Category Archives: Fall 2010

Nancy Austin spent the Friday after Thanksgiving weekend doing an annual ritual: She wrapped up packages and shipped them off to 15 of her “children” who are serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea. “I still care,” said Austin, deputy … Continue reading →

They’re on a roll, say New York Libertarians. The party tripled its number of votes for governor in the November 2010 election. But its mission to secure a ballot line isn’t over yet. “We don’t know what the final count’s … Continue reading →

Slide: “Coming soon SRC Arena” and has the Onondaga Community College logo on it.   “The college is looking at sort of entrepreneurial efforts where we could generate our own revenue.” (Kim Court, assistant to the vice president for public … Continue reading →

Wi-Fi can be coming to a federal building near you — maybe as soon as December 2013. “It’s an integral part of our lives,” said Carlo Moneti,  project leader of the Syracuse Municipal Broadband Initiative .  “It becomes a basic … Continue reading →

Women veterans are a growing population as patients at Veterans Administration hospitals, say those who work with them. “The VA system has been working very hard to try to provide services to tailor to the needs of female veterans,” said … Continue reading →

Isolation. Neglect. Fear. These are some of the challenges faced by gay senior citizens in addition to the usual trials of old age, say advocates of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual — or LGBT—elderly care. “LGBT older people are less … Continue reading →

For the little village of Canastota, the International Boxing Hall of Fame is a big deal that brings in big money. But this, that big boost to Canastota is with no help from the state government. “There isn’t any state … Continue reading →

[Anchor intro: Inmates at the Onondaga County Justice Center have a chance to get education before they are released. Democracywise’s Marie Claudet reports jail can be a lot like school — a school where the people in charge hope alumni … Continue reading →

For single mom Anne Goldstein, scrambling for thousands of dollars to pay for her daughter’s hospital stay was a challenge. “When my 12-year-old daughter was hospitalized for an asthma attack,” recalled Goldstein of Syracuse, “the insurance claim submitted for the … Continue reading →

Sheikhnoor Adan feels privileged to have the opportunity to receive an education that his ancestors did not have. “Most of our parents right now are not able to spell their names,” Adan said. Adan, 23, came as a refugee to … Continue reading →

Almost every bed is filled every night at three Onondaga County shelters — and demand for them will go up after the holidays, say those who work with the homeless. “If there is a bed open in the afternoon, it’s … Continue reading →

For some arts and cultural programs, Santa Claus this year is the Cultural Resources Trust. The Trust has voted to restore 90 percent of funding to 10 groups that were cut entirely from the Onondaga County budget for next year. … Continue reading →

Just in time for the Christmas season, vandalizing cemeteries or religious displays outside of a place of worship is now a felony in New York. “It always seems like around the holiday time, either the baby Jesus gets stolen or … Continue reading →

With the holiday travel season picking up speed, Hancock International Airport is telling travelers to pay attention to what they try to bring on the plane. “Be aware of what you can and can’t get through the security screening,” said … Continue reading →

Local tanning salons aren’t getting burned as badly as they had expected under a new federally mandated 10-percent tan tax. “We were very nervous,” said Khris Contini, owner of Hakuna Matata Tanning Salon in Syracuse, summing up a common view … Continue reading →

Grateful. That’s the way Jai Subedi describes his feeling towards the Center for New Americans. “They give our future,” Subedi said. “They did everything, whatever we need at the beginning because our English wasn’t enough to communicate with everybody.” Subedi … Continue reading →

The food we eat will be getting closer inspections to avoid salmonella,  e coli and other life-threatening contaminants — if Congress manages to pass a food-safety bill. With the new bill, the Food and Drug Administration would be able to … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “Being surrounded by your family. And making the adjustments to come here. Sometimes it’s hard.  But thank God for places like this and the places they’re getting ready for us if we go there.” (Dorothy Jones, … Continue reading →

Caring for the elderly should be more home-like, say advocates for a different kind of nursing home. Now, say the advocates, nursing homes are large-scale operations that try to increase economic and service efficiency by collecting large numbers of elderly … Continue reading →

Teaching the arts to children is a special mission, says the head of the local arts council. “Our role is to provide cultural vibrancy and vitality to a community, starting with its children,” said Stephen Butler, head of the Cultural … Continue reading →

At 711 E. Fayette Street in Syracuse, a deteriorating white building sits boarded-up with few signs of life. It looks like any other abandoned building in the city. But its history sets it apart. The church is considered to be … Continue reading →

The ice is likely to be hot once again this year for Sunnycrest Ice Rink. After last year’s extensive renovations, the rink will be even more popular this season, predicted Mike Behnke, president of the Sunnycrest Park Association, a citizen-member … Continue reading →

[Anchor intro: Some New York farmers say they are getting short-changed by state government. Democracywise reporter Robert Lowrey tells us about one farm program that has lost most of its funding, leaving 64 farms in New York asking where their … Continue reading →

For Carrie Kreis, health insurance for her 22-year-old-son is no longer a worry. Thanks to the health care overhaul, her son Joseph can now be insured on his parents policy until the age of 26. “Without this law, his options … Continue reading →

Reassurance that immigrants will not be persecuted. That is the Spanish Action League’s concern about surveillance cameras in the Near West Side. “We don’t want herds of police in the community just because somebody doesn’t have a work permit up … Continue reading →

[Anchor intro: Nationally,  the poor economy has hurt tourism. But in Syracuse, tourism is increasing.  Democracywise reporter Crystal Barkely tells us why.] In the past year, Syracuse has been able to keep draw more tourists — despite the weak economy. … Continue reading →

Taxpayer money spent on lighting the city Christmas tree and put up secular holiday decorations is okay under the First Amendment, says a major supporter of the separation of church and state. “A Christmas tree is secular, but the nativity … Continue reading →

The political glass ceiling has shattered in Onondaga County, with women occupying the three most powerful public offices. “I don’t know how you can explain it, except maybe at this moment in time there are more female candidates,” said Joanie … Continue reading →

For-profit schools are under the microscope as the Department of Education sets the definition for “gainful employment.” “This goes directly to the heart of their business model,” said Kevin Kinser, a professor and senior researcher for the Institute for Global … Continue reading →

“I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, you visited me.” Matthew 25:36. With those few words hanging on its wall, Jail Ministry tells a lot about its … Continue reading →

St. Johns1 Sherkat from Democracywise on Vimeo.   [Anchor intro: After months of sitting empty, St. John the Evangelist Church will have a new tenant in the spring. Brennan’s Stained Glass Studio is moving into the vacant church in March … Continue reading →

The ultimate escapism for a 1920’s movie-goer in Syracuse is now receiving a modern makeover. The Landmark Theatre on Salina Street is undergoing a $16 million renovation to transform the 82-year-old ornate movie palace into one of the city’s premiere … Continue reading →

Twitter, Facebook, YouTube — all the social media tools of the digital age are now campaign tools for politicians. No surprise there, says Bob McClure, a political scientist at Syracuse University specializing in American politics and mass communication.  “Every new … Continue reading →

Matt Jensen joined the Army after Sept. 11, 2001, for two reasons: Fight the terrorists. And get a college education. Now, after year as an infantryman in Iraq,  Jensen is a student at Onondaga Community College.  His veterans’ benefits from … Continue reading →

As health care in Onondaga County’s jails goes private, concerns about employees’ new working conditions and inmates’ care are rising. “We looked into the records of the companies that provide correctional healthcare around the country and in New York State … Continue reading →

“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent,” says I Timothy, Chapter 2, Verse 12 of the New International Version … Continue reading →

No more banks in the student-loan loop. “It’s a big change for us, for students and for families,” said Kaye DeVesty, director of Syracuse University’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Programs. Now, students will borrow or get grants directly … Continue reading →

Howie Hawkins and the Green Party can now put their names on the line in New York state. In the November 2010 elections, Hawkins racked up 57,011 votes in his run for governor — not enough to put him in … Continue reading →

Freshmen athletes are losing to budget cuts at school districts across Central New York. For many CNY freshmen, said David Penafeather, coach of three Baldwinsville sports teams, the effect is harsh:  “Unless you’re the star athlete, or you play football … Continue reading →

HEAP1 Duggan from Democracywise on Vimeo. [Anchor intro: Some local families are facing the risk of less help with their winter heating bills as the federal government cuts spending. The families get help through a program called the Home Energy … Continue reading →

A make-over is in the works for Hancock International Airport. Syracuse has won a $500,000 federal grant for Hancock International Airport to help bring low-costs airlines to Syracuse. “The grant is really geared towards communities that have airports that need … Continue reading →

Dan Maffei conceded to Ann Marie Buerkle November 23rd after three weeks of ballot inspections and recounts. The vote difference stands at 561 votes, less than three-tenths of 1 percent.  In tight race, Rep. Dan Maffei, D-DeWitt, was leading his … Continue reading →

Buerkle won the 25th Congressional district Nov. 23 when Dan Maffei conceded the race after three weeks of ballot inspections and recounts. Buerkle won by 561 votes, less than three-tenths of 1 percent. Republican challenger Ann Marie Buerkle has moved … Continue reading →

Democrat Kathleen Joy has lost the race for the 50th state Senate District seat against the 18-year incumbent, Sen. John DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse. “I don’t want to hear would’a, could’a, should’a- it’s what are we going to do next,” Joy told … Continue reading →

Republican state Sen. John DeFrancisco of Syracuse gets to keep his seat in the New York state senate for another two years. As of  11:20 p.m. and with all of District’s votes accounted for, DeFrancisco unofficially defeated Democrat challenger Kathleen … Continue reading →

State Sen. Dave Valesky, D-Oneida, defeated the Republican candidate Andrew Russo for the 49th state Senate District seat. “We did it,” Valesky said, as he was greeted with roaring applause from the crowd at the Democratic Party election-night gather at … Continue reading →

Republican challenger Andrew Russo has lost his first bid for elected office in the 49th state Senate District race. “We did everything we could and if we had to run this campaign all over again we would have done the … Continue reading →

Don Miller won the 121st Assembly race Nov. 19 when incumbent, Al Stirpe conceded the race. Miller led by 953 votes. The winner is still unclear in the race for the 121st Assembly District seat. Vying for the seat are … Continue reading →

Incumbent Al Stirpe conceded the race to Don Miller Nov. 19.  He trailed by 953 votes. The race for the 121st state Assembly District remained too close to call Tuesday night. Democratic incumbent Al Stirpe was in a virtual deadheat … Continue reading →

Incumbent Bill Magnarelli, D-Syracuse, is the winner against Republican challenger Rick Guy in the 120th Assembly District race. “I think the people of my district knew my record,” said Magnarelli as Democrats cheered him on Tuesday night at the Holiday … Continue reading →

Republican Rick Guy has lost the Syracuse 120th District Assembly race to incumbent Bill Magnarelli, D-Syracuse. As of 12 a.m., with 100 percent of the votes counted, Magnarelli  had 17,938 or 63 percent of the vote to  10,520 or 37 … Continue reading →

With a comfortable lead, Democrat Sam Roberts has won the 119th Assembly District seat. “It’s not about me, It’s about us.” said Roberts told a crowd in the Holiday Inn in Liverpool where Democrats gathered for Election Night.  “We are … Continue reading →

Republican candidate John Sharon lost the race for 119th state Assembly District seat to Democrat Sam Roberts on Tuesday. After hours spent at the Republican Party headquarters at the Doubletree Hotel in East Syracuse, Sharon approached the podium with the … Continue reading →

Conservative candidate Christina Fadden Fitch has lost the election for the 119th State Assembly District seat. “I’m feeling at peace,” said Fitch, as she and supporters in the Conservative Party gathered to watch Election Night results at Pastime Athletic Club … Continue reading →

The challengers for Onondaga County sheriff came up short on Tuesday. Democrat Joe Price and Toby Shelley, running on the Working Families Party line, finished far behind Republican incumbent Kevin Walsh. From the Ivory Room at Barbagallo’s restaurant in East … Continue reading →

A win in Tuesday night’s election puts Republican Kevin Walsh on his way to becoming the longest-serving sheriff in Onondaga County history. “I’m glad it’s over,” Walsh said of the election season after his win. Walsh joined the party in … Continue reading →

Democracy in Action is a special project by professors and student-journalists of the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. Students will capture vignettes from the polls on Election Day in Syracuse and the surrounding suburbs. Click here for the … Continue reading →

(This is a Democracywise special profile of Syracuse resident Howie Hawkins in his 2010 run as the Green Party candidate for governor.) For Green Party veteran, Howie Hawkins, each year feels like “two steps forward and one step back.” Hawkins … Continue reading →

The big lead in the money race goes to Rep. Dan Maffei, D-DeWitt, in the 25th Congressional District. His campaign has raised more than $2.7 million as of Oct. 13,  according to the Federal Elections Commission. That’s about five times … Continue reading →

In the money race, Republican Ann Marie Buerkle trails badly against the incumbent Democrat in the 25th Congressional District race. As of Oct. 13, Buerkle had raised $551,804, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. That … Continue reading →

(This story was updated Oct. 31, 2010, with information from an interview with state Sen. John DeFrancisco.) For his political money, state Sen. John DeFrancisco, R-Syracuse, gets the majority from businesses, lawyers and political action committees in his campaign to … Continue reading →

When it comes to contributions, Democrat Kathleen Joy turns mostly to individuals in  Onondaga County for her campaign for the 50th state Senate District seat. That’s common for a challenger, said Kristi Andersen, a political scientist at Syracuse University.  “I … Continue reading →

In campaign money, state Sen. Dave Valesky, D-Oneida, maintains a strong fundraising lead in the race for 49th state Senate District. But in October, his Republican challenger Andrew Russo, a political novice and concert pianist from Jamesville, was closing the … Continue reading →

For his campaign money, Republican Andrew Russo counts on individual donors and his party’s big checkbook in the 49th state Senate District race. Individual donations account for half of Russo’s campaign funds. And his largest single contributor is the New … Continue reading →

For his campaign bankroll, Assemblyman Al Stirpe, D-North Syracuse, gets the most from his party. Stirpe, D-North Syracuse, has received $81,700 from the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, according to reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections.  That’s … Continue reading →

Small contributions add up to the biggest money for Republican Don Miller in his campaign for the 121st state Assembly District seat. With his fundraising, Miller describes himself as running “a typical challenger race,” with most of his money coming … Continue reading →

To fill his re-election bank account, Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli, D-Syracuse, is raking in more money this year than in his campaigns over the last decade for the 120th state Assembly District. That’s not surprising, given the anxiety by political parties … Continue reading →

In the money race, Republican challenger Rick Guy trails badly in the 120th state Assembly District race. As of Oct. 19, Guy, a lawyer who lives in Syracuse, had raised $40,675 for his campaign, according to the campaign finance database … Continue reading →

Individual donors and law firms in Onondaga County are the two biggest money sources for Republican John Sharon’s campaign in the 119th state Assembly District race. As of Oct. 22, Sharon had raised slightly more than $14,000 from individuals and … Continue reading →

For her political money, Christina Fadden Fitch connects mostly with individual donors who see her as a grassroots candidate in the 119th state Assembly District’s race. “She’s not a politician.  She’s not from a good ol’ boys club, the country … Continue reading →

To fill his political money pockets, Democrat Sam Roberts, candidate for the 119th  state Assembly District, can count on his labor union backers, former political acquaintances and New York residents. That’s a typical pattern of support for candidates from Roberts’ … Continue reading →

For the fundraising race, challenger Toby Shelley of the Working Families Party is far behind incumbent Kevin Walsh for Onondaga County sheriff. Shelley’s campaign had $2,487 on hand, according to the New York State Board of Election’s  database, as of … Continue reading →

In the money race for Onondaga County sheriff,  Democrat Joe Price is short on cash. Price has $657 on hand for his campaign, according to fundraising reports filed at the end of September with the New York State Board of … Continue reading →

The largest donor to Sheriff  Kevin Walsh’s re-election campaign is crossing party lines to give Walsh money. Wayman Henson, owner of Henson’s Automotive in Syracuse, has given $6,900 to the Committee to Elect Kevin Walsh this year. Walsh is a … Continue reading →

As Democrat Dan Maffei tells it, his political career was nearly an accident. “I was a walk-on,” Maffei said. “You know how people get drafted for sports in college? Well, that wasn’t me.” Maffei, D-DeWitt, is running for re-election for … Continue reading →

Nurse. Lawyer. Businesswoman. Political and social activist. As she campaigns for Congress, Republican challenger Anne Marie Buerkle of Syracuse stresses her multi-faceted career and concerns. She especially emphasizes her early career in health care. “When you go into nursing, it … Continue reading →

(This story was updated Oct. 31, 2010, with information from an interview with state Sen. John DeFrancisco.) When it comes to politics, state Sen. John DeFrancisco is with the band. Just listen to New York jazz artist Joe Whiting of … Continue reading →

Politics has been a part of Kathleen Joy’s life from the moment she was born. Her grandfather was the mayor of Fredonia, a small town in western New York, and her mother was pregnant with Joy while going door-to-door campaigning … Continue reading →

When it comes to change in Albany, state Senator Dave Valesky acknowledgs the need for more. “Reform as a process,” said Valesky, “is never fully complete.” Valesky , D- Oneida, is up for his third term as senator from the … Continue reading →

49th Senate District: Andrew Russo Challenges for GOP-Marie Claudet from Democracywise on Vimeo. As Andrew Russo sees it, his race for the state Senate is another step in his homecoming to Central New York. “I started to see people that … Continue reading →

For Al Stirpe, the driving force this election is economic investment. “During these really difficult economic times we have to make sure that we continue to invest in very strategic areas. So that when the recession is gone we’re in … Continue reading →

For the first time, Don Miller is stepping from behind the scenes to center stage in politics. “I never had any intention of running for public office, but that changed when I had a family, started working, and raising kids,” … Continue reading →

For Bill Magnarelli, the Veterans Day parade means a lot. After all, he recalls, he created it three years ago when almost no one showed up for the traditional remembrance.  As a member of the Army Reserves for six years, … Continue reading →

To Rick Guy, it’s all about the taxes. “You can’t have more business if you keep spending more money,” said Guy in an interview with The Post-Standard. “Every dollar you spend means another dollar in taxes.” Guy is the Republican … Continue reading →

To Sam Roberts, politics is a lesson from childhood. His mother was a poll inspector for the Democratic Party.  Roberts remembers his mother working the machines on Election Day and how his parents taught him the importance of voting. “I … Continue reading →

For Christina Fadden Fitch, running for office gives her a chance to connect with others. “It’s not about how many hands you shake.  It’s having some sort of meaningful interaction,” said Fitch. Fitch, 46, is the Conservative Party candidate running … Continue reading →

For John Sharon, political inspiration started at home. “I have three children growing up in this area, and that’s really what motivated me,” Sharon said. Sharon, a lawyer in the Onondaga County Attorney’s Office, is the Republican candidate in the … Continue reading →

Toby Shelley wears a lot of hats and uniforms. There’s his flannel shirt and jeans for work on his family farm in Otisco. There’s his military fatigues and helmet for his service in the Air National Guard. Finally, there’s his … Continue reading →

A teenaged Joe Price had just gotten his driver’s license and was “hot roddin’” around when a state trooper pulled him over. “Even though I was, you know, 16, you know, a kid, this gentlemen, the trooper, approached the car … Continue reading →

A framed, hand-written letter on his desk reminds Sheriff Kevin Walsh of why his job matters. “Frankly, I don’t even remember that specific case,” Walsh admits. “But whatever I did she says turned her life around.” Walsh, a Republican, is … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “A problem is kids dropping out of school because they can’t pay for it. Obviously right now people are in a financial crunch who wouldn’t be under typical circumstances. There has to be a way that … Continue reading →

To register to vote, deadlines are looming. Oct. 8 is the deadline for those who want to vote in the Nov. 2 election, according to the Web site of the Onondaga County Board of Elections.  Mail-in registration forms must be … Continue reading →

Voters should not expect to pull a lever in voting booths on Nov. 2. New machines are replacing the old ones. And now voters will fill in circles on ballots, which will be digitally counted. Residents who voted in the … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio Click audio for more insights from SU political science professor Jeffrey Stonecash, Mark Dunlea of Howie Hawkin’s campaign and SU political science professor, Kristi Anderson. For governor, voters have five choices in November: Democrat Andrew Cuomo, … Continue reading →

For voters’ choices for the state’s senior senator, incumbent Democrat Chuck Schumer will face Republican businessman Jay Townsend in the November general election. In the Sept. 14 Republican primary, Townsend beat retired CIA officer Gary Berntsen for the party’s nomination. … Continue reading →

For their junior senator’s seat, New York voters have incumbent Democrat Kristen Gillibrand against Republican challenger Joe DioGuardi on the November ballot. Gillibrand and DioGuardi won their parties’ primaries on Sept. 14.  In the Democratic Primary, Gillibrand beat challenger Gail … Continue reading →

For the state’s top law enforcement officer, voters will choose between a Democratic state senator from Manhattan and a Republican district attorney from Staten Island in the November election. For the Democrats, the attorney general candidate is state Sen. Eric … Continue reading →

Hoffman withdrew from the 23rd Congressional District race, Oct. 6. His name will still appear on the Conservative Party ballot but he encouraged all of his supporters to vote for the Republican nominee, Matt Doheny, who he officially endorsed Oct. 6. … Continue reading →

In a political replay, voters’ choices in the 24th Congressional District are  Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica, and Republican challenger Richard Hanna. The general election is Nov. 2. Control of the House is up for grabs. Democrats now have 258 seats … Continue reading →

Voters in the 25th Congressional District voters will choose between Rep. Dan Maffei, D-DeWitt, and Republican challenger Ann Marie Buerkle in November. In his bid for a second term, Maffei is stressing Democratic changes from the Bush Administration as an … Continue reading →

A musician who’s a political outsider and a three-term incumbent. Those are voters’ choices in the 49th state Senate District in November. The incumbent is state Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida. He is being challenged by Republican Andrew Russo, a concert … Continue reading →

(This story was updated Oct. 31, 2010, with information from an interview with state Sen. John DeFrancisco.) Voters’ choices in the 50th state Senate District are between incumbent Republican John DeFrancisco and Democratic challenger Kathleen Joy. DeFrancisco has been in … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio (Click audio for more insights from SU political scientist Grant Reeher) Voters will have four candidates to choose from in the 119th state Assembly District in November. Democratic candidate Sam Roberts will compete against Republican John … Continue reading →

Democrat  Bill Magnarelli, the 12-year incumbent, faces Republican Rick Guy, a former Syracuse Common Councilor, for the 120th state Assembly Distrtict seat in November. Neither Magnarelli nor Guy faced challengers for their party’s nominations in the Sept. 14 primaries. The … Continue reading →

Democratic incumbent Al Stirpe and Republican challenger Don Miller will be voters’ choices for New York’s 121st state Assembly seat in November. Neither of candidates faced challengers from within their parties. The general election is Nov. 2. The 121st state … Continue reading →

For sheriff, voters’ choices in November are among incumbent Republican Kevin Walsh and two of his deputies, Democrat Joe Price and Toby Shelley for the Working Families Party. In the primary elections on Sept. 14, Walsh beat a third deputy, … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “More so in the New York area I guess wish they would lower the taxes. I mean it’s ridiculous. Especially the tobacco taxes they have. I lived down south for a little while. Cigarette prices are … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “They’ve got to lower the taxes and keep our jobs here. People are just leaving because there’s no work. I think number two, less government spending. I think we spend way, way too much. Too much … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “Natural gas drilling in the Adirondack — it concerns New York state. Making recycling mandatory for all New Yorkers, I think it is important. Alternative energy.  Why I feel strongly, because I feel we are at … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “All my family are self-employed blue-collar workers and pretty much my family is out of jobs. So — we need the self-employed small business people to be able to get back on track, make some money, … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “More funding for buses. Better education for kids. More jobs —everybody wants jobs. There is a lot of things out there that need to be done. I’m sure jobs would be the number one issue for … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “Job creation. Anyway to get these people back to work would make me feel a little more secure knowing everyone out there had a job, had health insurance — I  wouldn’t have to worry and nor … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “I think they should do more to take control of the abandoned buildings that are in the city. That makes the city look absolutely horrible — in some of these areas where people have just moved … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “All of our industry has gone away from here. No one who has worked in industry, in a factory for 30 years, has any other skills to do anything else and there’s nowhere for them to … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “My main concern is the crime that is going up in the city. The government needs to do more cracking down on drug dealers and things like that. Also, there are a lot of sex offenders … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “Basically taxes, taxes, and taxes in New York state. There are too many taxes — sales tax. When you run a business, it’s like there’s no break. If the government had a program which, where they … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “What are people saying about healthcare, health insurance for small companies or self-employed businesspeople? What are they going to do to try and uplift the education system…things like that would help me decide who I would … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “I’d like them to back up on the taxes for one thing. All of these ridiculous taxes they are making up, next thing you know they’ll be taxing you to breathe. And people can’t afford it. … Continue reading →

“I don’t know if it’s possible for the politicians to do something about the Carousel Center, which is just a building that’s been built and the addition anyways. And there’s nothing being done with it. And a lot of the … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “No money for people you see on the street.  These are veterans…Sometimes used to be taxpayers.  There should be help for people like that.  I’m a taxpayer.  It’s hard when you can’t help someone that you … Continue reading →

“I just wish people were less concerned about what the president is doing, instead of us as a country are doing. I feel like they’re like, ‘Oh,  I don’t like Obama,’ for this and this. I don’t like what’s happening … Continue reading →