My name is Dan Cerutti, and I am a proud product of Albany.
I was born, raised, and married in Albany, and while Jeri and I have lived in four states, Albany has always had a special hold on us. So seven years ago, we came home.
The changes to our city over the past 10 years shocked us. Businesses that had thrived for decades were closed or had left for safer places. Once beautiful homes are run down, condemned, or gone. And far too many long-term residents have left the city.
During the pandemic, I walked five miles around Albany every other day. I've connected with groups of concerned citizens and did a year-long fact-finding effort to understand what had changed, how citizens felt, and what we might do about our city.
I learned that many live in fear. I learned that policing is not consistent across communities and that many in the law enforcement profession do not feel respected or appreciated. I saw too many people living on our streets. I was saddened by story after story of children not having the opportunities that should be available to all. I spoke to a woman who hadn’t been downtown at night in some time, who said, “Where are all the people?”
It doesn’t have to be this way. Why have so many of us come to accept this? Albany can be made safer. We can attract new businesses and jobs. We can provide more opportunities for our youth. The city can be cleaner.
Cities across America have been revitalized with great collective effort. But first, there had to be an honest, often uncomfortable appraisal of how desperately change was needed.
So, let’s just say it. Change is needed here. And it’s needed now.
It won’t be easy, and it will take time. But it’s worth the effort. Albany should be a place that everyone is proud to call home.
I know change can happen. Together we will make it happen.
