Another Voice
Lack of transparency can undermine reform efforts
In health care reform, what you don’t know can hurt you. Quality of care varies widely from provider to provider, and access to meaningful, objective information about those providers remains highly restricted in the United States. That may explain why U. S. health care results are the worst among all the world’s developed countries, according to multiple independent sources, including the World Health Organization. (Updated: 11/08/09 8:29 AM )
State must protect farmland so we can feed ourselves
It’s fall in Western New York, a time of apples, grapes and pumpkins—a time of abundance. Food seems plentiful, but can New York farms grow enough food to feed the residents of our state? (Updated: 11/07/09 8:38 AM )
System’s woes holding back American prosperity
The Legatum Institute just released its annual Prosperity Index, which ranks 104 countries in the only global assessment of wealth and well-being. It should come as no surprise that the United States ranked quite high overall, coming in at ninth. (Updated: 11/06/09 6:58 AM )
Michael Weiner: United Way intensifying focus on donors’ trust
When we open the newspaper each day, often we confront very discouraging news. Unemployment and poverty are on the rise; schools are challenged to provide quality education that generates positive outcomes; the ongoing health care debate stalls coverage for those who need it most. For more than 90 years, our community has benefited from an organization with its eye on issues like these that affect us all: the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County. (Updated: 11/05/09 9:25 AM )
Ann Morgante, Neil Shanahan and others: NYSUT needs to start supporting charter schools
Just imagine this scenario. The United Auto Workers decides to fully support its salaried employees, but not its hourly workers. Further, it suggests that General Motors sell just those cars that remain on its lots and advises that no more dealerships open and no additional autos are manufactured. How loud would be the cry from the hourly workers, who pay the same dues as their colleagues and expect the same representation? (Updated: 11/04/09 11:05 AM )
Nancy L. Zimpher: Join a conversation about the future of education
This Wednesday, as part of State University of New York Phase II strategic planning process, we will hold our
second statewide “conversation” at the University at Buffalo. This is one of seven meetings on issues affecting all New Yorkers taking place over the next few months in different regions of the state. (Updated: 11/03/09 11:02 AM )
James Allen: New study documents the value of all development
In 2006, the Amherst Industrial Development Agency commissioned a study to examine the question of whether new development “pays for itself” by generating more tax revenue than those new facilities demand in government services. (Updated: 11/02/09 9:49 AM )
Loss of Jesuit leadership could mark an ending
It used to be when you walked along the first-floor corridor of Old Main, portraits of the 22 ex-presidents of Canisius College followed you with their gaze. They were all Jesuits, the early ones German, later Irish, Italian and Polish-Americans. Their stern visages reminded us of the “Magis”—the call to go above and beyond. (Updated: 11/01/09 6:45 AM )
Micah Kellner and Keith Wright: Liquor lobby scare tactics shouldn’t stop opportunity
New York State government has the opportunity to help address our multibillion-dollar budget deficit through a landmark economic development initiative that creates new jobs, provides lucrative new markets to small businesses, boosts key agricultural industries, improves consumer choice and generates more than $160 million in revenue — and all without creating new taxes. This unique opportunity is the comprehensive Liquor Store and Wine Revitalization Act. (Updated: 10/31/09 9:20 AM )
J. D. Crane: Allegations against company cannot be supported
We at Tonawanda Coke Corp. understand the ease with which industry can be made targets of often-unfounded allegations of environmental harm and how attractive those claims can be to media. While these types of allegations play well with the media, they usually cannot be sustained when viewed in the clear light of supportable facts, science and analysis. (Updated: 10/30/09 12:39 PM )
James L. Mohler: Advent of PSA test has improved survival rates
The Oct. 22 Another Voice by University of Minnesota professor Gary Schwitzer criticized Roswell Park’s prostate cancer awareness campaign for saying too little about the controversy about PSA as a screening test. Roswell Park developed the PSA test for prostate cancer early detection and management. PSA has revolutionized the ability to monitor prostate cancer, but the test has many advantages and limitations when used for early detection. Our researchers are working to improve the PSA test to distinguish prostate cancers that are potentially aggressive and life-threatening from those that are clinically insignificant. (Updated: 10/29/09 2:05 PM )
Art Klein: Without organization’s role, parks will deteriorate
I read that Buffalo may resolve the parks problem by having the city assume control and perhaps even replace the Olmsted Conservancy. The city expresses agony but terms it necessary. The county obviously just wants out. (Updated: 10/28/09 11:57 AM )
Mark Rice: Many voters now attracted to independent thinkers
When former Solicitor General Theodore Olson announced last spring that he plans to fight California’s ban on same-sex marriage, a lot of people found themselves scratching their heads. Many of Olson’s fellow conservatives think he has sold his soul for a godless cause. Some liberals are reluctant to accept support from a man who has spent his career fighting against some of their most treasured beliefs. The more conspiracy-minded argue that Olson will purposely lose any gay marriage case he gets before the Supreme Court in order to deal the gay rights movement a devastating blow. (Updated: 10/27/09 12:05 PM )
Michael D. Mahar: Niagara company bolsters economy in multiple ways
Waste Management’s Model City facility is an important economic engine for Niagara County. Hundreds of employees, suppliers, contractors, vendors and customers rely on our facility and its contributions to our community. (Updated: 10/26/09 10:59 AM )
Sam Berger: ‘Public option’ represents a useful new reality
The debate over whether health care reform should include a public option continues to dominate the headlines. But the controversy is about more than just one-sixth of our economy — it’s also a struggle between the stark ideology of the past and a modern understanding of the interplay between markets and government. (Updated: 10/26/09 11:01 AM )
