to “get tough” with the people of Buffalo. The residents and workers of Buffalo did not cause the present crisis yet are already paying over and over for it, whether through cuts to healthcare, education and layoffs, or now through foreclosures. We demand that as an elected representative, you represent the people, not the Control Board and not the financiers.
We specifically call on you, as Mayor to:
1) Distinguish between those homes owned by families and those owned by real estate and banking monopolies. We urge you to focus on collecting back taxes and fees from these monopolies and to cancel the foreclosures of homeowners. Housing is a right—defend it!
2) Take all measures possible to defend the interests of our most vulnerable, provide them the time and assistance they need and refuse to allow a single person to be evicted.
3) Join all those representing the people at the demonstration October 24 and stand against the auction.
4) To secure more funds, look into the alternative to freeze the debt, which the Control Board has consistently increased. The 2005 debt payments, for example, for Buffalo and the School Board, were almost $70 million, far more than what is owed in fees and will be secured through foreclosures.
Signed,
On behalf of the people of Buffalo, Buffalo Forum and all those defending the right to housing
Read the complete article
Demand to Common Council to Join Demonstration
The following letter was sent to all Common Council members, as well as candidates for mayor, as part of the organizing efforts to unite all concerned to stand against the upcoming housing auction and block Buffalo’s Katrina. Buffalo Forum and SCLC again urge all Council members and candidates to join the demonstration on Monday, October 24, 8:30am, Buffalo Convention Center.
At the Common Council meeting October 18, the Council did pass a resolution expressing their desire to see about 60 properties taken off the foreclosure list. These included those of about 50 elderly homeowners, several churches and education and non-profit organizations. While several Council members expressed broader concern, the resolution did not address the many hundreds more homes of elderly and poor people being unjustly and likely illegally foreclosed on.
* * *
Dear Common Council Member,
As participants in the recent meeting before Common Council members on foreclosures, we appreciate that Council members oppose the auction and were not the ones who decided to include garbage and water fees. We also appreciate that as elected representatives you have a responsibility to do what can be done to assist those facing foreclosure. We urge you to take the following actions alongside all those standing to defend the rights of the people and the interests of the City of Buffalo:
1) Be front and center at the demonstration Monday, October 24, 8:30am to block the auction;
2) Be at the Erie County Court House the week of October 17-21 to call on the City’s lawyer to consent to provide more time for homeowners and on the housing judge to issue stays for homeowners (9:30-10:30, 2pm-3pm);
3) Use the resources of your offices to join in informing and assisting everyone facing foreclosures to save their homes;
4) Pass a resolution calling for no foreclosures and no evictions to express opposition to these actions and join in taking legal action against use of garbage and water fees to impose foreclosures;
5) Pass a law mandating that the Common Council have a vote on foreclosures, that the length of time before foreclosure action is taken be 2-3 years, as it was in the past, and that the City be mandated to insure every homeowner, especially seniors, have received their exemptions and all assistance possible to keep their homes.
We urge you to express the same determined spirit of defending rights and making certain no one is left to fend for themselves as the organizing work now going forward. Join Buffalo Forum and SCLC in demanding, No Foreclosures! No Evictions! Cancel the Auction! Housing is a Right!
Signed,
Kathleen Chandler for Buffalo Forum (602-8077)
Gwen Neal for SCLC (834-5911)
Read the complete article
At the Common Council meeting October 18, the Council did pass a resolution expressing their desire to see about 60 properties taken off the foreclosure list. These included those of about 50 elderly homeowners, several churches and education and non-profit organizations. While several Council members expressed broader concern, the resolution did not address the many hundreds more homes of elderly and poor people being unjustly and likely illegally foreclosed on.
* * *
Dear Common Council Member,
As participants in the recent meeting before Common Council members on foreclosures, we appreciate that Council members oppose the auction and were not the ones who decided to include garbage and water fees. We also appreciate that as elected representatives you have a responsibility to do what can be done to assist those facing foreclosure. We urge you to take the following actions alongside all those standing to defend the rights of the people and the interests of the City of Buffalo:
1) Be front and center at the demonstration Monday, October 24, 8:30am to block the auction;
2) Be at the Erie County Court House the week of October 17-21 to call on the City’s lawyer to consent to provide more time for homeowners and on the housing judge to issue stays for homeowners (9:30-10:30, 2pm-3pm);
3) Use the resources of your offices to join in informing and assisting everyone facing foreclosures to save their homes;
4) Pass a resolution calling for no foreclosures and no evictions to express opposition to these actions and join in taking legal action against use of garbage and water fees to impose foreclosures;
5) Pass a law mandating that the Common Council have a vote on foreclosures, that the length of time before foreclosure action is taken be 2-3 years, as it was in the past, and that the City be mandated to insure every homeowner, especially seniors, have received their exemptions and all assistance possible to keep their homes.
We urge you to express the same determined spirit of defending rights and making certain no one is left to fend for themselves as the organizing work now going forward. Join Buffalo Forum and SCLC in demanding, No Foreclosures! No Evictions! Cancel the Auction! Housing is a Right!
Signed,
Kathleen Chandler for Buffalo Forum (602-8077)
Gwen Neal for SCLC (834-5911)
Read the complete article
Housing is a Right! Demonstrate to Block Housing Auction, October 24
Buffalo Forum and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference are calling on everyone, peace and housing activists, religious and educational groups, political and civil rights organizations, seniors and youth groups, everyone to take a stand to stop Buffalo’s Katrina. It is an outrage that the Mayor’s office, submitting to the demands of the Control Board, is going forward with plans to have the City foreclose on more than 3500 families. Most of these families are poor, many are women with children or people who are sick or elderly.
In a situation where mass layoffs and cuts, alongside big increases in water and fuel bills have already forced many more Buffalo families into poverty, the City is now organizing to force people into the streets. In addition, the number of foreclosures is larger because the City is including garbage and water fees, both unjust and likely illegal.
This government-organized disaster is criminal and can only serve to destroy the City. We call on everyone to stand against the auction and stand up for our rights and humanity. Join in and demonstrate Monday, October 24, 8:30am!
Despite the City’s claim that “nothing can be done,” activists have persisted in a campaign to inform families facing foreclosure and to mobilize them and others to defend the right to housing. Door-to-door work encouraging all to join in the organized fight to demand that the City stop foreclosures is proceeding. Families facing foreclosure are the main focus, alongside their neighbors.
In addition, more than two dozen activists went to the Common Council to demand that Council members take a stand to stop the auction and foreclosures. One after the other, speakers brought out the crime of these foreclosures and the devastation they will bring. They also spoke to the necessity for government officials to stand with the people in resisting these attacks and providing assistance. One speaker forcefully brought out that even though the Council does not have the authority to stop the auction, they do have power and must use it to defend rights.
While the Council members present generally opposed the foreclosures, they also expressed the view that there was nothing more they could do at this point. The Council members present included Marc A. Coppola, Delaware District, Brian Davis, Ellicott, Richard Fontana, Lovejoy, David Franczyk, Fillmore, Antoine M. Thompson, Masten.
Activists are specifically calling on all members of the Common Council to:
1) Be front and center at the demonstration October 24 to block the auction
2) Be at the Erie County Court House the week of October 17-21 to call on the City’s lawyer and/or the housing judge to issue stays and provide more time for payments
3) Use the resources of your offices to join in informing and assisting everyone facing foreclosures to save their homes
4) Pass a resolution calling for no foreclosures and no evictions to express opposition to these actions and join in taking legal action against use of garbage and water fees to impose foreclosures
5) Pass a law mandating that the -Common Council have a vote on foreclosures, increase the length of time before foreclosure action is taken be 2-3 years, and mandate that the City ensure all homeowners, especially -seniors, have received their exemptions and all assistance possible to keep their homes.
Activists are also working hard to assist homeowners in representing themselves in court. All homeowners are urged to go to the Erie County Court House, 25 Delaware, October 17, 9:30am to demand the City consent to stop the foreclosures and provide more time. Homeowners have the right to take their case before the judge and demand a stay of the foreclosure. Everyone is encouraged to exercise this right and come to the courthouse prepared to explain whatever hardships and difficulties you have faced, and insist on a payment plan that can be paid. Individuals are encouraged to bring as much cash as they can toward taxes or fees due, but come even if you have no cash.
With a determined spirit of defending rights and making certain no one is left to fend for themselves, organizing work is going forward. Momentum is building for the demonstration. Buffalo Forum urges all its readers and supporters to join in!
Block the Auction! Housing is a Right!
STOP BUFFALO’S KATRINA!
DEMONSTRATE
Monday, October 24, 8:30am
Buffalo Convention Center
More than 3500 families face foreclosure and possible auction of their homes by the City of Buffalo. The most vulnerable families are being targeted – elderly, sick, women with children, working families that are poor or facing layoffs. Many people are long-term homeowners who will now lose their homes for a few thousand or even hundred dollars. Many people are on the foreclosure list simply for water and garbage fees, not taxes. All have the right to housing and the right to more time to solve the problems they face. We demand that the City meet their needs. We reject the City’s unjust and inhuman auction that could force hundreds of families into the streets. We say NO!
No Foreclosures! No Evictions! Housing Is a Right!
Join Together to Block the Doors to the Auction! Stop Buffalo’s Katrina!
Monday, October 24, 8:30am • Buffalo Convention Center • 153 Franklin St.
Initiated by Buffalo Forum and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Read the complete article
In a situation where mass layoffs and cuts, alongside big increases in water and fuel bills have already forced many more Buffalo families into poverty, the City is now organizing to force people into the streets. In addition, the number of foreclosures is larger because the City is including garbage and water fees, both unjust and likely illegal.
This government-organized disaster is criminal and can only serve to destroy the City. We call on everyone to stand against the auction and stand up for our rights and humanity. Join in and demonstrate Monday, October 24, 8:30am!
Despite the City’s claim that “nothing can be done,” activists have persisted in a campaign to inform families facing foreclosure and to mobilize them and others to defend the right to housing. Door-to-door work encouraging all to join in the organized fight to demand that the City stop foreclosures is proceeding. Families facing foreclosure are the main focus, alongside their neighbors.
In addition, more than two dozen activists went to the Common Council to demand that Council members take a stand to stop the auction and foreclosures. One after the other, speakers brought out the crime of these foreclosures and the devastation they will bring. They also spoke to the necessity for government officials to stand with the people in resisting these attacks and providing assistance. One speaker forcefully brought out that even though the Council does not have the authority to stop the auction, they do have power and must use it to defend rights.
While the Council members present generally opposed the foreclosures, they also expressed the view that there was nothing more they could do at this point. The Council members present included Marc A. Coppola, Delaware District, Brian Davis, Ellicott, Richard Fontana, Lovejoy, David Franczyk, Fillmore, Antoine M. Thompson, Masten.
Activists are specifically calling on all members of the Common Council to:
1) Be front and center at the demonstration October 24 to block the auction
2) Be at the Erie County Court House the week of October 17-21 to call on the City’s lawyer and/or the housing judge to issue stays and provide more time for payments
3) Use the resources of your offices to join in informing and assisting everyone facing foreclosures to save their homes
4) Pass a resolution calling for no foreclosures and no evictions to express opposition to these actions and join in taking legal action against use of garbage and water fees to impose foreclosures
5) Pass a law mandating that the -Common Council have a vote on foreclosures, increase the length of time before foreclosure action is taken be 2-3 years, and mandate that the City ensure all homeowners, especially -seniors, have received their exemptions and all assistance possible to keep their homes.
Activists are also working hard to assist homeowners in representing themselves in court. All homeowners are urged to go to the Erie County Court House, 25 Delaware, October 17, 9:30am to demand the City consent to stop the foreclosures and provide more time. Homeowners have the right to take their case before the judge and demand a stay of the foreclosure. Everyone is encouraged to exercise this right and come to the courthouse prepared to explain whatever hardships and difficulties you have faced, and insist on a payment plan that can be paid. Individuals are encouraged to bring as much cash as they can toward taxes or fees due, but come even if you have no cash.
With a determined spirit of defending rights and making certain no one is left to fend for themselves, organizing work is going forward. Momentum is building for the demonstration. Buffalo Forum urges all its readers and supporters to join in!
Block the Auction! Housing is a Right!
STOP BUFFALO’S KATRINA!
DEMONSTRATE
Monday, October 24, 8:30am
Buffalo Convention Center
More than 3500 families face foreclosure and possible auction of their homes by the City of Buffalo. The most vulnerable families are being targeted – elderly, sick, women with children, working families that are poor or facing layoffs. Many people are long-term homeowners who will now lose their homes for a few thousand or even hundred dollars. Many people are on the foreclosure list simply for water and garbage fees, not taxes. All have the right to housing and the right to more time to solve the problems they face. We demand that the City meet their needs. We reject the City’s unjust and inhuman auction that could force hundreds of families into the streets. We say NO!
No Foreclosures! No Evictions! Housing Is a Right!
Join Together to Block the Doors to the Auction! Stop Buffalo’s Katrina!
Monday, October 24, 8:30am • Buffalo Convention Center • 153 Franklin St.
Initiated by Buffalo Forum and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference
Read the complete article
Know Your Rights on Foreclosures
1) Housing Is a Right
As a human being you have the right to housing, upheld in the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Defend yourself and your family by defending this right.
2) You Have the Right to Represent Yourself in Housing Court
While it is best to get a lawyer, you can represent yourself, using what is called a pro se application. You have to go to court and present your case. You no doubt have a good reason why you are behind in your bills at this time. You have the right to go to court and explain your situation and demand a STAY of the foreclosure and that the City work out a reasonable payment plan. The judge may or may not grant a stay, but it is only by fighting that you have a chance! Be certain to go to Erie County Court House Monday, October 17, 9:30am or 2pm to demand a stay. Ask for a pro se application.
3) You Have the Right to Dispute Fees, Especially Garbage and Water Fees
Many people, including housing lawyers and Common Council members think it is illegal to use the garbage and water fees as a basis for foreclosure. If you feel these fees are illegal or that you are being wrongly charged, you have the right to dispute the charges.
4) You have the right to insist that your Common Council member represent you and join you in court to demand a stay on the foreclosures. Call them and insist they provide help.
5) You May Be Eligible for Tax and Fee Exemptions
Homeowners living in their homes are eligible for the STAR exemption ($421 per year). Seniors (over 65) are also eligible for enhanced STAR ($700 additional exemptions for taxes and water. Ask the City Tax Office if you are eligible. You may be facing foreclosure for taxes and fees you are not required to pay.
6) Stay in your home and defend it. Call Buffalo Forum (602 8077) if you recieve an eviction notice. If your home is not sold at the auction, you keep ownership and have more time to pay.
7) You Have the Right to Join Together with Others to Cancel the Auction!
More than 3500 families are facing foreclosure this year and people all across the City are angry with this attack on our rights and our neighborhoods. Those most vulnerable, the poor, elderly, sick, women and children, are the ones being hardest hit. Stand together with all those opposing the foreclosures. Demonstrate October 24 at 9am, Buffalo Convention Center.
Take Action!
1) Go to Erie County Court House Monday, October 17, 9:30am or 2pm (one hour sessions) to demand a stay on your foreclosure. Ask for a pro se application. Demand more time and a reasonable payment plan. Bring as much cash as you are able to bring, but come even if you have no funds. If you cannot make it on Monday, come on Tuesday or Wednesday, 9:30am or 2pm. Erie County Courthouse, 25 Delaware, Ceremonial Courtroom, Second Floor.
2) Come to the Next Community Meeting
Saturday, October 15, 10am
Gethesamane Baptist Church, 55 Grape St.
Saturday, October 22, 9:30am
Gethesamane Baptist Church, 55 Grape St.
3) Demonstrate to Stop the Auction!
Monday, October 24, 9am
Buffalo Convention Center
4) Join with Others to Defend Your Rights
Contact Buffalo Forum (602-8077) or SCLC (834-5911) for assistance and information.
Given the stand of the City to persist with foreclosures despite broad opposition to this injustice and inhuman action, there are no guarantees that your home can be saved from foreclosure. But by standing together and organizing, you and everyone together have a fighting chance! Join in!
Read the complete article
As a human being you have the right to housing, upheld in the UN Declaration of Human Rights. Defend yourself and your family by defending this right.
2) You Have the Right to Represent Yourself in Housing Court
While it is best to get a lawyer, you can represent yourself, using what is called a pro se application. You have to go to court and present your case. You no doubt have a good reason why you are behind in your bills at this time. You have the right to go to court and explain your situation and demand a STAY of the foreclosure and that the City work out a reasonable payment plan. The judge may or may not grant a stay, but it is only by fighting that you have a chance! Be certain to go to Erie County Court House Monday, October 17, 9:30am or 2pm to demand a stay. Ask for a pro se application.
3) You Have the Right to Dispute Fees, Especially Garbage and Water Fees
Many people, including housing lawyers and Common Council members think it is illegal to use the garbage and water fees as a basis for foreclosure. If you feel these fees are illegal or that you are being wrongly charged, you have the right to dispute the charges.
4) You have the right to insist that your Common Council member represent you and join you in court to demand a stay on the foreclosures. Call them and insist they provide help.
5) You May Be Eligible for Tax and Fee Exemptions
Homeowners living in their homes are eligible for the STAR exemption ($421 per year). Seniors (over 65) are also eligible for enhanced STAR ($700 additional exemptions for taxes and water. Ask the City Tax Office if you are eligible. You may be facing foreclosure for taxes and fees you are not required to pay.
6) Stay in your home and defend it. Call Buffalo Forum (602 8077) if you recieve an eviction notice. If your home is not sold at the auction, you keep ownership and have more time to pay.
7) You Have the Right to Join Together with Others to Cancel the Auction!
More than 3500 families are facing foreclosure this year and people all across the City are angry with this attack on our rights and our neighborhoods. Those most vulnerable, the poor, elderly, sick, women and children, are the ones being hardest hit. Stand together with all those opposing the foreclosures. Demonstrate October 24 at 9am, Buffalo Convention Center.
Take Action!
1) Go to Erie County Court House Monday, October 17, 9:30am or 2pm (one hour sessions) to demand a stay on your foreclosure. Ask for a pro se application. Demand more time and a reasonable payment plan. Bring as much cash as you are able to bring, but come even if you have no funds. If you cannot make it on Monday, come on Tuesday or Wednesday, 9:30am or 2pm. Erie County Courthouse, 25 Delaware, Ceremonial Courtroom, Second Floor.
2) Come to the Next Community Meeting
Saturday, October 15, 10am
Gethesamane Baptist Church, 55 Grape St.
Saturday, October 22, 9:30am
Gethesamane Baptist Church, 55 Grape St.
3) Demonstrate to Stop the Auction!
Monday, October 24, 9am
Buffalo Convention Center
4) Join with Others to Defend Your Rights
Contact Buffalo Forum (602-8077) or SCLC (834-5911) for assistance and information.
Given the stand of the City to persist with foreclosures despite broad opposition to this injustice and inhuman action, there are no guarantees that your home can be saved from foreclosure. But by standing together and organizing, you and everyone together have a fighting chance! Join in!
Read the complete article
Freeze the Debt: Control Board Organizing to Destroy Buffalo
The recent Buffalo Control Board meeting made clear what teachers, firefighters and city workers have long known. The contract demands being made by the City and School Board for huge concessions are in fact the demands of the Control Board. For the schools, these demands include closing nine more schools, eliminating another 562 people, and increasing class size, again, directly against the contract. Additional demands target pensions, healthcare, sick days, vacations, and more.
In Buffalo, teachers, firefighters and city workers are being called on to now pay 10 percent of pension costs—pensions that belong to them by right and that represent deferred wages. This is like demanding that everyone take a ten percent wage cut in addition to the existing wage freeze.
The Control Board is also demanding that teachers accept a single provider health plan, with cuts to benefits, and without any contract negotiations or language. Firefighters have already been forced to accept the single provider, also directly against their contract. The Board is demanding that all the workers and retirees also pay for a portion of these reduced healthcare benefits.
The Board’s actions are part of an all-sided offensive against the workers, their unions and labor law more broadly. They are eliminating contracts and negotiations, in the name of “balanced budgets.” The City and School Board are to have no responsibility to negotiate and honor contracts and no social responsibility to the workers and people of Buffalo.
These attacks are aimed at further -destroying Buffalo and eliminating not only elected governance, but unions and similar defense organizations. The workers and their unions are right to defend rights and refuse to accept these concessions.
The people’s alternative to freeze the debt is a just solution that counters this destruction. Debt service payments for the School Board and City alone were almost $70 million dollars for 2005. This includes a 250 percent increase in School Board debt since the Control Board came to power. Given that it is a main aim of the Control Board to ensure even greater debt payments to the banks, they insist that debt cannot be frozen, while Buffalo’s schools and workers can be destroyed. This direction is inhuman and must be opposed.
Stop Paying the Rich! Freeze the Debt! Eliminate the Control Boards!
Read the complete article
In Buffalo, teachers, firefighters and city workers are being called on to now pay 10 percent of pension costs—pensions that belong to them by right and that represent deferred wages. This is like demanding that everyone take a ten percent wage cut in addition to the existing wage freeze.
The Control Board is also demanding that teachers accept a single provider health plan, with cuts to benefits, and without any contract negotiations or language. Firefighters have already been forced to accept the single provider, also directly against their contract. The Board is demanding that all the workers and retirees also pay for a portion of these reduced healthcare benefits.
The Board’s actions are part of an all-sided offensive against the workers, their unions and labor law more broadly. They are eliminating contracts and negotiations, in the name of “balanced budgets.” The City and School Board are to have no responsibility to negotiate and honor contracts and no social responsibility to the workers and people of Buffalo.
These attacks are aimed at further -destroying Buffalo and eliminating not only elected governance, but unions and similar defense organizations. The workers and their unions are right to defend rights and refuse to accept these concessions.
The people’s alternative to freeze the debt is a just solution that counters this destruction. Debt service payments for the School Board and City alone were almost $70 million dollars for 2005. This includes a 250 percent increase in School Board debt since the Control Board came to power. Given that it is a main aim of the Control Board to ensure even greater debt payments to the banks, they insist that debt cannot be frozen, while Buffalo’s schools and workers can be destroyed. This direction is inhuman and must be opposed.
Stop Paying the Rich! Freeze the Debt! Eliminate the Control Boards!
Read the complete article
Housing is a Right! Cancel the Auction! No Foreclosures!
Buffalo Forum urges all its readers and supporters to join in the campaign to cancel the planned City auction of an estimated 3500 homes. A spirited meeting of homeowners facing foreclosure, residents and activists met on Saturday, October 8th and determined to carry forward with a campaign to defend the rights of the people to housing. The campaign is demanding that the City cancel the auction planned for October 24-26 and provide everyone with more time to solve the severe problems they face.
A number of united actions are being pursued, including going to the Common Council to demand that they call for canceling the auction and extending the time period for payments, especially for those on the list as a result of water and garbage fees, or the result of illness or layoffs. Door to door work is continuing in targeted areas (see maps p.4-5) to ensure everyone is informed of their rights and to prepare to block any evictions in the coming months. A class-action lawsuit is being considered so as to put an immediate block on foreclosures. Discrimination, the illegal fees, and evicting elderly and children in the winter and the fact that housing is a right are all being considered as grounds for such a suit. Plans to demonstrate at the auction itself and form a human chain to stop the inhumanity and criminal actions of the City are also under discussion.
We urge all concerned to join in these united actions and lend a hand. This housing crisis is government organized, with the Buffalo Control Board a main force behind the City’s drastic actions against our most vulnerable people, the poor, elderly, unemployed, sick and our children. Join the campaign to Cancel the Auction! Stop Buffalo’s Katrina!
Read the complete article
A number of united actions are being pursued, including going to the Common Council to demand that they call for canceling the auction and extending the time period for payments, especially for those on the list as a result of water and garbage fees, or the result of illness or layoffs. Door to door work is continuing in targeted areas (see maps p.4-5) to ensure everyone is informed of their rights and to prepare to block any evictions in the coming months. A class-action lawsuit is being considered so as to put an immediate block on foreclosures. Discrimination, the illegal fees, and evicting elderly and children in the winter and the fact that housing is a right are all being considered as grounds for such a suit. Plans to demonstrate at the auction itself and form a human chain to stop the inhumanity and criminal actions of the City are also under discussion.
We urge all concerned to join in these united actions and lend a hand. This housing crisis is government organized, with the Buffalo Control Board a main force behind the City’s drastic actions against our most vulnerable people, the poor, elderly, unemployed, sick and our children. Join the campaign to Cancel the Auction! Stop Buffalo’s Katrina!
Read the complete article
Spirited Meeting Plans United Actions Against Foreclosures
A spirited meeting to block foreclosures and defend the right to housing brought together homeowners facing foreclosure, residents and activists. Foremost on everyone’s mid was deciding on united actions that can be taken in the next two weeks to block the City from auctioning off an estimated 3500 homes. The enthusiasm was such that everyone had something to say and everyone is furious about the foreclosures taking place.
Several families facing foreclosure were present, most represented by women — who also made up the majority of the meeting. The women spoke to the difficulties their families are facing and the efforts they have made to keep their homes. One came on behalf of her mother, who has had two strokes, was hospitalized for months and now that she is home faces foreclosure. Others explained that they had paid their taxes and were only behind on water or garbage fees, for less than a year, and still faced foreclosure. Participants agreed that evicting the sick and elderly and using the fees as a basis for foreclosure was unjust and illegal.
One of the participants emphasized that it is the people who are going to have to organize and mobilize to stop these foreclosures. He said every politician should speak out against the foreclosures, including any running for office. He added that any who refused to do so did not represent the people and should be run out of office. The entire meeting erupted in support of this stand. Numerous other people joined in expressing similar views.
In addressing actions to take, everyone was called on to give views and ideas. A number of common actions emerged from the discussion. Everyone agreed on the importance of providing the targeted communities, and especially the people facing foreclosures, with information — not only about their rights concerning the foreclosures themselves, but that there is an organized force fighting foreclosures and prepared to block any evictions.
The meeting also agreed to go to the next two Common Council meetings to put forward the demands to cancel the auction, freeze any foreclosures and extend the payment period. The Council already has a resolution before it to extend the payment period for those on foreclosure as a result of the fees. Participants organized to attend the meeting Tuesday, October 11, at 2pm to insist that the Council take a stand to defend the people and stop the auction and foreclosures.
In the course of this discussion it became clear that it is the demands of the Buffalo Control Board that are behind the large umber of foreclosures. Previously, it was standard policy to provide 2-3 years for people to resolve problems before their homes were auctioned. Now it is less than one. As well, it was by executive action, through the Mayor’s office, that the garbage and water fees were added. These arbitrary actions are part of a “get tough” policy, in the name of “balancing” the Control Board imposed budget. More and more public funds are being taken from the public, now including people’s homes, and handed over to the Control Board, who receives all City taxes and funds. The Board, by law, has the priority of making debt payments to the banks. As one participant put it, they are making sure the rich get richer and the poor poorer and we have to stop it! Another added that M&T Bank, whose CEO Robert G. Wilmers sits on the Board, is responsible for overseeing accounts for water service.
In closing, people continued denouncing the City for their inhuman actions against the people and expressed their determination to play a role in stopping it. A number will begin door-to-door work in the coming week, others will attend the Common Council meeting and still others will pursue legal action. Everyone left filled with the spirit and energy of the meeting, knowing that by fighting, we can make progress.
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Several families facing foreclosure were present, most represented by women — who also made up the majority of the meeting. The women spoke to the difficulties their families are facing and the efforts they have made to keep their homes. One came on behalf of her mother, who has had two strokes, was hospitalized for months and now that she is home faces foreclosure. Others explained that they had paid their taxes and were only behind on water or garbage fees, for less than a year, and still faced foreclosure. Participants agreed that evicting the sick and elderly and using the fees as a basis for foreclosure was unjust and illegal.
One of the participants emphasized that it is the people who are going to have to organize and mobilize to stop these foreclosures. He said every politician should speak out against the foreclosures, including any running for office. He added that any who refused to do so did not represent the people and should be run out of office. The entire meeting erupted in support of this stand. Numerous other people joined in expressing similar views.
In addressing actions to take, everyone was called on to give views and ideas. A number of common actions emerged from the discussion. Everyone agreed on the importance of providing the targeted communities, and especially the people facing foreclosures, with information — not only about their rights concerning the foreclosures themselves, but that there is an organized force fighting foreclosures and prepared to block any evictions.
The meeting also agreed to go to the next two Common Council meetings to put forward the demands to cancel the auction, freeze any foreclosures and extend the payment period. The Council already has a resolution before it to extend the payment period for those on foreclosure as a result of the fees. Participants organized to attend the meeting Tuesday, October 11, at 2pm to insist that the Council take a stand to defend the people and stop the auction and foreclosures.
In the course of this discussion it became clear that it is the demands of the Buffalo Control Board that are behind the large umber of foreclosures. Previously, it was standard policy to provide 2-3 years for people to resolve problems before their homes were auctioned. Now it is less than one. As well, it was by executive action, through the Mayor’s office, that the garbage and water fees were added. These arbitrary actions are part of a “get tough” policy, in the name of “balancing” the Control Board imposed budget. More and more public funds are being taken from the public, now including people’s homes, and handed over to the Control Board, who receives all City taxes and funds. The Board, by law, has the priority of making debt payments to the banks. As one participant put it, they are making sure the rich get richer and the poor poorer and we have to stop it! Another added that M&T Bank, whose CEO Robert G. Wilmers sits on the Board, is responsible for overseeing accounts for water service.
In closing, people continued denouncing the City for their inhuman actions against the people and expressed their determination to play a role in stopping it. A number will begin door-to-door work in the coming week, others will attend the Common Council meeting and still others will pursue legal action. Everyone left filled with the spirit and energy of the meeting, knowing that by fighting, we can make progress.
Read the complete article
Information from the City of Buffalo Department of Assessment and Taxation
You are strongly encouraged to retain an attorney. However, if your income does not fall within the income guidelines of the agencies listed below and due to financial hardship you cannot afford to retain a private attorney, you still have the right to seek court intervention without an attorney to avoid foreclosure. Attorneys representing the City of Buffalo will be available to speak with you at the Erie County Courthouse during the week of October 17 from 9:30AM-10:30AM & 2:00PM – 3:00PM
Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled or Disadvantaged of Western NY; Room 861 Ellicott Square Building, 295 Main Street; phone: 853-3087. (Property must be owner-occupied; Must be 60 or older, disabled or disadvantaged)
Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo; 237 Main Street (corner Main & Seneca), Room 1602; phone: 853-9555 – Ext. 463; (Property must be owner-occupied; Must meet income guidelines)
Volunteer Lawyers Project; 107 Delaware Avenue (Statler Building); phone: 847-0662; (Must meet income guidelines)
Directions to the Courthouse:
Erie County Courthouse
25 Delaware Avenue
(Between Church & West Eagle Streets)
Ceremonial Courtroom, Second Floor
A copy of the foreclosure list can be gotten for $3 at the City of Buffalo Tax Division, Rm 121, City Hall or on the web at: www.city-buffalo.com, under heading Leadership, City Tax Dept.
The Auction is scheduled for October 24-26, starting at 9:30am at the Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St.
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Legal Services for the Elderly, Disabled or Disadvantaged of Western NY; Room 861 Ellicott Square Building, 295 Main Street; phone: 853-3087. (Property must be owner-occupied; Must be 60 or older, disabled or disadvantaged)
Legal Aid Bureau of Buffalo; 237 Main Street (corner Main & Seneca), Room 1602; phone: 853-9555 – Ext. 463; (Property must be owner-occupied; Must meet income guidelines)
Volunteer Lawyers Project; 107 Delaware Avenue (Statler Building); phone: 847-0662; (Must meet income guidelines)
Directions to the Courthouse:
Erie County Courthouse
25 Delaware Avenue
(Between Church & West Eagle Streets)
Ceremonial Courtroom, Second Floor
A copy of the foreclosure list can be gotten for $3 at the City of Buffalo Tax Division, Rm 121, City Hall or on the web at: www.city-buffalo.com, under heading Leadership, City Tax Dept.
The Auction is scheduled for October 24-26, starting at 9:30am at the Buffalo Convention Center, 153 Franklin St.
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Demand Politicians Take a Stand
The people of Buffalo and all of Erie County are contending with brutal Control Boards that have made elected government powerless. The Boards decide all budget matters, are eliminating contracts and negotiations, and demanded more cuts and more taxes. As the Buffalo Board has already shown, they can impose wage freezes indefinitely and refuse to negotiate contracts while imposing cuts, as has occurred with teachers and firefighters. The County Control Board is now demanding that the County also impose a 4-year wage freeze, pass yet more taxes and cuts and concessions, or it will become even more tyrannical.
The existing politicians, far from rising up against this dictate, are succumbing to it, abandoning even the pretense of government that meets it social responsibility to provide for the people. To date not a single politician, including those now running for office, has stood firmly against the Control Boards and denounced their tyranny. Not a single one has come out against the concessions being demanded by Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra —$110 million worth. Not a single one has stood publicly against the mass foreclosures planned by the City, all in the name of “balancing” the Control Board imposed “budget.”
Instead, elected officials are facilitating these attacks and contributing to the discrediting of elected governance. They are refusing to meet the most basic requirement of representing the people, which is to take a stand that favors the people. By refusing to take such stands, they are providing fertile ground for the claims that the people are not capable of electing government and instead must have appointed bodies that provide “adult” supervision.
This notion of executive bodies being “parents,” having to take care of provide for “foolish” and “unruly” children incapable of providing for themselves, dates back to the days of kings, or even before to Slaveowners. It is a notion that says the people are not capable of going forward to modern democracy where they govern and decide. The Control Boards are the embodiment of this backwardness, blocking the forward march of democracy.
It is the people, not the Control Boards and politicians, who have solutions. The people have put forward several alternatives, based on their own experience and insights, beginning with the stand that Concessions are Not Solutions! In addition, the people have demanded a program that defends their rights, not those of the monopolies to rob the public treasury. Their alternative is to Stop Paying the Rich! Freeze the Debt! Increase Funding for Social Programs!
Now is the time for any politician worthy of the name to reject the dictate of the Control Boards and take their stand with and for the people. We urge all elected officials and candidates for office to do so.
Read the complete article
The existing politicians, far from rising up against this dictate, are succumbing to it, abandoning even the pretense of government that meets it social responsibility to provide for the people. To date not a single politician, including those now running for office, has stood firmly against the Control Boards and denounced their tyranny. Not a single one has come out against the concessions being demanded by Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra —$110 million worth. Not a single one has stood publicly against the mass foreclosures planned by the City, all in the name of “balancing” the Control Board imposed “budget.”
Instead, elected officials are facilitating these attacks and contributing to the discrediting of elected governance. They are refusing to meet the most basic requirement of representing the people, which is to take a stand that favors the people. By refusing to take such stands, they are providing fertile ground for the claims that the people are not capable of electing government and instead must have appointed bodies that provide “adult” supervision.
This notion of executive bodies being “parents,” having to take care of provide for “foolish” and “unruly” children incapable of providing for themselves, dates back to the days of kings, or even before to Slaveowners. It is a notion that says the people are not capable of going forward to modern democracy where they govern and decide. The Control Boards are the embodiment of this backwardness, blocking the forward march of democracy.
It is the people, not the Control Boards and politicians, who have solutions. The people have put forward several alternatives, based on their own experience and insights, beginning with the stand that Concessions are Not Solutions! In addition, the people have demanded a program that defends their rights, not those of the monopolies to rob the public treasury. Their alternative is to Stop Paying the Rich! Freeze the Debt! Increase Funding for Social Programs!
Now is the time for any politician worthy of the name to reject the dictate of the Control Boards and take their stand with and for the people. We urge all elected officials and candidates for office to do so.
Read the complete article
Erie County Plan: $110 Million in Concessions Demanded from Workers
Erie County Executive Joel A. Giambra submitted a 4-year financial plan to the County Legislature on September 13. The legislature, meeting a required October 1 deadline, passed the plan largely intact. The plan calls for more massive attacks on the workers, including a four-year wage freeze, cuts to healthcare and pensions, more contracting out, elimination of some overtime pay and more.
The main change made by the Legislature was to substitute Giambra’s 25 percent property tax increase this year and next, with a combined sales tax and property tax increase. The legislature plans to raise sales taxes from 8.25 to 8.75 cents on the dollar and the property tax by 16 percent this year and next. The plan passed on an 8-7 vote.
The County Control Board has already rejected the plan, insisting that the legislature either guarantee the ten votes needed for the sales tax increase, or accept Giambra’s plan to increase debt payments. Giambra and the legislature now have until ) October 26 to come up with a plan. They also must meet the Control Board’s October 15 deadline for the 2005 budget.
While the monopoly media has focused on the issue of taxes, the more significant feature of Giambra’s plan is its all-sided attack on the workers. Contained largely in section IV of the plan, titled “Workforce,” Following the Buffalo Control Board, Giambra is striving to put in place and extend the same attack on labor law and standards achieved by County and City workers.
The Buffalo Control Board, for example, has already instituted a four-year wage freeze and imposed single-provider health plans. These attacks go directly against existing contracts and the New York State Taylor Law, which affirms that a contract is a contract and legally binding on both parties.
Giambra begins by stating that funding for wages and benefits for workers is expected to be $189 million for 2005. He ignores that the combined debt payments for Buffalo and the County amount to $119 million. Simply freezing this debt would more than cover the projected “budget gap” now estimated at $105.6 million. Freezing over the next four years would similarly eliminate the gap. Canceling it altogether would provide hundreds of millions for wages, benefits and services. While calling for “consistent cost containment measures” for workers, there is no such “cost containment” for payments to the financiers and other monopolies.
Giambra’s anti-social plan calls for securing close to $110 million in concessions from workers over the next four years. These cuts include:
• more layoffs alongside increased productivity of those remaining
• a four-year wage freeze across the board, including already negotiated step increases
• elimination of paid medical benefits for retirees, who currently receive benefits for life. The plan calls for “restructuring” these medical benefits for future retirees, which could mean elimination of the benefits or payments for benefits (45 percent is stated). It could also mean elimination or cuts for existing retirees.
• 10-15 percent healthcare premiums for what will likely be lower coverage, including increased co-pays for office visits and prescriptions
• reduce or eliminate the 15 paid sick days and eliminate extended paid sick leave for injured workers
• reduce vacation pay to a maximum of 20 days, meaning more than 1500 workers will lose current vacation days of up to 30 days for 25 or more years and 25 days after 16 years.
• reduce 12 paid holidays and personal leave (from 4 to 2 days)
• eliminate standard of receiving overtime pay after 8 hours of work in a day or 40 hours in a week.
The plan also calls for “increased use of outside service providers and to rethink lines of business.” Put plainly this means more contracting out of union jobs to non-union companies and more privatization of public services. Giambra is calling for “greater flexibility” to subcontract, specifically citing the “constraints” of the Taylor law concerning these issues.
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The main change made by the Legislature was to substitute Giambra’s 25 percent property tax increase this year and next, with a combined sales tax and property tax increase. The legislature plans to raise sales taxes from 8.25 to 8.75 cents on the dollar and the property tax by 16 percent this year and next. The plan passed on an 8-7 vote.
The County Control Board has already rejected the plan, insisting that the legislature either guarantee the ten votes needed for the sales tax increase, or accept Giambra’s plan to increase debt payments. Giambra and the legislature now have until ) October 26 to come up with a plan. They also must meet the Control Board’s October 15 deadline for the 2005 budget.
While the monopoly media has focused on the issue of taxes, the more significant feature of Giambra’s plan is its all-sided attack on the workers. Contained largely in section IV of the plan, titled “Workforce,” Following the Buffalo Control Board, Giambra is striving to put in place and extend the same attack on labor law and standards achieved by County and City workers.
The Buffalo Control Board, for example, has already instituted a four-year wage freeze and imposed single-provider health plans. These attacks go directly against existing contracts and the New York State Taylor Law, which affirms that a contract is a contract and legally binding on both parties.
Giambra begins by stating that funding for wages and benefits for workers is expected to be $189 million for 2005. He ignores that the combined debt payments for Buffalo and the County amount to $119 million. Simply freezing this debt would more than cover the projected “budget gap” now estimated at $105.6 million. Freezing over the next four years would similarly eliminate the gap. Canceling it altogether would provide hundreds of millions for wages, benefits and services. While calling for “consistent cost containment measures” for workers, there is no such “cost containment” for payments to the financiers and other monopolies.
Giambra’s anti-social plan calls for securing close to $110 million in concessions from workers over the next four years. These cuts include:
• more layoffs alongside increased productivity of those remaining
• a four-year wage freeze across the board, including already negotiated step increases
• elimination of paid medical benefits for retirees, who currently receive benefits for life. The plan calls for “restructuring” these medical benefits for future retirees, which could mean elimination of the benefits or payments for benefits (45 percent is stated). It could also mean elimination or cuts for existing retirees.
• 10-15 percent healthcare premiums for what will likely be lower coverage, including increased co-pays for office visits and prescriptions
• reduce or eliminate the 15 paid sick days and eliminate extended paid sick leave for injured workers
• reduce vacation pay to a maximum of 20 days, meaning more than 1500 workers will lose current vacation days of up to 30 days for 25 or more years and 25 days after 16 years.
• reduce 12 paid holidays and personal leave (from 4 to 2 days)
• eliminate standard of receiving overtime pay after 8 hours of work in a day or 40 hours in a week.
The plan also calls for “increased use of outside service providers and to rethink lines of business.” Put plainly this means more contracting out of union jobs to non-union companies and more privatization of public services. Giambra is calling for “greater flexibility” to subcontract, specifically citing the “constraints” of the Taylor law concerning these issues.
Read the complete article
Government Organized Housing Disaster: Buffalo’s Katrina
The City of Buffalo is refusing to stop plans to put more than 3500 homes up for auction October 24-26. This action will rob many long-term homeowners of their homes and could easily lead to hundreds, if not thousands, of evictions, forcing families into the streets. Many of the homes are in the Masten and Ellicott districts, impacting mainly African American communities. Many of the families involved are seniors or mothers who are the sole head of household, working hard to provide for their children. This disaster is being directly organized by the City, with the claim that failure to secure all the tax monies using foreclosures would be a “devastating blow” to the City’s economy.
Buffalo Forum has initiated a campaign to demand:
1) Cancel the Auction!
2) No Foreclosures! No Evictions! Housing is a Right!
3) Freeze the Debt!
We encourage all concerned to join these efforts! The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), is also a main organizer and a number of other organizations, including 100 Mighty Men, YPC (Youth Planning Committee), Citizens Against Police Abuse, seniors, activists and others are endorsing the campaign. Door to door work in the areas most impacted is underway, to inform everyone about the situation and mobilize people to stand together to stop the foreclosures and block any evictions.
Homeowners and activists have continued to call Buffalo Forum and express their outrage with this government-organized disaster. “This is Buffalo’s Katrina,” said Gwen Neal of SCLC. “This is an attack on human rights and the City should immediately cancel the auction. We will form a human chain around the Conference Center to block any sales!”
Another homeowner, whose home is not on the list but who is angered by the city actions said, “This is completely wrong and unjust.” Said another, “Given how the politicians have attacked the City and forced layoffs and increased fees and taxes, they are the ones that need to be evicted. How dare they even think about putting a single family on the streets.”
“The Control Board is to blame,” added a Buffalo Forum distributor. “The Board has imposed brutal budgets and massive cuts yet keeps claiming there is no money. We know there are tens of millions of dollars to pay the debts. The School Board debt payments have increased by 250 percent. There are millions to pay more and more city and county debt, yet families face eviction for lack of a few hundred dollars. This is criminal. We would like to know if the Control Board’s Wilmers, of M&T Bank, has something to gain from these foreclosures. Do those pushing to expand the medical corridor? We say the solution is, Stop Paying the Rich! Freeze the Debt! No Foreclosures!”
This year will see a larger number of foreclosures than in the past as a result of a change in City policy. For the first time, in addition to foreclosing on families behind in their taxes, foreclosures are also taking place if the homeowner is behind one year on either user (garbage) fees or water fees or both.
The City took this additional action against the people knowing the great difficulties families have faced recently, with mass layoffs and huge increases in gas, heating and water bills. It is also well known that many people have refused to pay the user fee in protest. “The garbage service was part of city taxes for a long time,” said one homeowner. “I have refused to pay from the beginning because it is not right to be taxed twice for the same thing!”
According to the City tax office, all the homes on the foreclosure list will be auctioned October 24-26 at the Buffalo Convention Center. If a home is bought, it will then be up to the new owner to evict the family. If it is not bought, it remains in foreclosure, with the homeowner then given more time to pay taxes and fees. In this way, the City is trying to remove itself from the actual eviction process, while being the direct cause of the evictions. The City has the power to stop the auction and the responsibility to do so.
A community meeting is being organized at the Gethsemane Grape Street Baptist Church, at 55 Grape, which is also on the foreclosure list. The Church is well known for its long-standing efforts to defend rights in the African American community and has itself now become a target. The meeting will take place Saturday, October 8, at 9:30am, at the Church. Everyone concerned is encouraged to come!
Community Meeting:
Cancel the Auction! No Foreclosures! Housing is a Right!
Gethsemane Grape Street Baptist Church, 55 Grape
Saturday, October 8, 2005, 9:30 am
All Welcome! For Information call: 602-8077
Read the complete article
Buffalo Forum has initiated a campaign to demand:
1) Cancel the Auction!
2) No Foreclosures! No Evictions! Housing is a Right!
3) Freeze the Debt!
We encourage all concerned to join these efforts! The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), is also a main organizer and a number of other organizations, including 100 Mighty Men, YPC (Youth Planning Committee), Citizens Against Police Abuse, seniors, activists and others are endorsing the campaign. Door to door work in the areas most impacted is underway, to inform everyone about the situation and mobilize people to stand together to stop the foreclosures and block any evictions.
Homeowners and activists have continued to call Buffalo Forum and express their outrage with this government-organized disaster. “This is Buffalo’s Katrina,” said Gwen Neal of SCLC. “This is an attack on human rights and the City should immediately cancel the auction. We will form a human chain around the Conference Center to block any sales!”
Another homeowner, whose home is not on the list but who is angered by the city actions said, “This is completely wrong and unjust.” Said another, “Given how the politicians have attacked the City and forced layoffs and increased fees and taxes, they are the ones that need to be evicted. How dare they even think about putting a single family on the streets.”
“The Control Board is to blame,” added a Buffalo Forum distributor. “The Board has imposed brutal budgets and massive cuts yet keeps claiming there is no money. We know there are tens of millions of dollars to pay the debts. The School Board debt payments have increased by 250 percent. There are millions to pay more and more city and county debt, yet families face eviction for lack of a few hundred dollars. This is criminal. We would like to know if the Control Board’s Wilmers, of M&T Bank, has something to gain from these foreclosures. Do those pushing to expand the medical corridor? We say the solution is, Stop Paying the Rich! Freeze the Debt! No Foreclosures!”
This year will see a larger number of foreclosures than in the past as a result of a change in City policy. For the first time, in addition to foreclosing on families behind in their taxes, foreclosures are also taking place if the homeowner is behind one year on either user (garbage) fees or water fees or both.
The City took this additional action against the people knowing the great difficulties families have faced recently, with mass layoffs and huge increases in gas, heating and water bills. It is also well known that many people have refused to pay the user fee in protest. “The garbage service was part of city taxes for a long time,” said one homeowner. “I have refused to pay from the beginning because it is not right to be taxed twice for the same thing!”
According to the City tax office, all the homes on the foreclosure list will be auctioned October 24-26 at the Buffalo Convention Center. If a home is bought, it will then be up to the new owner to evict the family. If it is not bought, it remains in foreclosure, with the homeowner then given more time to pay taxes and fees. In this way, the City is trying to remove itself from the actual eviction process, while being the direct cause of the evictions. The City has the power to stop the auction and the responsibility to do so.
A community meeting is being organized at the Gethsemane Grape Street Baptist Church, at 55 Grape, which is also on the foreclosure list. The Church is well known for its long-standing efforts to defend rights in the African American community and has itself now become a target. The meeting will take place Saturday, October 8, at 9:30am, at the Church. Everyone concerned is encouraged to come!
Community Meeting:
Cancel the Auction! No Foreclosures! Housing is a Right!
Gethsemane Grape Street Baptist Church, 55 Grape
Saturday, October 8, 2005, 9:30 am
All Welcome! For Information call: 602-8077
Read the complete article
Teachers, Firefighters, City Workers: United Rally Defends Rights3
On September 28, a rally and picket initiated by the Buffalo Teachers Federation (BTF) was held at City Hall. Teachers came out in large numbers, joined by workers from all the other city unions. All five unions involved in negotiations with the School Board were present, as well as firefighters and city workers. Their spirited picket line surrounded City Hall, with signs demanding contracts and defending public education. Many people expressed their anger with the School Superintendent and Buffalo Control Board for refusing to negotiate a contract and threatening the leadership of the BTF.
Many people especially responded to the signs reading Arrest the Control Board! and Pay Teachers and Workers Not the Banks! There is growing anger with the Control Board attacks on all the workers and the people of the City as a whole. “They are criminals,” said a teacher, “and should be in jail.”
The teachers have stood firm in defense of their rights and the right of the youth to education. They are demanding working conditions that enable them to teach and the youth to learn. The Control Board and Superintendent continue to insist that teachers accept concessions in healthcare, sick days, wages and more. To date they are not negotiating, but simply trying to impose their cuts. Already, for example, the plan for a single-provider for health care has been imposed against the existing contract and with cuts to existing benefits. More layoffs have also been imposed, with specific sectors, like school librarians, targeted.
All the unions involved and all those marching made clear that the Control Board will not succeed in dividing them. United and firm, together everyone applauded the plans to persist in their fight to defend the schools and the city and stand up for the rights of all.
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