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Activist Launches “Blizzard 2022 Left for Dead "Protest on Steps of City Hall

C“No life mattered when the storm hit. Not one. They left us for dead!"

ommunity activist Taniqua Simmons is on a mission to make sure that each and every person who died in the 2022 Blizzard over the Christmas holiday, did not die in vain. She is vigilant because, as she points out "it can happen all over again…" and like the recent catastrophe, “there will be no transparency and no accountability.”

So she makes her way to City Hall most days from around noon to 2 p.m., microphone in hand, and reminds all within earshot –or who see her on her Facebook page – that the issue is accountability.

“No one wants to discuss the lack of preparedness by the City of Buffalo,” she declared during a recent speech.

“Many City Residents were forced to save themselves and their families because city officials were not proactive in providing resources for the most vulnerable of our residents! Now It is time for the people to stand up and be heard!

Taniqua Simmons

“We can never forget those who lost their lives needlessly! Many of these deaths were preventable with an ounce of planning," a press statement read. “So, meet us on the stairs of City Hall… as we put our leadership…elected and otherwise…on notice….that we will never forget!!!

"We will be demanding a public investigation and hearing…to discuss the systemic failures of every level of our leadership!! We want answers and we want accountability…many need to resign!!! Many need to go to jail…as they all have blood on their hands!!!”

Why, she asked, were there only four warming centers in the entire city? Why were snow survival kits issued after the storm instead of leading into the storm that dumped nearly 52 inches of snow? Why does the city have tanks and assault rifles and no snowmobiles? They suspended emergency services! Why were they giving people tickets when they were out trying to get food and find shelter for their families? There was not one school open. Not one community center. What was the plan?

“These are the questions we need to ask,” she continued .”Forty people died in a town known for its snow and they don’t have a plan for over 8” of snow in 2023!

“No life mattered when the storm hit. Not one. They left us for dead!”

Yet she had praise for the countless heroes – many who had lost power themselves (she was among them) – who braved the storm to try to help others.

“There was a lot of people who lost power who were out in the street helping others- people who without regard for their own safety were actually putting people over politics,” she noted.

“The time to stand is now. The time to act is now. We’re going to be out here (City Hall) every day – Monday thru Saturday, 12-2….

“People talk about there’s a cloud above Buffalo. …that there’s a cloud above our city . Yes it’s a cloud,” she said, “a cloud of corruption…a cloud of poverty pimping….”

" Call 311 - call your council member and ask them - what is the plan? Because winter ain’t over! This is just the beginning! "

Application Process Now Open for Buffalo Common Council Affordable Housing Task Force

The Buffalo Common Council’s Affordable Housing Task Force is now seeking applications from committed and passionate Buffalo residents with relevant experience with tenant, landlord and business advocacy. As a member of the Affordable Housing Task Force, applicants will have the opportunity to help shape the housing policies and initiatives in our city and work to address the housing needs and challenges faced by our community.

The City of Buffalo Affordable Housing Task Force will be composed of 9 voting members who must be residents of the City of Buffalo for a minimum of one (1) year and be at least 18 years of age. Also, three members must be from organizations that focus on tenants rights; three members from organizations that focus on landlord and business rights and one Community Member who has been personally affected by the lack of affordable housing options within the city and who is not affiliated with a particular organization. To apply, go to www.buffalony.gov/HousingTaskForce. Also, email resumes to councilstaff@buffalony.gov or call (716) 851-5105 to speak to a member of the Council staff. The application process will close on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.