My name is Dan Cerutti, and I am a proud product of Albany.
I was born and 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. And we simply weren’t prepared for
the changes that had happened over the past 20 years.
Businesses that had thrived for decades were closed or had left for safer places. Once beautiful and
classic homes now had graffiti-covered walls and barricaded doors. And far too many long-term residents
have left and are considering leaving the city.
Throughout the pandemic, I walked 4-6 miles around Albany every other day. I connected with groups of
concerned citizens and began a year-long fact-finding effort to understand what had changed and how
citizens felt.
I learned that many live in fear. I learned that policing is not consistent across communities and, in
some cases, seems absent altogether. I also learned that many in the law enforcement profession do not
feel respected or appreciated, yet safety is foundational to every great city.
Many people spoke passionately about concerns for our youth. I was saddened by story after story of
children not having the opportunities that should be available to all. It doesn’t have to be this way.
I spoke to a woman who hadn’t been downtown at night in some time, who said “Where are all the people?”
That simple statement says volumes about the current state of this once proud city.
Why have so many of us come to accept this, when we know that things can be different. That Albany can be
made safer; that new businesses can move in with jobs to fill; that municipal service providers can take
more pride in their jobs; and there can be plenty of clean, safe places for folks to spend time
together.
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 can be different. It can be a
place with real opportunities for all. A place that is cleaner, safer, and more vibrant. A place that
everyone can be proud to call home.
I know those changes can happen. Together we will make them happen.