By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown is placing great emphasis on what he calls quality of life issues in the City. That focus could signal changes ahead in the delivery of community services.
Brown's appointments so far have had one thing in common. He saidd his commissioners will all be paying attention to the "little things."
From housing court, to community policing and youth services, the Mayor said quality of life in the City is a top priority.
Brown underscored that commitment at the recent unveiling of a program to help homeless teens. The Mayor announced that day that the City would actively participate in the Compass House program, with trained staff available at City Hall and a link to the City's web site.
"We say our children are our future. If we don't make the investment in the future, the future won't be bright for any of us," said Brown.
Already there are signs Brown is paying close attention to those investments, not only in youth services, but in all human services managed or funded by the City.
The mayor's block grant application calls for agencies that receive funding to also get "technical assistance" from the city.
Camille Hopkins is Manager of the City's block grant program, who said there have already been changes under Brown's administration.
Hopkins said they used to act as what she called "mere bean counters." Now, she said fewer resources mean all community services are getting more scrutiny.
"We're going to have to start cutting," said Hopkins. "So, now we have to start looking more closely at some of these programs to see if we are getting the bang for our buck."
The person ultimately making those evaluations will be Tonya Perrin-Johnson, the newly appointed Commissioner of Community Services.
She is charged with monitoring and managing the wide array of 37 human services. Mayor Brown said he has absolute confidence in her.
"She's the former president and chief executive officer of the YWCA, so she is very experienced and we are very pleased to have her heading up this department," said Brown.
Some services that could be affected in the 2 point 4 million dollar department include senior and youth services, workforce training and substance abuse.