Comments on: For Community Groups

By: Johanna Wood

Johanna Wood — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:29:49 +0000

As a member of the Jersey City Craft Mafia and also a resident of the West Bergen section of Jersey City, I think this is a great way to bring the city together as a whole: give the whole community something we can be proud of. We *are* a special city. We've seen some really terrible times -- something that is unfortunately still very apparent in certain sections of the city. But the city as a whole is definitely in the midst of a renaissance (Exchange Place, Downtown, and now Journal Square and beyond!) and I think this is exactly what the city needs right now to help it reach its full potential! Johanna Wood Member of the Jersey City Craft Mafia Designer for Metal, Cloth & Wood

By: Mia Scanga

Mia Scanga — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:55:34 +0000

Due to our proximity to NYC the New Jersey media market has been squeezed out in local coverage. Even though Jersey City is the 2nd largest city in NJ, with a population of over 250,000 we only have 1 local, daily newspaper which is a shadow of its former self. Most of the news articles in that paper are from the nationally syndicated AP.

Since May 2002 I’ve had a public access TV show broadcasting on Comcast but you must be a subscriber. The show, Talking Politics, is all about local politics and issues impacting everyone’s quality of life here. Typically I host a discussion format with candidates running for local and state offices but have done numerous shows on topics such as the Municipal Court system, Tax Abatements, the City’s Budget, local school budgetary issues etc…

Just in the last few years when video streaming became reasonably priced, has my show been accessible to more people since it streams off the Talking Politics website. Lower cost high speed internet access for all will add more viewers to Talking Politics, which will open up the issues to more people and create more dialogue. We need more dialogue. As Senator Patrick Moynihan said… “All politics is local”.

Mia Scanga
Talking Politics Executive Director & Producer

By: Rich Boggiano

Rich Boggiano — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:58:31 +0000

I am president of the Hilltop Neighborhood Association and I would like to see Google here in our city. Number one it could allow residents to interact and communicate in a much more expedient way with the leadership of the Hilltop as well as share large documents such as the various plans for the Journal Square Redevelopment plan.

I see this as a good thing that will bring in revenue to the city. Public input is a good thing and this would engaged the public and government in unimagined ways.

In addition, this fits right in with the JSQ planning of a densely populated city center that heavily utilizes public transportation.

By: Hudson Cradle

Hudson Cradle — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:28:50 +0000

Superfast internet could let us share information with babies other providers (e.g., health, child welfare, developmental, legal) more efficiently.

I also see it as means to develop not just the virtual aspects of our community, but the ‘hard copy’ ones.

Jersey City IS Google City.

By: Dale Hardman

Dale Hardman — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:57:40 +0000

Alfa & Alex, thank you both on behalf of Rising Tide Capital for your quick support!

Alfa, thank you for your excellent comments too!

By: Alfa Demmellash

Alfa Demmellash — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 15:53:49 +0000

If i had access to superfast internet connection – my organization can assist hundreds of local entrepreneurs in distressed communities get online to do their market research; have an on-line presence where they can market, sell or buy products over the internet; provide our entrepreneurial training and development workshops via video classes online; have video conferencing for community meetings; and develop online tools and platforms that can further assist our small businesses and local entrepreneurs become more connected and share resources.

My organization, Rising Tide Capital, supports highly motivated, hardworking, creative entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods to help them start and grow strong businesses. Bridging the digital gap is a critical piece of establishing equality of opportunity for these individuals so they can unleash their productivity, create jobs, and transform their own lives and the future of their communities.

Superfast internet for all in our communities – especially where access is extremely limited due to socio-economic factors.

Thank you!