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Introduction to James Dorsette
The humble beginnings of being born into a working middle-class family from New York City during
the Civil Rights Era, I have a birthdate in common with one of the darkest days in our nation’s history,
September 11, 2001. I can remember on numerous occasions when some people would ask me about that, if it was really true. Before that fateful day, that date seemed to be like other birthdays, a reminder of the gift of life, having deeper meaning for me, of family, health, longevity and a symbolic milestone forward into the future.
After 2001, answering that question would always leave me with lingering silent pause before a somber reply — as that day has taught me to have a greater appreciation for life’s blessings; not take them for granted. As my beloved grandmother in her loving wisdom once told me, “Tomorrow is promised to no one.” Despite the many challenges and hardships of my upbringing, I hold that cherished sentiment, in honor of her memory.
My grandmother served as a Legal Assistant to Judge Moritt of the NYC Civil Court and former NYS Senator, before her retirement. I remember the white pencils with his name on them, that she would bring home sometimes, for me to use at school, telling me I could also be a judge one day. My grandfather served in WWII, as a flight navigator on a bomber in the Burma Operations Area, who later became a small business entrepreneur, finishing his working years while employed at the World Trade Center in the time before that horrific tragedy. His brother held a seat on the New York Stock Exchange.
My mother was an aspiring pianist who was also fond of interior decorating, prior to her sad enduring struggle with MS. My father was a military Chaplin who passed before my birth after complications of an injury. My brother served with national distinction in Operation Desert Storm, then recognized by Secretary of State Richard Cheney and General Colin Powell during a special ceremony held at St.John's Divine Church in NYC. During earlier years, I often found myself in the role of a dedicated caregiver to loved ones. These vital learning experiences of their day-to-day struggles and coping was quite encompassing and resonating; yet often left me to persevere while gaining understanding for the residual of lasting emotions many other people experience in difficult times.
During earlier years of schooling, my family always encouraged me to stay focused and work hard, as they often emphasized the importance of having
a good education. High School years were the most challenging. At that time, coping with my mother’s advancing illness left me lingering with doubt and an unexplainable myriad of emotions. Looking back, it had a regrettable impact on my studies. I attended La Salle Academy in the early 1980’s and finished in summer school with a B average. I later obtained a NY State HS Equivalency Diploma. I attended Kingsborough Community College, where my curriculum and activities was comprised of Honors Program Courses in Liberal Arts with a 3.57 GPA, and being a member of the baseball team in 1999 and 2000.
I remember one day, when I received a canvas letter from a Law School in Rhode Island. It was an appealing opportunity. I considered the aspects of relocating, expenses and the debt associated with such a great endeavor. I then thought one day in the future might bring a similar purpose. Everyone has his or her own different circumstances. There are times when you reflect on your personal decisions and the reasons for them. I’m grateful to say my college experience was one of the best in my life, with the wonderful people I met there. KCC’s team qualified for two consecutive championship games in those years, finishing in first place in 1999. A coach there once said what you achieve off the field, will have a far greater importance in your life. There are reasons for wisdom and when to apply it. One person can make a difference.
During college, I volunteered as an academic and PT peer tutor for a local military recruiting station, to help those who were considering entering service in preparation for ASVAB testing. Afterward, I became a reservist, serving while still in college. I had already gained previous experience within a regimented structure and community service as an auxiliary police officer, promoted to sergeant, as a young adult into my 30’s. It gave me added and valuable insight to some of the issues, which may face any neighborhood or community. Listening to what people have to say increases many benefits of better communication and understanding. It also promotes finding solutions.
I had the honor and privilege to briefly meet NYS Senator Marty Markowitz, NY Congressman Ed Towns and NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio, then serving as Public Advocate, on separate occasions. In their mention, I believe the distinguished value and interaction of those ‘walking forward’ experiences with community leaders of such caliber, benevolently demonstrates why communication and how those in public service, can hopefully have a positive influential role upon others by their example.
The standard of common sense ethics sends a very clear message; we don’t elect people just to win elections, or take your vote for granted by staging a ‘disappearing act’ which later results in a ‘disconnect with voters’ who placed them in public office — Nor do we elect those representatives with a blank check permission slip to govern by implementing arbitrary policies or decisions — That would be an ‘unacceptable conflict of interest’. You cannot omit or bypass the will of the people or a community, just because you hold public office, seated in a chair of authority.
We simply elect our community representatives to demonstrate good character, lead by dedicated example, be competent, consistent and always fair in their better judgment with all matters, without exception, prejudice or bias, to benefit the needs of the community and its people — remain fully accountable and transparent with the public and on their behalf (which is an ethical Non-Negotiable Principle), every single day they hold public office. We also pay their salaries to serve in our best interest and not act like the CEO of a private company. Only those with less than best intentions or a self-serving pedestal agenda within a double-standard administration, would ever attempt to argue or contradict the contextual premise of unequivocal, ethical values. A crystal clear case of Principle Vs. “politics”.
The course and direction you choose often shapes the person you become. I’ve worked with people in other fields, which included driving for a corporate fleet to an event safety consultant and supervision in various hosting venues. It became increasingly apparent to me over the years, that the meaning of life’s lessons is an inevitable mixture of what defines you as a person, your character, your values and your judgment. The impact of your combined personal experiences in relation to what other people have gone through is both significant and relevant. If you strive forward and aspire to become a better person, all that person can learn in their lifetime, enables potential, to make the most of one’s life and the world a better place. It does matter.
After living in NYC, I relocated here approximately three years ago, after being very impressed with a different, less hectic environment and way of living. There was that first balloon rally I attended about a decade ago. The Allegany County Fair was a refreshing break from searching for a parking space for hours after work. The city life compared to something more of a quaint country setting. Wellsville has a certain unique charm, which is not only picturesque, but also heartwarming like a postcard. I felt a change of pace was needed, especially after experiencing a personally painful period of losing loved ones, the grief of bereavement and its aftermath. It was really time for renewal and a fresh start.
Economically promising aspects of starting a small business and having a home instead of an apartment seemed more sensible. Reaching crossroads in life on a better course to follow, with a different set of challenges. Since moving here, I have worked as a retail associate (Kmart), a Certified Nursing Assistant, completed NYS EMT training, served as an Election Poll Inspector and volunteered as a Special Olympics Coach for local softball. I advocate community improvements and Community Service Programs.
The small business plans, unfortunately had several complications. As a result of that, I became a fast learner about our local municipal government and the way they handle things. I also have a home here now, which needs some repairs. I can share with you from personal experience, how well I relate to and understand the commonality of financial limitations. Some have more resources than others. It affects your ability to live day by day, yet still look forward to create better days. Every law-abiding American citizen deserves the chance for better tomorrows, for their families, one community at a time.
I know this sounds idealistic, yet it is still the American Dream. In my time here, I’ve discovered that there are problems with our local government, and when dealing with them. Why, after speaking with many people, have I heard the phrase “small town politics”, repeated so often? It certainly does not match the wonderful picture postcard small American town or the neighborly atmosphere I first found endearing. The heart of any community is its people who live and work there. It’s essential to have understanding, compassionate leadership in local government, to match the good people of this community.
I have not found this to be the case at all, especially when you ask most here, they will comment on how we have the highest property taxes in this country for years on end, an overall administrative and personal sense of detachment between the residents of this community and their local public officials in our government, just to name a few issues. If anyone spoke of politics in casual conversation, I have interest on issues as an American citizen; however, I hardly thought of running for public office — that is, until I experienced firsthand, what it is like to deal with public officials who routinely exhibit or practice questionable standards of conduct and treat law-abiding citizens unfairly, like criminals or an outsider. No decent American citizen should ever be penalized or tolerate that, no matter where, when or how it happens. The current outstanding issues, which face our community, factually evidence it.
Accountability — is a key legal, ethical and moral aspect and elemental component imbedded into the fabric and diversity of our society across this great nation. It is the philosophy, origin and core premise of our Constitution and our Democracy. We are all familiar with the great and costly historical sacrifices made to ensure and guarantee what we also know and understand as inalienable rights. I find it truly appalling when some of our fellow citizens choose to commit any array of offenses involving various forms of negligence or wrongdoing; however, it is surely abhorrent and worsened when any such abuse or misuse of public authority occurs. It’s a clear betrayal of public trust.
Everything we do as a people is based upon this, guided by an individual level of conscience, or that, which defines us collectively. In a small community like ours, the spirit and meaning of being good neighbors should also resonate in what we demonstrably expect from our local public officials and government. As a law-abiding American citizen and act of civic duty, I will present a case by examination of the patterned lack of accountability, flawed, faulty, unfair, inadequate legislation or adopted arbitrary resolutions that have wrongfully existed, stagnated or adversely impacted people in this community for years.
Despite my average background or limited accomplishments, despite limited personal resources and funding, despite that I have not held prior public office, I have a foundation of good conscience with keen sensibility and understanding, to recognize indicators and patterns of negligence or wrongdoing when ever I see it. As a CNN commentator stated recently, with regard to the prerequisites for holding any public office — “It takes having a moral compass and empathy…” To add; character, a scale of good conduct, dedication and determination, reinforced by competency and consistency, to establish trust and credibility.
In all that I may yet learn about our community, I know we can achieve better. I have decided to seek public office on behalf of our community. To offer a necessary choice, by opposing what is now a closed-door arbitrary process — with an open-door policy of accountability, community involvement and fairness. Please vote for change, to improve our local government working for people in this community — rather than being distant or separate from us.
May God Bless Each of You,
May God Bless Our Community
And
May God Bless The United States of America
