Category Archives: No Feature

Anthony Masker has a health insurance plan called hope. “I guess I hope nothing severe happens,” said Masker, 50, of Syracuse. He works seven days a week driving a taxi. “I’m just trying to stay healthy.” Masker is among the … Continue reading →

Army Sergeant Rick Jones knew something was wrong when he did not want to go home to Dover, New Hampshire, to spend Thanksgiving with his family. “I really didn’t want to see, necessarily, my family.  I was gone for about … Continue reading →

For Allison Peacock, trying to maintain a healthy weight was like riding a roller coaster. “I would lose 60 pounds,” Peacock, 34, of Syracuse said. “Then I would gain 65.” Peacock, an emergency room social worker at Upstate University Hospital, … Continue reading →

Water contamination. Economic Strain. Corporate exploitation. Cheaper, cleaner alternative fuel. Jobs. Energy independence. Those are the two conflicting visions of the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing — or  hydrofracking — to capture natural gas from rocks underground. Against hydrofacking, environmental … Continue reading →

For Deena Crowall, federal food stamps are a hassle—but a necessary one. “I wouldn’t want to say ‘bye’ to it,” said Crowall, 24, of the North Side of Syracuse. She needs the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, she said. It’s … Continue reading →

Five percent: that’s how much student-loan debt has risen in just the last year. And with the continual increase in costs of tuition, the pressure of paying back loans is becoming overwhelming for many college students. “Of course I’m concerned. … Continue reading →

“They want to be able to communicate. And they come and they have these ideas in their head like you and I. But they lack the ability to communicate with the people around them. And I don’t I know — … Continue reading →

For a job these days, Jose Marrero, 19, of the Westside of Syracuse, is considering the Navy. “I’ve always wanted to travel the world,” he said. “I just have to go.” Marrero is one of thousands of young people considered … Continue reading →

Lose the tater tots. Keep the tomato paste-laden pizza. Those are among the changes for children’s school lunches recently proposed by the federal government. And they are at the heart of national and local concern about how to assure children … Continue reading →

Imagine zipping from Syracuse east to Albany or west to Niagara Falls at 110 miles an hour. On a train. That’s the vision for high-speed rail through Central New York, as part of a national effort to expand and speed … Continue reading →

For many returning veterans, the next fight is to get a job. And the recession, say some veterans’ advocates, has hurt even those veterans who had been in the workforce. “Veterans were wearing ties and shirts,” said Gordon Sclar, a … Continue reading →

Republican Mike Plochocki is the winner against Democrat Toby Shelley in the Onondaga County Legislature District 6 race. “It’s my first time running and it’s a redistricted district and in this district the number of Republicans and Democrats got closer … Continue reading →

Democrat Toby Shelley lost out to Republican Mike Plochocki for the District 6 seat in the Onondaga County Legislature. “There’s nothing to say,” Shelley said on Tuesday night at Pensabene’s restaurant on State Fair Boulevard, after Onondaga Democrats chairperson Vita … Continue reading →

Democrat Khalid Bey has won the District 4 Common Council seat against Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins with a slim margin. “I’m good.  I’m satisfied.  Close, but a win nevertheless. It’s the win that we were after, and we were … Continue reading →

Republican incumbent Judy Tassone holds a small lead over Democrat David Stott in her re-election bid for District 4 of the Onondaga County Legislature. “I’m happy, but I’m not going to be happy until we get the final numbers,” Tassone … Continue reading →

Republican Ryan McMahon has won his first county legislature election for the open seat in District 15. “It’s been a long process,” McMahon said as he and his family gathered at his Strathmore-area home.  “This was a new race with … Continue reading →

By 133 votes, Republican Danny Liedka is the leader in the race for District 7 Onondaga County Legislature on Tuesday. Liedka expressed cautious excitement as he and friends gathered at Brad’s Extra Innings in East Syracuse. Until the absentee ballots are … Continue reading →

Republican Larry Corso has lost to Democrat Chris Ryan in the District 8 County Legislature race. “Well, you know, Chris is a good man. I wish him the very best. I met with him today, and I know he’ll be … Continue reading →

In a too-close-to-call race, Democrat David Stott was behind by 31 votes for District 4 seat of the Onondaga County Legislature after a rematch against Republican incumbent Judy Tassone. “This race isn’t over yet,” Stott said as he gathered with … Continue reading →

In a squeaker, Democratic Party candidate Lorene Dadey trails slightly in the District 7 race for the Onondaga County Legislature against Republican Danny Liedka. “I am not happy,” said Dadey in an phone interview as the unofficial tally showed her … Continue reading →

Democrat Mark English has lost the District 15 county legislature seat to Common Councilor Ryan McMahon, R-Syracuse. English did not respond to interview requests as the votes came in on Tuesday night. Democrats had gathered at Pensabene Casa Grand restaurant … Continue reading →

Democrat Chris Ryan has won the race for the Onondaga County legislator of District 8. “It’s been a lot of hard work, a lot of planning, a lot of time away from family,” said Ryan at the Onondaga County Democratic … Continue reading →

Line-by-line budget reviews, more support for cultural resources and more support for Van Duyn nursing home highlight the stands on some key issues by Democrat David Stott in the District 4 race for the Onondaga County Legislature. Stott is challenging … Continue reading →

Fewer state mandates, lower county taxes and help from Upstate Medical University for the area’s elderly highlight the stands of Judy Tassone, R-Liverpool, on some key issues as she seeks re-election from District 4 in the Onondaga County Legislature. She … Continue reading →

Cutting costs, creating jobs and preserving Van Duyn nursing home highlight the stands of  Democrat Toby Shelley on some key issues as he seeks election from District 6 in the Onondaga County Legislature. Shelley, a deputy sheriff and road patrol … Continue reading →

Efficient county spending, more options for affordable housing and a closer look at the costs of Van Duyn nursing home are among the proposals on key issues from Lorene Dadey, the Democratic Party’s candidate for the District 7 seat in … Continue reading →

No tax increases, better quality of education and green jobs for the young, and state responsibility for the Van Duyn nursing home are the stands on some key issues for  Republican candidate Danny Liedka in the race for Onondaga County … Continue reading →

On the issues of taxes, young people and elderly care, Onondaga County Legislature candidate Chris Ryan calls for cutting costs. Ryan, 38, is the Democratic candidate for the District 8 seat in the Onondaga County Legislature in November’s election. He … Continue reading →

Larry Corso, the Republican candidate for the Onondaga County Legislature’s District 8 open seat in the November election, declined to give his views to Democracywise on how to manage county taxes and how to keep the county-owned Van Duyn Home, a … Continue reading →

Tax relief can solve many of the county’s problems, says Democratic candidate Mark English. English, a family-practice lawyer, is running for the Onondaga County Legislature for District 15.  He faces Ryan McMahon, R-Syracuse, who is serving his third term on the Syracuse … Continue reading →

Streamlining county services,  investing in cultural resources and support for Upstate Medical University control of Van Duyn nursing home are among the stands on key issues from Republican Ryan McMahon in the race for District 15 in the Onondaga County … Continue reading →

A hiring hall for workers and employers, a progressive tax system and more state money are among the proposals from Howie Hawkins, Green Party candidate for Common Council District 4, on some key issues. This is Hawkins’ 19th political run.  … Continue reading →

More jobs in health care, a varied job market and tighter budget controls highlight the stands of  Khalid Bey, Democratic candidate for Common Council District 4, on some key issues. Bey’s opponent is Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, who has … Continue reading →

For campaign money, Democrat David Stott trails badly in the race for District 4 of the Onondaga County Legislature. As of Oct. 28, Stott had raised $10,119. That compares to $25,873 raised by incumbent Judy Tassone, R-Liverpool. The District 4 … Continue reading →

Local businesses and politicians are chipping in dollars for Judy Tassone’s re-election campaign for the Onondaga County Legislature. As of Oct. 28, Tassone had raised $25,873. Of that, businesses and other politicians accounted for almost 34 percent.  That’s  according to reports … Continue reading →

Neighbors, friends and labor unions are among the major sources of campaign funds for Toby Shelley as he seeks the Onondaga County Legislature’s District 6 seat. “You can’t physically knock on enough doors to win an election,”  Shelley said. But … Continue reading →

Family and friends are filling Mike Plochocki’s campaign piggy bank as he seeks the open seat for Onondaga County Legislature District 6. His brother and campaign manager, James Plochocki, donated the second largest amount among named donors— $600 — to … Continue reading →

Democratic colleagues in DeWitt government are among the funders for Lorene Dadey’s campaign for the District 7 seat in the Onondaga County Legislature. Between July 15 and Oct. 24, at least four DeWitt officials gave a total of  $450 to Dadey, … Continue reading →

For campaign cash, Republican Danny Liedka has outraised his opponent in the District 7 race for the Onondaga County Legislature. As of Oct. 29, Liedka has raised $15,374 — more than three times that of his opponent, according to campaign … Continue reading →

Chris Ryan’s union connections, family members and political acquaintances are financing his campaign for the Onondaga County Legislature. “The main reason that people would want to contribute,” Ryan said, was because “they believe in you.” Ryan, 38, is the Democratic … Continue reading →

Ever since he started campaigning for  the Onondaga County Legislature’s District 8 open seat, Larry Corso has been pounding the pavement, door-knocking, handing out cards, shaking hands and making campaign signs. He’s not been raising campaign money. “I have no … Continue reading →

Unions and fellow Democrats are the major sources of campaign money for Mark English in the race for the Onondaga County Legislature seat in District 15. As of Oct. 28, English has raised $10,339, according to campaign finance reports filed … Continue reading →

In the money race, Ryan McMahon, R-Syracuse,  has a big lead over his Democratic rival for the Onondaga County Legislature seat for District 15. McMahon, the Common Councilor for District 3 in the city, has raised almost slightly more than … Continue reading →

Almost a quarter of  Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins’ campaign money for the District 4 Common Council seat has come from his own pocket. As of Oct. 28, Hawkins had raised $8,612, according to campaign finance reports filed with the … Continue reading →

Small-business owners’ donations are a big part of keeping Khalid Bey’s campaign for Common Council District 4 running. As of Oct. 24, contributions from 16 small businesses account for 71 percent — or $5,455—of Bey’s fundraising, according to campaign finance … Continue reading →

For Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins, the November election is a lifetime pattern. “Howie has been doing what he’s doing since he was like 14,” said Ursula Rozum, one of Hawkins’ campaign managers.  “He’s been very committed to social change … Continue reading →

Longtime social activist. Familiar political figure. Author. Those are at the top of Khalid Bey’s resume as he seeks the Common Council seat from District 4 in the November election. He’s pitching himself as the candidate most of the district’s … Continue reading →

Thirty inches of human waste helped David Stott get elected in 2007. “People had raw sewage backing up into their basements,” recalled  Stott, a Democrat from Salina. Old sewage pipelines caused wall-to-wall sewage to flood the homes on Floradale Road … Continue reading →

For Judy Tassone, questions come first. “I’ve got to know thoroughly what’s going on.  I will not vote on an issue if it’s pushed through – if someone is trying to push something through.  I want to know what is … Continue reading →

When Mike Plochocki was a child, his grandparents told him he wouldn’t get elected to any political office. When he became a teenager, Plochocki recalled, his parents told him to stay away from a career in law and politics. So … Continue reading →

After reading six years’ worth of government minutes, Toby Shelley came to a conclusion. “A lot of the decisions with public safety weren’t the most informed,” said Shelley. That realization, he said, helped shape his decision to run for the … Continue reading →

For Lorene Dadey, her coffee shop has taught her about politics. “When you own a small business, every nickel counts,” Dadey said. “I think the same principle applies to government.” Dadey, 54, owner of the Sunshine Coffee Shop in East … Continue reading →

Danny Liedka banks on numbers. He started with a goal of 365. That’s how many doors he wants to knock on each week between now and Election Day. Now, he says, he’s up to 5,100. “I’ve never been outworked by … Continue reading →

As Larry Corso paints it, his politics are about his roots. Roots in the same neighborhood that his grandparents called home. Roots in the Marine Corps. Roots in Syracuse’s Polish community. “I went to school at Saint Lucy’s. I belong … Continue reading →

Union man. Proud Irish-American Catholic. Heir to a political tradition. Those are the driving forces for Chris Ryan. “I’m passionate about workers’ rights and the need to earn a good wage and protect middle-class jobs,” said Ryan. Ryan, 38, is … Continue reading →

Mark English sympathizes with the unemployed. He was once in their shoes. When he was 38 years old, English recalled, he lost his job as a foundry worker with what was then Crouse-Hines, a manufacturer of electrical products. He still … Continue reading →

As Ryan McMahon paints his political portrait, politics and community are the same. “It’s a piece of who we are,” as McMahon puts it. “It’s our heritage.” Ryan McMahon, 31, is serving his third term on the Common Council from … Continue reading →

For your voice to count in our democracy, you have to register to vote — and you have to actually vote. “The best way to see something actually get done is to vote,” said Ed Ryan, the Democratic commissioner for … Continue reading →

More women and more newcomers highlight voters’ choices for the Onondaga County Legislature in November. And the variety is good for public affairs, say political experts. “The more diversity you have in the legislature, the more ideas there are, the … Continue reading →

With all 17 seats in the newly redistricted Onondaga County Legislature on the ballot, voters will have a buffet of choices in the November election. Republicans remain in control of the legislature, with 11 seats to the Democrats’ six. But … Continue reading →

Voters in Onondaga County have some new choices for the county legislature this November. The races in five county districts are what’s called open seats.  That means the incumbents are not running for re-election.  One of the open seats has … Continue reading →

Voters won’t have a choice for Onondaga County’s top three elected positions on the November ballot. County Executive Joanie Mahoney, District Attorney William Fitzpatrick and Robert Antonacci, the comptroller — all Republican incumbents— are unopposed for re-election. The election is … Continue reading →

To fix their potholes and plow their streets, voters can choose among 13 Common Council candidates this November. Those include five district councilors and two councilors at-large. The Common Council election is up-close-and-personal politics for citizens, say political experts. It … Continue reading →

For voters’ choices, the Common Council Election this November offers three incumbents, two challengers and two one open-seat contests. All five Common Council district seats are up for election. The incumbents are Democrats Pat Hogan of District 2, who is … Continue reading →

Voters will choose two candidates from a group of four running for the Syracuse Common Councilor-at-Large seats in November’s election. Two Democratic and two Republican candidates will be on the ballot Nov. 8. The Democrats are incumbent Kathleen Joy, a … Continue reading →

To keep a close eye on their money, city voters have two new choices for city auditor in the November election. The Democratic candidate is Martin Masterpole, now a member of the Onondaga County Legislature.  The Republican candidate is businessman … Continue reading →

Each day they decide who goes to jail and who walks free. They see to it that tenants are not unjustly evicted from their homes. They can start and end marriages.  And they tell you whether or not you’ll pay … Continue reading →

Syracuse students will see four new members on their school board after the November election. Four of the seven education commission seats are up for election and none of the incumbents are running. Seven candidates want to fill the four … Continue reading →

“People are having a hard time finding jobs.  I know students that have graduated and can’t find jobs in the field they were hoping to go into. I know several student teachers they go on for their master’s cause they … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “Too much crime.  I try to get away from it in New York City and it happens everywhere.” (Moises Sanchez, 36, of Syracuse, manager of the Atrium Garage, unaffiliated with a political party) “More community involvement … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “My boss is running for the school board, the city school board. So I hope he wins. Over the past couple of years, we just launched the Say Yes to Education program, which I would have … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “Getting out of debt, wiser spending and more focus on eco-friendly stuff, I guess.” (Bryan Thomas, 26, of Syracuse, employed with the Syracuse University athletics department, Democrat) “They’re absolutely spending too much money on war. They … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “We got to have some kind of a better medical plan than what we have now. It’s so expensive. I mean, prescriptions are so expensive. Doctors and hospitals, the cost of medical insurance — they’ve gone … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “The economy is important to me because I have been unemployed for three years now.” (Elise Curry of Syracuse, 42, unemployed, registered with the Independence Party) “I work in the juvenile system. There’s a lot of … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “You hear about oil — we drill offshore. We depend on other nations for supplying this stuff. We’ve got so much oil out West, that we wouldn’t hurt that supply. And it wouldn’t infringe on those … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “Hopefully get us out of debt. Change things around with schools and stuff for kids. Definitely for other people that have kids that are struggling. Too many students in one classroom for one teacher. They’re cutting … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “Give more jobs. Less testing for drugs when it comes to a job because that will help stop a lot of crime  — because people are getting tested, drug tested, and they’re not able to get … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “We should worry about home more than foreign affairs. It seems like the last two presidents all they cared about was foreign affairs. I do think we should keep our troops over there, but less of … Continue reading →

Click Here for Audio “We don’t have any industry left. Syracuse is going nowhere. The population’s declining. I have three kids and none of them are here.” (Ron Lagoe, 62, of Camillus, executive director, Hospital Executive Council, unaffiliated with a … Continue reading →

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 →

Service. Leadership. Integrity. Change. Ed Szczesniak uses those four words to describe his campaign for Onondaga County Legislature. “My life’s story is contained in those four words,” Szczesniak said. Szczesniak, a veteran of Democratic politics from Cicero, is running for … Continue reading →

Tattered civil war flags lay forgotten in the Onondaga County courthouse basement — until one person brought back to life the frayed pieces of cloth. Kathleen Rapp, the Republican floor leader for the County Legislature, says fellow Republican Bill Meyer … Continue reading →

Growing up, Donna Marsh O’Connor was going to be a writer. She never wanted to go into politics. “It was the last thing I thought I would do,” said O’Connor. “I always thought I would be writing and teaching.” She … Continue reading →

“Fiscal conservative” is how John Dougherty describes himself. And, he says, that’s the quality he would bring to Onondaga County government. “The county doesn’t seem to have much accountability for the way that they spend money,” said Dougherty. “It would … Continue reading →

In the run for the money, Democrat Stephanie Miner is in the lead for Syracuse mayor. As of Oct. 23, Miner has raised $564,118, according to campaign reports filed by the New York State Board of Elections. Miner, who has … Continue reading →

For Ellen Eagen, an $8,000 contribution to her father, Steve Kimatian, for his mayoral campaign was also an investment in her family’s future. “If Syracuse can become the vibrant city that I think it has the potential to be, there’s … Continue reading →

Companies in the construction business and his connections in the Christian community are among the major sources of campaign funds for Otis Jennings as he seeks the mayor’s office. As of Oct. 23, companies in the construction business had contributed … Continue reading →

Lance Denno expects $72 may be his only expense in the race for Syracuse Councilor At-Large. “Quite frankly, I don’t think that a lot of advertising is going to make a weak candidate strong, and I don’t think less advertising … Continue reading →

The big spender and big fundraiser in the At-Large Common Council race is Republican Fanny Villarreal. As of Oct. 30, Villarreal had raised $12,660 and spent $20,740, according to campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the New York State Board … Continue reading →

For a chunk of her campaign money, Jean Kessner can thank Eleanor Roosevelt. As of Oct. 23, Kessner had raised $8,526 in her campaign for an At-Large seat on the Syracuse Common Council. Of that money, $1,000 came from the … Continue reading →

With $75, Nancy Coye of Syracuse changed her long-standing attitude toward political donations. Coye, 62,  had never donated to a political campaign. This time, Matt Rayo, a local candidate with a family connection, changed her mind. “He’s a friend of … Continue reading →

To fill his political coffers, Michael Heagerty is relying on loans in his re-election campaign for the District 1 seat on the Common Council. This is unusual for an incumbent candidate but it’s not unheard of,  said Jeffrey Stonecash, a … Continue reading →

In campaign cash, Democratic challenger Ed Szczesniak is running ahead in the District 3 race of the Onondaga County Legislature. Szczesniak has raised $26,799 since Jan. 1, according to reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections. His … Continue reading →

To raise political money, Donna Marsh O’Connor turns to pizza, wings and wine. For example, there is her homestyle wine-tasting fundraiser and her meetings for pizza and wings at Coolican’s Bar in Clay. That brings together contributors like her family, … Continue reading →

In the money race, Republican John Dougherty is in the lead for the District 2 seat in the Onondaga County Legislature. Dougherty has raised twice as much in campaign donations as has his Democratic opponent Carol Marsh O’Connor, according to … Continue reading →

The Proposal: a safety and crime proposal Title: A constitutional curfew for juveniles From: From Republican mayoral candidate Steve Kimatian Type: Press release Location: News conference at the Northeast Community Center Date: Aug. 25, 2009 URL: http://74.125.113.132/search?q=%20cache:cT80gT4FuFkJ:www.steveforsyracuse.com/web/news-and-multimedia/news SUMMARY: In a … Continue reading →

The Statement: On “Say Yes to Education” From: Democratic mayoral candidate Stephanie Miner Type: a description of her accomplishments as a Common Councilor on her Web site. URL: http://www.minerformayor.com/page/meet-stephanie What She Says:  In her issues plan Miner says: “I drafted, … Continue reading →

The Proposal: A “land bank” program to help renovate vacant property in the city From: Republican mayoral candidate Steve Kimatian originally proposed the land bank. Type: Kimatian TV interview on News10Now and his proposal on his campaign Web site Date: … Continue reading →

The Statement: Criticism of the city’s tax breaks for Destiny USA project From: Stephanie Miner, Democratic mayoral candidate Type: Interview Date: August 2009 interview with the Syracuse New Times URL: http://www.syracusenewtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3498&Itemid=147 What She Says: During her eight years on the … Continue reading →

The Statement: Concern over violence against immigrants Title: “Republican Mayoral Candidate Announces Crime Platform” From: Otis Jennings, running for mayor as the Conservative Party candidate. Type: Press Release from Jennings’s Web site Date: Aug. 31, 2009 URL:  http://www.otisjennings.com/2009/08/31/1102/ What It … Continue reading →

The Proposal: a public-safety plan from Democratic mayoral candidate Stephanie Miner Title: Stephanie Miner’s 50-Point Plan for a 21st Century City called “RENEWING the PROMISE of SYRACUSE” (under Section Three: Public Safety, Strategy #21, Pg. 26) From: From Stephanie Miner, … Continue reading →

The Proposal:  A curfew plan to reduce juvenile crime and protect youngsters From: Steve Kimatian, the Republican candidate for mayor Type: Press releases and interview Date: Aug. 18, 2009, on News 10 Now and Aug. 25, 2009 URL: http://www.steveforsyracuse.com/web/news-and-multimedia/radio.html and … Continue reading →

The Statement: education proposals from mayoral candidate Otis Jennings From: Otis Jennings, Conservative Party Type: part of a press conference posted on his campaign Web site Date:  Aug. 18, 2009 URL:  http://www.otisjennings.com/issues-2/ SUMMARY:  The Web page contains the education proposals … Continue reading →

The Statement: an economic proposal with praise for small businesses From: Steve Kimatian, the Republican mayoral candidate Type: Interview Date: Aug. 18, 2009. Place: Interview with News10Now URL: http://news10now.com/cny-news-1013-content/480114/steve-kimatian–r– SUMMARY: In an interview on his economic proposals, Steve Kimatian praised … Continue reading →

The Statement: from the Web site of mayoral candidate Stephanie Miner From: Stephanie Miner, the Democratic and Working Families candidate URL: (http://www.minerformayor.com/page/meet-stephanie ) SUMMARY: On her Web site, Miner takes credit for drafting and passing STAR  Exemption program legislation to … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Otis-Jennings-afterschool-comments.mp3] The Statement: from ACTS Mayoral Forum From: Otis Jennings, Conservative Party Type: Response to a question at a candidate forum Date: Sept. 9, 2009, Hopps Memorial Church in Syracuse SUMMARY: Jennings is responding to a question for the mayoral … Continue reading →

A ten-year incumbent judge and a challenger are on the ballot for Onondaga County Court judge in November. The Onondaga County Court judge’s main job is to preside over trials in serious felony cases, such as a charges of murder, … Continue reading →

For city voters, the November election offers choices in almost all the Syracuse Common Council races. All eight Syracuse Common Council seats are up for election. Of those, six are contested. The election is Nov. 3. “We have very competitive … Continue reading →

When Kristi Andersen first ran for public office in her town of Cazenovia in 2005, she decided she needed an endorsement from a third party to solidify her candidacy. So Andersen, a Syracuse University political science professor, simply created her … Continue reading →

For some disabled voters in Onondaga County, casting their ballots will get much easier in this November’s election. New voting systems specially designed for the disabled will replace some of the old lever-style voting machines for the election on Nov. … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Story3-scenesetter-County-Legis-Chris-Shepherd.mp3] Many county voters will have a choice of candidates when they cast their ballots for the Onondaga County Legislature races this November. The choices come from a growing trend of competition between Republicans and Democrats in the county. Jeff … Continue reading →

School children in Syracuse will get three new education commissioners this November. Three of the seven seats on the school board are up for election. The candidates are Democrats Monique Wright-Williams, Patricia Body, Richard Strong, Republican Blase Parus, and incumbent … Continue reading →

Nov. 3 will be a fine day to vote. But some Onondaga County voters can’t get to the polls that day. They’re sick. Or they’re handicapped. Or they’re going out of the county on Election Day. Or they’re in the … Continue reading →

Political novice Steve Kimatian is the Republican candidate for mayor in November. “That’s the great thing about the democratic process. You can do everything you know how to do to win but you can’t roll the ball over the goal … Continue reading →

Stephanie Miner will be the Democratic mayoral candidate when voters turn out for the November election in Syracuse. “I have never felt more satisfied about where are than today,” Miner told a group of elated supporters who gathered at Nibsy’s … Continue reading →

For more than 30 years, Nina Haley has watched thousands of eager voters cast their ballots on Election Day. She’s especially energized by one group of voters. “It actually excites me the most to see a young voter come in,” … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Story3A-SceneSetter-Council-President.mp3] Bea Gonzalez has yet to cast a single vote in eight years as president of the Syracuse Common Council. “The one time there was a tie,” she recalls, “I was on vacation.” Breaking a tie is the only chance … Continue reading →

You can still take your first step for democracy in Onondaga County by registering to vote in the general election on Nov. 3. Here’s why some central New Yorkers say that’s important: Jim Lynch, 41, of Dewitt, teacher, votes because … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS15.mp3] “My main concern about Syracuse is the gaps in education, the learning gaps that there are in the schools close to the university, and how the city itself and the university don’t really connect.” (Mylenne Salinas, 20, Syracuse University … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS1-Brett-LoGiurato.mp3] “I’m definitely supporting Stephanie Miner. I just think she’s the smartest one and I’ve read her platform online. I think she’s thought through what the city needs, and I’m very impressed by her platform. I don’t see or hear … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS14.mp3] “All of the malls are losing stores and if the malls are losing stores, then you know that everywhere else is losing jobs.  Factories have been closing down, so I think it would just help to make sure we … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS13.mp3] “I’m concerned about the escalating costs of different city services. (Morgan McDole of Syracuse, 31, firefighter, Democrat) “Well, I think for this area I think taxes are important. I think the spending in general, about how they’re spending and … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS1-Chris-Shepherd.mp3] “As far as community, I’m real big on community. As far as fixing things and getting things done—schools, I have a daughter that’s in school. And also, somebody’s who for cutting a lot of things and helping us out … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS12.mp3] “I would like to see a lot of activities for like a certain age group — I  would say 16-18 and even older people.  There’s not a lot of things for them to do, so there’s not really a … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS1-Jessica-Shaw.mp3] “Phil Dwarfman, 67. I’m a computer systems analyst. I’m paying very high taxes. They’re spending my money and it’s not their money so they don’t care what they spend it on. There are a lot of things they can … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS1-Julia-Terruso.mp3] “Healthcare for the elderly — seniors — because we’re all going to get old someday and we’re going to be in their shoes, so hopefully we’ll set it up right so we’re all taken care of when we get … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS-Audio.mp3] “I live in a nice neighborhood. On the other hand it’s surrounded by neighborhoods where things aren’t as nice. Violence in the city is a real scary thing. I mean young children shooting and stabbing each other on a … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS1-Lynette-Chen.mp3] “Home taxes. School taxes. The things just keep going up and up and up. We need to figure out another way to reduce the budget.” (Joe Schultz, 40, of Fabius, social worker, Democrat) “Just better jobs. Better school for … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS11.mp3] “‘Say Yes’ is one of the best programs in the state of the New York. I know several kids who are taking advantage of it from my neighborhood. They’re going to SU actually, getting $30,000 from their hard work … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/POS1.mp3] “I would personally love to see them take 81 down, but that’s probably not a city issue. I think it’s really important that we maintain the quality of our public schools. I see friends either moving away or putting … Continue reading →

When it comes to health insurance, more Americans are falling through the cracks. “It’s the 47-million-person question,” says Deborah Freund, a healthcare expert at the Center for Policy Research of Syracuse University. Consider these statistics: Nationally, 45.7 million people were … Continue reading →

Wind power. Solar energy. Water power. Those are some of the renewable resources at the center of the ongoing debate about the nation’s energy. Renewable energy comes from natural resources that never run out — like radiation from the sun. … Continue reading →

[Anchor intro: As if losing your job wasn’t enough, finding a new one is getting even harder. The pool of Americans looking for a job is growing by the day as the economy heads further into a recession. Democracywise reporter … Continue reading →

In almost another world, 62 years ago James Matthews went to a movie theatre in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was an 18-year-old freshman at Lincoln University. He quietly found a seat and sat down. Above his head was a sign. … Continue reading →

With home foreclosures, the Syracuse area is luckier than many. But the area still has a sharp increase in homes lost to foreclosure, reflecting the nation’s growing economic problems and the burst of the housing bubble. A Democracywise study of … Continue reading →

Gun sales have skyrocketed across the nation since Democrat Barack Obama was elected president in November. Many gun owners fear the new president will seek new restrictions on gun ownership. But Rick Taggert, owner of Alpha Omega Firearms, in Syracuse … Continue reading →

Filing for bankruptcy. As the economy worsens, more and more Americans are taking the drastic step of bankruptcy to try to recover from their financial hardships. The poor state of the economy has caused the number of personal bankruptcy filings … Continue reading →

Norma Harwzinske just got home from the hospital. Her husband, Stanley, has Alzheimer’s disease. He fell and broke his hip at Van Duyn Home and Hospital and she was in the waiting room during his surgery. “He fell on Halloween … Continue reading →

Andrea Viczian wants to cure blindness. In her lab at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Viczian is trying to find a way to change embryonic stem cells from mice into specific cells that are lost when a person loses his or … Continue reading →

The problems facing Social Security are everyone’s problems. That’s view of John Palmer, formerly one of the two trustees appointed by the president to oversee Social Security and former dean of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. And the local concerns reflect … Continue reading →

Just last year, Ramon Rolle couldn’t find anyone to help him care for his bad leg. “I’d go to the doctor’s office and get turned down at the receptionist. They’d say, ‘Got no insurance? C-Ya,’” he recalls. Rolle was then … Continue reading →

Nationally, almost 50 million beneficiaries receive money from Social Security—and 86,760 in Onondaga County. The beneficiaries are at the heart of Social Security’s political dilemma. The program, born out of the Great Depression, now faces a serious financial crunch. Consider … Continue reading →

For school children, the tests required by federal law remain controversial. That law is called No Child Left Behind. And one reason for the controversy is variation among states as they follow the law’s mandates. John Yinger specializes in education … Continue reading →

To David Harris, outsourcing comes down to two factors: Mobility and cost. “If the job can be moved, and the prices are cheap enough to make them worth moving,” said Harris, an economics professor at Syracuse University, “then bye-bye job.” … Continue reading →

The one-of-a-kind, interwoven gold wedding band is lost somewhere in Mark Braiman’s backyard in Cazenovia. It slipped off his finger two years ago when Braiman and his spouse were mulching fallen tree branches. And after two summers of fruitless searching … Continue reading →

Higher college tuition and the national economic meltdown are threatening to keep more young people out of college. To cover the extra cost, for example, students at Syracuse University, a private college, are increasingly looking at loans and grants to … Continue reading →

Free coffee, ice cream and doughnuts were on offer for voters on Tuesday. But for many at the polls, the taste was for democracy. Here are a few scenes from around Onondaga County this Election Day: *** At Jamesville-DeWitt Middle … Continue reading →

Jubilant Democrats danced, chanted and pumped their fists on Election Night in Onondaga County. “We’re taking back our country, as a party!” proclaimed Diane Dwire, chairwoman of the  Onondaga County Democratic Committee, to a raucous crowd at the Election Night … Continue reading →

The College Republicans didn’t cheer as the election results rolled in Tuesday night. They didn’t cry. They just stood in stony-faced silence, arms crossed. “We got our asses kicked tonight,” said Nick Johnson, chairman of College Republicans. As of 11 … Continue reading →

To the joy of local Democrats, Senator Barack Obama claimed the presidency on Tuesday night. The unofficial results showed Obama collecting 334 electoral votes — far more than the 270 needed to win the presidency, according to The Post-Standard. Republican … Continue reading →

As part of a Democratic sweep, Al Stirpe will return for a second term as 121st District Assemblyman. After the results came in Tuesday night, Stirpe thanked his supporters as Democrats celebrated at a gathering in Liverpool. “We’re going to … Continue reading →

In a landslide victory, Democratic incumbent Joan Christensen has won her tenth term for the 119th state Assembly District. “I want to say thank you to all of you who voted.” Christensen said at the Onondaga County Democratic Party’s celebration … Continue reading →

In an easy victory, Democrat Bill Magnarelli has won his fifth term as assemblyman for the New York state 120th District. “I’m feeling very good. I think it’s going to be a great night for Democrats.” (Bill Magnarelli, Democrat, 120th … Continue reading →

For the 14th time, Howie Hawkins’ bid for public office bit the dust Tuesday. Hawkins, the Green Populist for Congress in New York’s 25th District, received about three percent of the vote, or 8,769 ballots, according to an unofficial tally … Continue reading →

For Republican Dale Sweetland, the night turned into a bad dream. Sweetland lost in the 25th District Congressional race to Democrat Dan Maffei. But other Republicans also gave credit to the juggernaut campaign of Democratic presidential contender — and unofficial … Continue reading →

Despite his apparent loss, Republican candidate James DiStefano won praise from his party for the race in the 49th state Senate District. “He worked extremely hard. He was up against a very good candidate. He was out there campaigning; it’s … Continue reading →

In a clear victory, Democrat David Valesky won his third term as state senator in the 49th District. “We’re not done with change, we’re not finished with reform,” said Valesky from the Democrats’ party in Liverpool on Tuesday night. He … Continue reading →

In an overwhelming victory, Republican state Senator John DeFrancisco gets another two years in Albany. Before his unofficial victory on Tuesday, DeFrancisco was optimistic about getting another term. “I feel good. We ran a good campaign and I think we’ve … Continue reading →

An Election Day mostly untarnished by major problems made the voting quick and painless for many Onondaga County voters Tuesday. “Easy going, very nice.” (Abbey DiPlasido, Syracuse University senior) “It was very smooth sailing.” (Amaury Rivas, Syracuse University freshman) “It … Continue reading →

You probably won’t have a long to wait to cast your ballot on Election Day. That’s the prediction from local election officials — even though they’re expecting large numbers of voters at the polls. . The Onondaga County Board of … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAGNARELLIprofile.mp3] Thirteen years ago, William Magnarelli had an epiphany at a Christmas party. The revelation came to him after a former Syracuse Carrier Corporation employee bent Magnarelli’s ear about losing his job. “It got me thinking. Carrier left a knowledge … Continue reading →

[Anchor intro: So, where do you go on Tuesday — Election Day —to cast that ballot? Well, Onondaga County has 203 polling places. And how do you find out which one is yours? Democracywise’s Racquel Asa gives us a how … Continue reading →

Al Stirpe has been knocking on a lot of doors in the past few months. He hopes the grassroots support will get him a second shot in the State Assembly. Stirpe is the Democratic candidate for the 121st District Assembly … Continue reading →

Expect pleasant weather when you go to the polls on Tuesday. “As of today, the weather for next Tuesday in Central New York looks partly sunny and mild with high temperatures near 60 degrees Fahrenheit,” said local meteorologist Kevin Williams … Continue reading →

If you’re looking for a Democrat on Tuesday night, you’ll probably find him or her in Liverpool. You can find the Onondaga County Democrats and most of the county’s Democratic candidates in there. The Onondaga County Democratic Committee will be … Continue reading →

For Election Day, the College Republicans of Syracuse University will be eyeing the 25th Congressional race to see some results of their labor. “Every weekend beginning in September we’ve either done precinct-walking or call banks.  This weekend, we are walking … Continue reading →

Something you should NOT do on Election Day: Do not ask to take off whole work day. According to New York state election law – you’re only allowed 2 hours. Here’s the word from Ed Ryan, Democratic commissioner, Onondaga County … Continue reading →

Dale Sweetland looks to gain a few pounds during Tuesday’s election and the final minutes before it. “On Tuesday, he’ll start his day at the Dunbar breakfast in Syracuse at 7:30 a.m. He’ll make his way to the spaghetti supper … Continue reading →

Rallying for a final push, Onondaga County Republican Party will be campaigning until the last possible minute on Election Day. “We’re focusing on getting people out to vote,” said Carole Marsh, executive administrative assistant of the Onondaga County Republican Committee, … Continue reading →

Tried and tested voting machines will be the mainstay at Onondaga County polling places on Election Day. “Some of these lever machines are thirty or forty years old. They’re no longer even manufactured.” (Edward Ryan, Democratic commissioner of Onondaga County … Continue reading →

Two groups of young Democrats from Syracuse University will party separately on Election Night. First, the venerable College Democrats: President Abby DiPlacido says some of the group will be at Democrat Dan Maffei’s headquarters in downtown Syracuse. Maffei is running … Continue reading →

No car? No bus pass? No problem. To help voters across Onondaga County, several organizations are teaming up to offer rides to polling places throughout the greater Syracuse area. “We find that sometimes students or the elderly can’t always get … Continue reading →

It’s a pretty big “What if…?” Maybe not in the case of the 50th Senate District, where incumbent Republican John DeFrancisco is being challenged by an un-Google-able Carol Mulcahy. But in the case of the race between Republican John McCain … Continue reading →

First-time voters in the state of New York will need identification next Tuesday. Everyone else can just show up. If you have voted in the past, you do not have to bring any identification, both state and local Board of … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Election-Night-News-Zak.mp3] It’s election night: NBC is turning the Rockefeller Center ice rink into a giant electoral map. CBS has unpacked a wall’s worth of interactive touch screens. CNN is set to conduct live interviews with 3-D holograms of campaign spokespeople. … Continue reading →

Voters with children don’t have to leave their kids behind on Election Day this Tuesday. “You can bring your kids into the election booth with you,” said Joan Johnson, co-president of the Syracuse-area League of Women Voters. “In fact, I … Continue reading →

In a religion-and-politics twist, the Christian identity of Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama has been doubted, examined and challenged during the election season. Obama himself has repeatedly stressed his faith. “I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus … Continue reading →

Under blue skies and surrounded by apples, Republican Dave Knapp looks at ease. He’s at the LaFayette Apple Festival, sporting a blue shirt that reads “Dave Knapp for Assembly.” To many at the festival, he’s a familiar figure with deep … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MaffeiProfileRadioStory.mp3] Dan Maffei is a self-described nerd. He has a DVD collection of old television shows like “Star Trek” and “MASH” and “The Rockford Files.” He’s currently reading two books at once, both historical novels. And he insists he is … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAGNARELLI.mp3] For his big money in politics, Democratic Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli gets the most contributions from individuals and the city of Syracuse. In four months alone, Magnarelli collected $63,500dollars. That’s the findings from Magnarelli’s 2008 campaign finance reports on file … Continue reading →

Despite his popularity among young voters, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama isn’t getting much obvious financial support from students in Onondaga County. Sen. Obama (D-Ill.) is running against Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the Nov. 4 election. In a recent … Continue reading →

In a big-bucks election season, Democratic incumbent Joan Christensen is spending more than she’s raised to keep her seat in the 119th State Assembly District. Since Jan. 1, 2008, Christensen has spent $23,275.99 on her re-election campaign, according to reports … Continue reading →

In the money race, Democrat Dan Maffei, has already won for the 25th Congressional District. Maffei has broken the district’s record for campaign contributions with $2 million — out raising Republican nominee Dale Sweetland by well over $1.5 million. Sweetland’s … Continue reading →

William Banks’ first donation to a political campaign was a big one: $2,300. In May, Banks gave that to Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. It’s one of the largest single campaign contributions to Obama from Onondaga County this year. To … Continue reading →

Out of her own pocket, Republican Christina Fadden Fitch is bankrolling her run for the 119th District Assembly. So far, Fitch has raised only $650, according to campaign finance reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections. She … Continue reading →

The top political dollars for Democratic Assemblyman Al Stirpe are coming from his own party. That’s a hefty $214,000 from the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, according to campaign finance reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections. The … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Obama-SU-Zak.mp3] When it comes to dollars, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is cashing in with Syracuse University donors. For his campaign, SU workers — staff members, faculty, and administrators— have contributed $46,000, according to Federal Election Commission reports. The contributions … Continue reading →

[Anchor Intro: Dark horses. Rabblerousers. Dissenting voices. Spoilers. These are roles that third parties usually play in our politics. With the election looming, Democracywise reporter Leigh Paynter explores our local third parties and their influence.] Syracuse is home to an … Continue reading →

When it comes to tapping into the big bucks to run a campaign, Republican state Sen. John DeFrancisco of the 50th Senate District turns to political action committees, contributions from corporations and individuals in Onondaga County, as well as unions … Continue reading →

When it comes to serving constituents as a DeWitt town supervisor, James DiStefano had a simple trademark: The telephone call. “There’s absolutely no one who called who didn’t get a call back once, or twice, or three times,” he said. … Continue reading →

Republican Dale Sweetland says he wants to represent the 25th Congressional District because he feels Congress isn’t doing enough for people in the district. “I believe Congress has lost its compass over many, many years. Not just this Congress. They … Continue reading →

When President Ronald Reagan wanted to keep American forces in Lebanon for 18 more months, newly minted Republican Congressman John McCain – Navy veteran, son and grandson of admirals, prisoner of war – had a one-word answer: No. “He’s a … Continue reading →

Tireless. Fearless. But above all — friendly and familiar. That’s how friends and coworkers describe Assemblywoman Joan Christensen, the Democratic incumbent of the 119th Assembly District. “She’s just very willing to serve,” Diane Dwire, a friend and president of the … Continue reading →

For Democrat Barack Obama, the call for “change” is at least a 13-year-old mantra. “The political debate is now so skewed,” Obama told the Chicago Reader in 1995, while campaigning for Illinois Senate. “People are hungry for community; they miss … Continue reading →

For an upstart candidate, Christina Fadden Fitch is gaining an impressive list of endorsements for the 119th Assembly District seat. “Energetically reform-minded candidate,” as The Post-Standard put it in its endorsement. And that theme echoes from across a broad range … Continue reading →

For Howie Hawkins, the political glass ceiling is showing some cracks. “I have a chance to win,” said Hawkins, the enduring Green candidate for elected office in the Syracuse area. This time, he’s running as the Green Populist candidate for … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Biden-profile.mp3] Not a star student — but a loyal Orangeman. That’s how one of his former professors describes Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden. Thomas Marone is a professor at Syracuse University’s College of Law and taught Biden in his … Continue reading →