JP Morgan Chase Hiring for Syracuse Tech Center (New York, Albany: rental, attorneys)

[Sgoldie]

That is "save me" kind of thinking.

I agree that having people from elsewhere is beneficial because they have seen what is going on in the way of progressin in other places, and I also agree that most people in general are followers. But I can't believe that there aren't some entrepreneurial idea people or get up and get things done types in Syracuse, or anywhere for that matter. It requires getting outside the everday tasks, having a positive mindset, a sense of direction, and not taking no for an answer. The quote, "lead, follow, or get out of the way" is most appropriate when trying to get things done. Committees in general are only effective with someone pushing them forward. All it takes is stepping up to the plate.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by Sgoldie

That is "save me" kind of thinking.

I agree that having people from elsewhere is beneficial because they have seen what is going on in the way of progressin in other places, and I also agree that most people in general are followers. But I can't believe that there aren't some entrepreneurial idea people or get up and get things done types in Syracuse, or anywhere for that matter. It requires getting outside the everday tasks, having a positive mindset, a sense of direction, and not taking no for an answer. The quote, "lead, follow, or get out of the way" is most appropriate when trying to get things done. Committees in general are only effective with someone pushing them forward. All it takes is stepping up to the plate.

Personally, I think the people are out there too, but I think many are tied up with other things or obligations, that it makes it tough for them to get their ideas out there. I would, but right now, I have other things going on. Hopefully, I can find time within a few years to where I can possibly get some ideas out there to the public.

[phaelon56]

I see your point goldie but the earlier comment that a solution could include luring back some former Syracusans is worth considering as well. It's not that there aren't people here who can't or don't get stuff done - I think it's more a case that there's a lack of financial incentives for such talented individuals to get involved in such local development. I know that sounds like negative thinking - something I try studiously to avoid. But we do have some entrenched issues with the local political structure and although I always vote my choice in candidates is often less than appealing.

Dan Reicher - Google's Director of Energy Research, and Steve Galson - acting Surgeon General of the US - are both 1974 graduates of Nottingham High School. I use them as examples simply because they've both been noted in the local press this past year. People with such leadership capability and others with brains, entrepreneurial spirt and drive are born and raised in abundance in this area but we have to figure out a way to keep them here or draw them back.

[Sgoldie]

I have always thought it was an excellent idea for kids, and people in general, to leave this area and travel or work elsewhere for a while. It's one of life's great learning experiences. something I did and impressed upon my kids.

It's also nice to have a solid background from growing up in a place like this and memories of the beautiful place it is. There are many things that will draw people back, not all for sure. It does in a way give us an edge with them anyway for whatever help they can be.

I understand that people get caught up in already having too much to do and the travails of life. I've been there is spades where I sometimes didn't know my own name. That's actually a good thing as it means you're not lazy. The time will come when you can get in the game. As for entrenched or ineffective people in power - push them out of the way, go around them, get them out, or find someone you can work with.

Here's my theory which I've found to be true at all levels: people get so caught up in the day to day that they don't have time to think or do anything else. This is especially true today with emails and so many other pressures bombarding us. You have to be a bit of a rebel. Don't accept unnecessary things to control your time. This is not always possible I know and it does take work to make new things happen. I do believe though that this is the reason why so many of my ideas have been accepted by those who should be in a position to come up with them themselves. So far I've been lucky that the majority of the putting together part has been accepted by others or they wouldn't have gone anywhere. Good thing cause I have so many solutions spilling out at times it would be hard, and ineffectual to stick with just one. That's the talent you develop when you've been in business for years. Fight forward or die.

[ki0eh]

Wasn't OCC put on the old county home property?

Edit: Just confirmed my supposition. http://www.ongov.net/vanduyn/history.html

[RollsRoyce]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Personally, I think the people are out there too, but I think many are tied up with other things or obligations, that it makes it tough for them to get their ideas out there. I would, but right now, I have other things going on. Hopefully, I can find time within a few years to where I can possibly get some ideas out there to the public.

There are definitely people in Syracuse that if given the opportunity could transform the area. The problem as you correctly stated is that many of these individuals have career and family obligations. Its difficult enough to move up the corporate ladder or any other career path in addition to providing for a growing family. The prospect of engaging in a nasty and costly political campaign with some entrenched, ethnically connected politician from the north side is enough to dissuade many from entering the political arena. The longevity of caretaker politicians like DeFrancisco, Driscoll, Magnarelli, Pirro, and soon-to-be Mahoney can largely be attributed to this.

[phaelon56]

Originally Posted by ki0eh

Wasn't OCC put on the old county home property?

Edit: Just confirmed my supposition. Van Duyn Home & Hospital

I stand corrected on that count - definitely. I don't know if all of the land came from the Van Duyn farm parcel as a summary from a March 2007 Posts Standard article states this:

A letter to the editor that appeared Monday contained the erroneous assertion that the late John Mulroy was rewarded with the newly created post of Onondaga County executive in the 1960s because he donated farmland in the town of Onondaga which became the new campus of Onondaga Community College.
The letter-writer claimed this was "common knowledge" in the 1960s. If so, it was an urban legend of the first order. Post-Standard columnist Dick Case and local historian Barbara Rivette, who have been gathering information for a history of the community college, helped set the record straight.

I don't have access to the rest of it and don't wish to buy a subscription to get it but I still find it difficult to fathom why the college was built there. Even if the land was "free" and it was on a hill with a view (traditional sort of location for Northeastern colleges) it doesn't make sense to me. The northern suburbs were already growing fast and bus service to Onondaga Hill was not as frequent as it was and is in downtown Syracuse.

[phaelon56]

Wow. I couldn't have been further off. here's a very interesting interview with Donald Mawhinney about the history of OCC and whay it was placed where it is.

DSpace at SUNY: Onondaga Community College

Scroll down on that page and look for MS Word item labeled as Mawhinney,Donald.doc

[ki0eh]

Interesting about the "minimum 25 acre requirement" for a community college in NYS, mentioned in the Mawhinney interview. Sounds like Robert Moses style legislated sprawl.

(So we go from one conspiracy theory to another, neither of which relates to the thread topic. )

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by phaelon56

Wow. I couldn't have been further off. here's a very interesting interview with Donald Mawhinney about the history of OCC and whay it was placed where it is.

DSpace at SUNY: Onondaga Community College

Scroll down on that page and look for MS Word item labeled as Mawhinney,Donald.doc

Intersting read and considering the amount of land OCC has, I still think it is a matter of time before it becomes a 4 year school.