Not Made In America

12 million immigrants were processed through Ellis Island between 1892 and 1954. Many came before. Many arrived since. Immigrants came to America through portals other than Ellis Island too. Now, their stories will be told at the Ellis Island Immigration Museum. There’ll be a special wing at the museum called “The Peopling of America Center.” Visitors will learn about the arrival of groups including native Americans who migrated here, blacks imported as slaves, Mexicans who became “annexed” Americans, Asians who came in a wave across the Pacific and a multitude of other groups in more recent times. This is a wonderful idea for all of us to learn about America’s diverse heritage. Near to the Statue of Liberty and the multi-cultural city, New York, there’s no more fitting place to have this remembrance than right here in our harbor.

Doesn’t NYS Love NYC?

Over the years, the “I Love New York” campaigns bringing visitors to New York State have been extremely productive. New York City is by far the most popular tourist destination in New York. Despite this vital fact to the state’s economy, Sean Cunningham, 23, didn’t think it necessary to include a single shot of NYC in a 60-second movie in New York State’s commercial contest. Stunningly, his movie was chosen as the contest winner! Judges chose among 15 finalists to select this Big Apple-absent film. Maybe it’s time NYC reminds the judges who the real star is here. Maybe it’s time to revive the 51st state campaign.

Green Ideas That Get Gears

Commuting by bike has risen 77% since 2,000. Some city officials would like even more "people to pedal." Though he has his doubts and is not yet committed, Mayor Bloomberg is inviting plans from companies to establish bike rental stations near busy transit hubs. NYC residents could then rent bikes and return them near their destinations. Similar programs already exist in European cities like, Barcelona, Paris and Stockholm. New York ain't a city on the other side of the pond though! To be fair, let’s see what proposals are put forward and the city’s related costs and liabilities. I see more obstacles with this idea right now than there are roadblocks in the existing bike paths and streets of New York.

#1 International Tourist Spot In USA Is NYC

The US Department of Commerce reports that New York City remains the top destination city for overseas travelers. Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston and the rest still have nothing on The Big Apple. With the dropping dollar, foreigners now get more for their money when they travel to America. Happily for local businesses, they’re arriving here like never before. 7.6 million tourists visited NYC in 2006. A record 8.5 million tourists came in 2007. So far, 2008 is on pace to set a new foreign tourist record. “I Love New York?” How about “The World Loves New York!”

“I Love New York” Logo For Good, Not Bad

To their credit, New York City officials are looking into ways of banning the use of the city’s famous slogan from licensed novelties such as cigarette lighters and ash trays. These items are associated with unhealthy practices and no longer deemed by some to be things the city should be associated with. Perhaps the shot glass is next to go. Or better still perhaps, VH1’s “I Love New York” reality(?) cable show which ain’t exactly Disney … even if Disney is now on 42nd Street.

Work Here But Live Where?

Last year, Mayor Bloomberg introduced legislation to permit members of the city’s largest municipal labor union (District Council 37) to work for city government but live in nearby Westchester, Orange, Rockland, Putnam, Nassau or Suffolk counties if they so chose. At present, DC 37’s 175,000 union members must reside within the five boroughs of New York City. Lawmakers have yet to act on the Mayor’s proposal. Many believe instead that city jobs should be given to city residents.

It seems reasonable that a city be able to mandate residency as a condition of employment. In a similar policy, public schools are only open to city children. People who work and live here support the city much more than those making money here and then scramming across city borders to spend their paychecks elsewhere. That’s one argument. On the other hand, it seems unfair for government to demand that its employees setup home in New York City's environs if they and their families can live better nearby.

Tough to choose who is right and who is wrong. Both sides’ arguments have merit. But perhaps it’s just a matter of how the issue is framed that makes the choice difficult.

In the end, workers have freedom and flexibility to work anywhere that their skills allow. If they work here, they do because they’ve determined it’s in their best interests to do so. However, a city cannot move around like an individual. Its borders may be altered a bit over time but basically, its latitude and longitude remain unchanged. A city must do what’s in its best interests to remain vital … and to stay on the map! Therefore, if it can be proven that it’s in New York City’s best interests to have employees be residents, then that must be the only position city politicians and the mayor should support. Many qualified Americans would gladly move here to live in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island or the Bronx if it meant getting a good city job with benefits.

The “I Love New York” theme song should play loudly during all official talks on this matter. It should resonate in the minds of our politicians and city workers. Do what’s best for New York City in this matter and you’ll be doing what’s best for true New Yorkers.