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One of my main goals is to help improve the level of engagement between local government and the citizens of Syracuse. While there has been an intense focus on national politics as of late, many have forgotten the importance of local politics and how it affects their daily lives. If we are going to change the national narrative, we have to focus on the local.
I plan to work on many new and creative methods of outreach, utilizing social media, music and the arts. We need to build more bridges between our elected representatives and the communities they represent. The task of seeing our beloved city realize its full potential is a task we all share, and can only be achieved if we work together, collaboratively. |
I hope to see a Syracuse where both elected representatives and community members develop initiatives, and support each other in helping to make the city become the best it can be.
My goal is to make transparency and collaboration two of the fundamental principles of my work as a councilor.
My goal is to make transparency and collaboration two of the fundamental principles of my work as a councilor.
Poverty and Job Creation
Addressing the issue of concentrated poverty in Syracuse should be a top priority for every person running for office. This issue has developed over a long period of time, and it is going to take many coordinated efforts to help reverse the trend.
While it is true many have been displaced in this changing economy, many of the jobs in this region still go unfilled due to a lack of trained applicants. We need to make sure we are aware of what jobs are upcoming and available, and what type of training is required to attain them. We also need to improve our outreach efforts to make sure our communities are aware of the opportunities available out there.
There are many great people already working hard on these issues. I hope to further support the work they are doing, and make sure our city government is coordinating with them to achieve the best results.
I've also recently begun researching the policy of Economic Gardening, which was implemented in Rochester a few years ago. This is a system of developing infrastructure and incubators to help smaller businesses grow into larger ones. I will continue to look at cities similar to Syracuse, and attempt to incorporate projects that have worked well in similar markets.
While it is true many have been displaced in this changing economy, many of the jobs in this region still go unfilled due to a lack of trained applicants. We need to make sure we are aware of what jobs are upcoming and available, and what type of training is required to attain them. We also need to improve our outreach efforts to make sure our communities are aware of the opportunities available out there.
There are many great people already working hard on these issues. I hope to further support the work they are doing, and make sure our city government is coordinating with them to achieve the best results.
I've also recently begun researching the policy of Economic Gardening, which was implemented in Rochester a few years ago. This is a system of developing infrastructure and incubators to help smaller businesses grow into larger ones. I will continue to look at cities similar to Syracuse, and attempt to incorporate projects that have worked well in similar markets.
Education
This is the topic I hear discussed most often, and I see it as a foundational issue for the city. The quality of the educational system to a large degree determines our economic health and our social well-being. There is a direct correlation between the quality of our schools and the quality of life in our communities. Good schools help create stable and healthy neighborhoods. As a councilor, I will do everything in my power to advocate for our schools.
After meeting with Superintendent Jaime Alicea, it seems clear to me that he has a strong vision of how to get our school system back on track. By putting more focus, resources and emphasis on early development (Pre-K to 2nd grade), he believes that if we can develop the fundamentals of reading and writing early on, we will see multiple improvements across all age groups, throughout the district. Too often what we've seen is a lack of proficiency in these basic fundamentals of learning, which then leads to all types of other educational and behavioral problems later on.
As a councilor, my influence on schools is somewhat limited. School policy is decided by the school board; but I plan to work in collaboration with the Superintendent, School Board, and community members to make sure the city is doing everything it can to build on the improvements that have been happening lately.
We've seen a recent jump in graduation rates, and we need to continue to work together to keep these numbers moving in the right direction.
After meeting with Superintendent Jaime Alicea, it seems clear to me that he has a strong vision of how to get our school system back on track. By putting more focus, resources and emphasis on early development (Pre-K to 2nd grade), he believes that if we can develop the fundamentals of reading and writing early on, we will see multiple improvements across all age groups, throughout the district. Too often what we've seen is a lack of proficiency in these basic fundamentals of learning, which then leads to all types of other educational and behavioral problems later on.
As a councilor, my influence on schools is somewhat limited. School policy is decided by the school board; but I plan to work in collaboration with the Superintendent, School Board, and community members to make sure the city is doing everything it can to build on the improvements that have been happening lately.
We've seen a recent jump in graduation rates, and we need to continue to work together to keep these numbers moving in the right direction.
Consensus
The effort to find the most efficient and effective ways to manage the services of the city and county is an essential job for both governments, and the conversation should always be ongoing. The consensus report presents many great opportunities for different government agencies to work together, consolidate services and save money for the city, county, and state. However, as with most arrangements, who benefits and whether it can succeed is down to the details.
Most of these consolidated service changes can be achieved through improved relationships between the city, county, and state governments. I think for now, our focus should be on building more productive relationships within our state.
If we are going to seriously discuss consolidation of city and county services, I am of the belief that the school system needs to be included in the conversation.
The consensus report specifically states the smaller the municipality, the more logical the need for consolidation. It seems strange then that there is an emphasis on consolidating the city of Syracuse, while simultaneously allowing all smaller towns and villages the choice to either opt in or out.
I promise to be a strong advocate for our city, and ensure we make decisions in the best interest of all our city's communities.
Most of these consolidated service changes can be achieved through improved relationships between the city, county, and state governments. I think for now, our focus should be on building more productive relationships within our state.
If we are going to seriously discuss consolidation of city and county services, I am of the belief that the school system needs to be included in the conversation.
The consensus report specifically states the smaller the municipality, the more logical the need for consolidation. It seems strange then that there is an emphasis on consolidating the city of Syracuse, while simultaneously allowing all smaller towns and villages the choice to either opt in or out.
I promise to be a strong advocate for our city, and ensure we make decisions in the best interest of all our city's communities.
Housing
Ensuring that every neighborhood in Syracuse is a safe and healthy environment for families to live in is a necessity. I've been talking frequently with our Neighborhood & Business Development department, and I'm doing my best to support them in developing new legislation that will address issues concerning housing in the city.
The issue of lead poisoning is one of the main reasons I was compelled to run for office. The city of Rochester has developed some great legislation to tackle the lead issue, and many other housing problems such as mold and other contaminants.
These efforts have been very successful, and I will work to implement similar solutions here in Syracuse.
The issue of lead poisoning is one of the main reasons I was compelled to run for office. The city of Rochester has developed some great legislation to tackle the lead issue, and many other housing problems such as mold and other contaminants.
These efforts have been very successful, and I will work to implement similar solutions here in Syracuse.
Environment
I have always been a passionate advocate for environmental protection.
I have been meeting regularly with a network of environmental groups working collaboratively to find ways to improve our environmental health here locally. We are currently exploring the options and possibilities of transitioning to renewable energy. Pollution has long been a major problem here in Syracuse. I will work to reverse the effects of the damage done, and fight to preserve the natural treasures we have. You can count on me to be a champion protecting our local environment.
I have been meeting regularly with a network of environmental groups working collaboratively to find ways to improve our environmental health here locally. We are currently exploring the options and possibilities of transitioning to renewable energy. Pollution has long been a major problem here in Syracuse. I will work to reverse the effects of the damage done, and fight to preserve the natural treasures we have. You can count on me to be a champion protecting our local environment.
Culture
I've made my living in the arts, and I strongly believe we can do more to utilize the arts in building up the social networks of our communities.
Music and the arts can be a very powerful engine for economic growth and urban revitalization.The arts help improve our local quality of life, and aid in creating the type of city that young people and families want to live in. If we are willing to make small investments in the arts I think we'll see big returns. I believe my life's work in this field make me uniquely qualified in finding inventive ways to utilize them improving community engagement in our city.
I see a world of potential in our vibrant arts community that we can tap into.
Music and the arts can be a very powerful engine for economic growth and urban revitalization.The arts help improve our local quality of life, and aid in creating the type of city that young people and families want to live in. If we are willing to make small investments in the arts I think we'll see big returns. I believe my life's work in this field make me uniquely qualified in finding inventive ways to utilize them improving community engagement in our city.
I see a world of potential in our vibrant arts community that we can tap into.
I-81
Firstly, it is important to note the council does not have much of a say in the final outcome; though it is always our job to advocate for what is in the best interest of our constituents. If the new plan is the decision between a 'community grid' option or a 'viaduct' option; I would advocate in favor of the community grid plan.
I have heard many concerns about the community grid's option ability to handle the traffic. If there are depressed highway options that make sense, I would definitely be interested in studying any additional plans.
I have heard many concerns about the community grid's option ability to handle the traffic. If there are depressed highway options that make sense, I would definitely be interested in studying any additional plans.