Today's Poll: Do you feel a sense of safety living in Genesee County?

I don't get a sense of safety because of my location. I get it because I feel confident in myself. I carry my self in such a manner that says I am not an easy target. Many times I am carrying or in close relation to a weapon.

And generalizing the whole county is hard to do.

I think the whole national night out thing is a waste of energy. Why isn't Obama railing against the flagrant burning of light bulbs. Its driving up the carbon emissions from the power plants.

Obama is to blame for National Night Out? Since when?

The History of NATW and National Night Out
The National Association of Town Watch (NATW) is a nonprofit, crime prevention organization which works in cooperation with thousands of crime watch groups and law enforcement agencies throughout the country. Since 1981, NATW has been dedicated to the development, growth and maintenance of organized crime and drug prevention programs nationwide. NATW's network has grown to include over 6,500 crime, drug and violence prevention organizations.

National Night Out, 'America's Night Out Against Crime,' was introduced by the Association in 1984. The program was the brainchild of NATW Executive Director Matt A. Peskin.

In an effort to heighten awareness and strengthen participation in local anticrime efforts, Peskin felt that a high-profile, high-impact type of crime prevention event was needed nationally. At that time, he noted that in a typical ‘crime watch community’, only 5 to 7% of the residents were participating actively. Due to the growth and success of these programs, he felt this percentage was too low. Subsequently, he proposed a national program which would be coordinated by local crime prevention agencies and organizations - but that would involve entire communities at one time. The first National Night Out was introduced early in 1984 - with the event culminating on the first Tuesday in August.

That first year, 400 communities in 23 states participated in National Night Out. Nationwide, 2.5 million Americans took part in 1984. The seed had been planted. In subsequent years, participation has grown steadily. The 24th Annual National Night Out last August involved 35.4 million people in 11,310 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide. National Night Out 2008 will culminate on August 5th. Over 12,000 communities are expected to take part.

While the traditional 'lights on' and front porch vigils remain a part of NNO, activities have expanded considerably over the years to include block parties, cookouts, parades, visits from police, festivals, neighborhood walks, safety fairs, contests, rallies and meetings.

Peskin said, "It's a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police-community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year. It [NNO] is a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes - and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days."

When did I say he had anything to do with it? Oh thats right I didn't I said he should be against having all the light bulbs on because he's so worried about CO2 emissions. Read what I wrote before you comment.

It's not that I feel a sense of safety, I just don't feel unsafe. Even though thieves stole the 4 wheeler out of my front lawn, I don't feel threatened. They were cowards and stole what what represented some of my hard work while I wasn't home. If they'd done it while I was home, I still wouldn't be the one who felt unsafe. After living in the northeast section of Rochester for 12 years, East road feels more like Mayberry.

I don't feel unsafe but I don't feel as safe as I did 10
years ago either. There has been more violence in the city my sons cannot beleive all that has happened here since they have graduated from High School

Deb, what city? I don't consider Batavia to be a city. I's a big town and not very big at that.

Posted by Doug Yeomans on August 4, 2009 - 3:56pm
Deb, what city? I don't consider Batavia to be a city. I's a big town and not very big at that.

Unless they changed and didn't tell us, Batavia is still an incorporated city and has been since 1915 or so.
Regardless of size, it is still a city until things change.

Yeah Bea, it's a City. How in the hell did Ellicott and his buddies pull that off? I always loved that about Batavia and I still do.

Posted by George Richardson on August 4, 2009 - 9:31pm
Yeah Bea, it's a City. How in the hell did Ellicott and his buddies pull that off? I always loved that about Batavia and I still do.

Ellicott retired in 1821. His final years were marred by serious mental problems. Family members had him admitted to an asylum in New York City, where he died in 1826 by hanging himself. He was buried originally in that city, but was soon exhumed and re-buried in Batavia.
So, as much as it would be nice to credit Ellicott for incorporating Batavia into a city, he isn't the culprit.

Posted by Doug Yeomans on August 4, 2009 - 3:56pm
Deb, what city? I don't consider Batavia to be a city. I's a big town and not very big at that.

I like to think of it as a "starter city" LOL

I think the big cities (NYC, Chicago, etc...) are fun to visit... but, I would rather live here.

I wasn't sure which city Deb meant and yes, Bea, I know Batavia is called a "city". I mean, the big signs saying "welcome to the city of Batavia" at every entrance are a clue.

Back in the era when populations were much lower than they are now, I'm sure Batavia seemed like the BIG CITY to many people. It was, after all, the local seat for a LARGE area.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batavia,_NY

Batavia, NY:
Nickname(s): 1802 Birthplace of Western New York
Motto: The Right Place. The Right Time.

Posted by Doug Yeomans on August 6, 2009 - 1:39pm
I wasn't sure which city Deb meant and yes, Bea, I know Batavia is called a "city". I mean, the big signs saying "welcome to the city of Batavia" at every entrance are a clue.

lol, Doug.
Actually, it is hard to imagine a town our size a city...even back when the population was much larger.
No idea what they were thinking when they incorporated way back then. If they had stayed the 'town of Batavia' all of this consolidation talk would be moot.