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Ferguson Joins Don’t Bypass Buffalo Campaign

Written by Kevin LaMar Sr. // December 3, 2011 // 0 Comments

Residents and community activists are uniting their efforts to taken on Verizon, one of the largest telecommunication companies in the world. They are concerned about the installation of Verizon Fios (high speed internet service) in low-come neighborhoods in Buffalo. A few weeks ago, BlackWNY.com interviewed Ina Ferguson-Downing, one of the organizers handling the Don’t Bypass Buffalo Campaign.

BWNY: Where are you from Ina?

IFD: I was born in Buffalo and attended St. James School and Holy Angels Academy.

BWNY: What did you do before working on this campaign?

IFD: I was a nursing assistant, but I retired from 1199 SEIU.

BWNY: You seem to be very active in Buffalo?

IFD: Yes, I’m committed to making Buffalo a better place to live. Currently I serve on the Board of Directors of Citizen Action of New York. I belong to VOICE Buffalo and the Hamlin Park Community and Taxpayer’s Association. This year I became the organizer of the Obama organizer for Obama 2012.

BWNY: What’s the purpose of the Bypass Buffalo Campaign?

IFD: I took over for Janique Curry a couple of months ago. We are trying to bring Verizon Fios (the fastest internet service that is exists) to every neighborhood in Buffalo. The Verizon Fios makes it easier for customers to download movies, pictures and games. The company is mostly installing Fios in more affluent suburban neighborhoods. The lack of Verizon Fios impacts businesses, schools, colleges, hospitals, and community centers located in Buffalo, making them less competitive.

BWNY: What can customers and residents do bring Verizon Fios to Buffalo?

IFD: Residents can sign a petition, write letters to Verizon, and contact their local, state and federal elected officials. Also, people can contact the Coalition of Economic Justice at 892-5877.

About Kevin LaMar Sr.

Kevin LaMar Sr.,D.D., a Writer for BlackWNY.com and Author of The Tiger's Summation Life Coaching Column, is a Life Coach and Mentor working primarily in the Buffalo, New York area. He is the Founder and Owner of F.R.E.S.H. Counseling Solutions (www.thefreshapproach.org), an online-based Life Coaching Center, and serves on several Boards in Western New York. Kevin is known for is gift of identifying spiritual principles and communicating them in a practical manner. Kevin LaMar Sr. may be reached for Public Speaking, Administrative Support, or Life Coaching services at freshlifecoach@gmail.com or by calling (716) 861-3932.