Category Archives: Spring 2010

(Editor’s note: Democrat Andrew Cuomo, the state’s attorney general, declared his candidacy for governor on May 22, 2010. Rick Lazio won the New York state Republican Party designation on June 2, 2010.) For their political piggybanks in the New York governor’s race, new Republican Steve Levy, the … Continue reading →

For campaign money, U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei, D-DeWitt, has a big lead over his Republican challengers in 25th Congressional District race. Maffei has raised more than $1.7 million, according to April 15 campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. That’s more than five times … Continue reading →

In the money race, U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri, D-Utica, is in the lead against two Republican challengers. But that’s no surprise, say experts on campaign finance.  It is not unusual for an incumbent to raise more money than a challenger, experts say.  They … Continue reading →

The political treasure chests for the candidates in the 23rd Congressional District have topped the million-dollar mark. U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, and his Republican challengers —Doug Hoffman, an accountant from Lake Placid, and Matt Doheny, a financial portfolio manager from Watertown — have each raised … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Sheriff-Walsh-Noel-Aliseo2.mp3] When it comes to campaign money, Sheriff Kevin Walsh faces no competition from his four challengers in the Onondaga County sheriff’s race. As of early April, Walsh — a Republican — has more than 28 times the amount of campaign dollars raised by his closest … Continue reading →

For the campaign money race for the junior senator’s seat, incumbentDemocrat Kirsten Gillibrand has more than seven times the dollars of her closest challenger. Gillibrand has $7.14 million in campaign funds, according to the April 15 report to Federal Election Commission. The totals … Continue reading →

If money talks, then incumbent state Sen. David Valesky has a lot more to say than his competition for the state’s 49th Senate District. As of April 22, Valesky, D-Oneida, had $311,456 cash on hand, according to the campaign finance database of … Continue reading →

For his political war chest, Democratic incumbent Al Stirpe of the 121st Assembly District has raised almost all his re-election campaign funds from Central New York. As of mid-April, Stirpe had raised $10,923, according to reports filed with the State Board of Elections. Of that … Continue reading →

For bringing in the cash for the  state’s 120th Assembly District seat, it sure helps to be an incumbent. In this case, that’s 12-year incumbent Bill Magnarelli, D-Syracuse.  His challenger is Republican newcomer David Gay.  As of early April, Magnarelli  has raised a total … Continue reading →

In the race to fill their political treasure chests, only one of the three Democratic candidates seeking the state’s 119th Assembly District seat has reported raising any money. As of mid-April, Jane Fahey-Suddaby, assistant superintendent for instructional support services for Oswego County BOCES, is … Continue reading →

(Editor’s note: Democrat Andrew Cuomo, the state’s attorney general, declared his candidacy for governor on May 22, 2010. Rick Lazio won the New York state Republican Party designation on June 2, 2010.) A party-switching county executive. A former U.S. Representative. A developer. A lawyer. The attorney … Continue reading →

The freshman Democratic Congressman — U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei of DeWitt — is facing a challenge from as many as three opponents this fall in New York’s 25th Congressional District. As of early April, Maffei’s challengers are three Republicans: Mark Bitz, former owner and CEO of Plainville … Continue reading →

A freshman Democratic incumbent,  an accountant and an investment portfolio manager are voters’ options for the 23rd Congressional District in 2010. The election also features a rematch between the incumbent, U.S. Rep. Bill Owens, D-Plattsburgh, and Republican Doug Hoffman, who is an accountant from Lake Placid In … Continue reading →

A Democratic incumbent from Utica. A Republican who owns a construction company. And a National Guard sergeant. Those are voters’ choices for the House of Representatives from the 24th Congressional District in the 2010 election. The incumbent Democrat is Michael Arcuri of Utica, who’s represented the district since 2006. The … Continue reading →

Five men want Kirsten Gillibrand’s job. That job is as New York’s junior senator in Washington, D.C.  Gillibrand, a Democrat, is the incumbent.  Her five challengers are two fellow Democrats and three Republicans. The Democrats are Scott Noren, an oral … Continue reading →

Three deputies and a former deputy are challenging incumbent Sheriff Kevin Walsh in the November 2010 election. That’s the most competition Walsh, a Republican, has had in 16 years. For the fall 2010 election, the challengers are fellow Republican Ed Bragg … Continue reading →

UPDATE: The statewide Senate Republican Campaign Committee endorsed Russo, The Post-Standard reported May 9. A political rookie and a village mayor are challenging a veteran state senator for New York’s 49th state Senate District. The rookie is Andrew Russo, a pianist … Continue reading →

A Clay businessman and a Manlius town councilor are the likely challengers to Democratic incumbent Al Stirpe for the state’s 121st  Assembly District in 2010.  Donald Miller is the businessman from Clay. He has the nomination from the Onondaga County … Continue reading →

A 12-year Democratic incumbent from Syracuse and a former singer in the punk band Crash Martinez are voters’ choices for the 120th State Assembly District in the November 2010 election. The 12-year Democrat incumbent is Bill Magnarelli.  He has been … Continue reading →

  With the retirement of veteran lawmaker Joan Christensen, voters so far have three choices among Democrats for the 119th State Assembly District in the fall 2010 election.   The three Democrats are Jane Fahey-Suddaby, assistant superintendent for instructional support services … Continue reading →

“Mr. Jackson was a kind man. Wharlest Jackson Sr. worked at a power plant. He was such a good worker and deserved a raise and a promotion. And because he took a job making 17 cents more an hour, because … Continue reading →

Sound of Syracuse band Sophistafunk playing “We had a glorious day yesterday to celebrate the opening of this facility and we’re looking forward to a glorious day today.” (Edward Bogucz, executive director of the Syracuse Center of Excellence) The Syracuse … Continue reading →

Too little money and too much need are afflicting  Syracuse-area charities. ”It’s a real indication of the overall economic downturn,” said Beth Broadway, director for Interfaith Works. The group is an alliance of religious groups that provide social services to … Continue reading →

For Chris Hodge, the most vivid color at Syracuse-area high school basketball games is police blue. “We have uniformed police at all of our bigger contests,” said Hodge, administrator for health, physical education and athletics for all city schools. The … Continue reading →

A little divine intervention just might save downtown Syracuse. That’s the vision of several downtown clergy who have partnered to advocate for economic and community development in the heart of the city. “We’re not developers by calling — we’re not … Continue reading →

The Green Party simply doesn’t get enough credit. That’s the view of party co-founder and perennial Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins of Syracuse. “If you had asked me fifteen years ago if I thought the president would soon be talking … Continue reading →

For Tanika Jones-Cole, watching her own child’s school suffer prompted her to take action. “There’s a time in every parent’s life when they realize they need to stand up and do something,”  as Jones-Cole put it. In her case, that … Continue reading →

On a Friday in Lent, Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli stopped to pick up two take-out, fish-fry dinners at St. Vincent DePaul’s parish hall for himself and his wife, Karen. “I’m not here to campaign,” said Magnarelli, D-Syracuse.  “I’m here to eat.” … Continue reading →

That 20 oz bottle of Pepsi could soon cost you an extra 20 cents— that’s if Gov. David Paterson’s proposed sugar-drink tax is approved. A controversial tax of one-cent tax per ounce on sugared drinks is in Paterson’s proposed state … Continue reading →

“I am afraid for America,” says Yolanda DeRose, 55, of Liverpool. Afraid of her taxes going up. Afraid of President Obama’s healthcare overhaul. Afraid that Obama might not have been born in the U.S. — and, as a foreigner, can’t … Continue reading →

Ed Duncan and Susan Squair fear for their safety in their Hope Avenue home in the city’s South Side. The boarded-up  vacant building next door, they say, has become a stash house for drug dealers. “They tried to break into … Continue reading →

For Lent this year, Christine DiNovo gave up doing nothing about her convictions. Once a week, rain or shine, she’ll be in front of Planned Parenthood demonstrating against abortion. “From the moment of conception to a natural death, all human … Continue reading →

When energy companies started buying land for high-pressure water drilling in Central New York, they tapped into a lot of controversy. At issue is what’s called “hydrofracking” or hydraulic fracturing,  a method of injecting water under great pressure into deep … Continue reading →

Craig Schaub wants the U.S. to be a more welcoming place for immigrants. After all, Schaub says, “We are a community of immigrants.” Schaub, the pastor of worship and outreach at Plymouth Congregational Church in Syracuse, is a member of … Continue reading →

With aging and sicker inmates, health care costs are rising for Onondaga County’s prisons. “We have some pretty sick people,” said Denise Dukat, the director of nursing for correctional health in Onondaga County. To treat them, she and other county … Continue reading →

School students will suffer under proposed deep cuts to the city’s school budget, warn teachers and advocates for higher-quality education. Gov. David Paterson’s proposed education cuts, said Loretta Donlon, member of the board of directors, for the New York State … Continue reading →

During the off-season when the lights are out, the scoreboard is off and snow covers the field at Alliance Bank Stadium, the energy bill is still in full play. The reason:  No matter the season, Onondaga County — and that … Continue reading →

( Jacob’s case was settled in federal court on March 29, 2010, The Associated Press reported. Under the settlement, the district agreed to implement changes to protect students from harassment, including additional staff training. The district will report on its … Continue reading →

When Will Morgan looks at the dilapidated house across the street from his South Salina Street property, he fumes with frustration. “If we can get that thing out of the way then I feel that we can attract more people … Continue reading →

Last January, Brandy Planty had neither a job nor a high school education.  Now she has both. “I had to get my education and some training before I started to even think about finding a stable job,” Planty said. Planty, … Continue reading →

After a lifetime of attending Holy Trinity church on the city’s North Side, Diane Moro must find a new house of worship. “It’s like losing a limb. It’s like losing a part of you when this happens,” Moro, 56, said. … Continue reading →

As Wendy Gonyea sees it, the disputed land-claim of the Onondaga Nation is a tightly woven web of faith mixed with politics. “Our environment, our land rights—those are going to take a lot of work to come to a peaceful … Continue reading →

Faded uniforms.  Worn-out baseball gloves.  Scruffed basketballs. For local high school athletes, those are on the trade-off lists as school officials anticipate another round of state budget cuts. “We are going to hold on all purchases for next year,” said … Continue reading →

James and Daisy Stinson’s roof was nearly caving in four months ago.  At their Midland Avenue home, water dripped into the living room and the basement had no lighting. “When you get Social Security, you’re on a fixed income,” said … Continue reading →

Taxpayers could get a break on Medicaid costs, thanks to President Barack Obama’s recent budget proposal. That’s the prediction from local government officials. The president’s proposal on Medicaid, said Jim Rowley, the chief fiscal officer for Onondaga County is “really … Continue reading →

It was 3 a.m. when the Rev. David Tannyhill got the call to action. A 16-year-old youth had been shot and killed in a drug deal gone bad. Police had found his body, and an officer called Tannyhill with the … Continue reading →

Is there enough sunshine in Syracuse for solar energy? Not so much. “I would be dubious of putting a lot of reliance into solar energy in this part of the world,” said Kevin Williams, meteorologist for WRVO-FM, a local affiliate … Continue reading →

Buying groceries. Making a doctor’s appointment. Catching a bus. All of those everyday actions started out as a struggle for the 1,000 refugees who moved to Syracuse last year. Part of their solutions: The Center for New Americans. “People often … Continue reading →

Stephon Boatwright says he “sees everything through the glasses of revolution.” Boatwright, 21, is a junior political science major at SUNY Oswego and former member of the U.S. Army Reserve.  He is a native of Syracuse and one of the … Continue reading →

As the recession lingers, more Syracuse residents are falling into the social safety net. “Since I’ve been around, I haven’t seen increases in requests for benefits of this magnitude,” said Steven Morgan, deputy commissioner of Onondaga County’s social services department. … Continue reading →

For many city students, a college education is closer to reality — thanks to a tax-supported program between Syracuse University and the Syracuse City School District. “There is a common belief among students, parents and teachers, that many students in … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/POS-Mayor-Valerie-Crowder.mp3] “You have to look at the city as something you want to invest your life in. I was born here. I’ve worked here in the city. I bought my house here in the city and I want to see this city … Continue reading →

[audio: https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/hayden-Audio.mp3] “I work downtown.  And everywhere I go downtown, I see office buildings that are half empty. I see ‘for sale’ signs, ‘for lease’ signs, boarded up windows. It just seems to me that our downtown has died and … Continue reading →

[audio: https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/POS-Mayor-Noel-Aliseo.mp3] “I guess she should just focus on I-81. She could work with SUNY ESF and other organizations to try to break down that elevated highway that is cutting the city in half. I think that would help bring … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/POS-Mayor-Joe-Frandino.mp3] “Definitely the roads.  The pot-holes are wicked bad.  I live in the suburbs and they’re bad out there too.  The whole city is really bad with pot-holes.” (Brad Chrantz, of the Eastside neighborhood in Syracuse, unaffiliated with a political … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/POS-Mayor-Paul-Brockwell-14.mp3] “I’m a retired teacher from the school district and I find a graduate rate that’s at about fifty, fifty-five percent to be appalling. As a teacher I think one of the best things you can do is reduce class … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/POS-Mayor-Katrina-Koerting.mp3] “The people that work downtown, like myself, never have any place to park because the local people that are coming down for the time being take up the spots. I’ve paid more money in parking than I can imagine.  Six bucks every … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/POS-Mayor-Pete-Smith.mp3] “Stephanie Miner needs to do a lot for education.  The schools in Syracuse, especially the inner-city high-schools, are a mess right now. There were two “Tazering” incidents in two days this year. That’s really unacceptable. (Michael LaVelle, 68, East Side of Syracuse, retired … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/POS-Mayor-Justin-Sondel.mp3] “Giving people a class where they can learn how to write grants so that she doesn’t need to give them as much money, where they can write business plans that can foster the open doors.  Because if you can write abusiness plan the … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/POS-Mayor-Kara-Labs1.mp3] “There are a number of houses that should be knocked down. And I know it is expensive to demolish home. But at the same time the kids in the community, they have nothing to do.  Maybe if you tore down some of … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/POS-Mayor-Jenn-Sheppard.mp3] “I know her personally. And I live in the city. And I voted for her, but my most humble opinion is that she’s a little bit too legal…I think she needs to let companies just be companies and grow and hire … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/POS-Rachel-Stern.mp3] “The streets are really messed up.  Police patrol and as far as the empty houses and store front – those should be cleaned up, as well.  She should form a committee or group to get people aware of the fact that … Continue reading →