Category Archives: No Feature
25th = New 24th Congressional District: Buerkle-Maffei Rematch
In a new political landscape, some Central New York voters will see a rematch between U.S. Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, R-Onondaga Hill, and Democrat Dan Maffei of DeWitt for the recently redesigned 24th Congressional District. “It’s going to be a … Continue reading
More Sunshine Through the Web on Government
More information about what’s discussed at government meetings could be at the public’s fingertips under a recent change to New York’s open meetings law. “The law catches up with technology,” said Roy Gutterman, journalism professor and director of the Tully … Continue reading
The Homeless Get More Help Around Syracuse
Bright-colored blankets and sheets lay neatly folded at the foot of 24 beds in the overflow unit at the Rescue Mission. “We went to bunk beds this past winter and doubled from 12 to 24 beds,” said Charley Rhodes, the … Continue reading
What To Do About Hydrofracking’s Wastewater?
Millions of gallons of chemical wastewater are complicating the already-volatile debate over hydrofracking in New York. The unavoidly contaminated wastewater cannot be treated at normal sewage or water treatment facilities. Standard treatment facilities can remove bacteria and some toxic metals. … Continue reading
Boomerang Children & College Debt Can Hit Families Hard
Young people are moving back home in record numbers — thanks to the bad economy and, for some college graduates, too much college debt. And that’s adding to pressures on the whole family. “Families may feel stressed to make ends … Continue reading
Onondaga Lake Clean-Up Goes to the Bottom
The bottom of Onondaga Lake is being scraped to remove mercury and other chemicals in the next big phase of the lake’s cleanup. Dredging to take out the mercury will be a major environmental improvement, said Richard Smardon, an environmental … Continue reading
For the Disabled, Access Again to State Parks
For disabled New Yorkers, the great outdoors is open again — partly because of a special, tax-supported program. “We get closer to nature and have a greater appreciation for it,” said Keith Havis, site administrator at West Genesee Day Habilitation … Continue reading
New Evaluations for Some Teachers in Troubled Schools
Some teachers will be evaluated differently in Syracuse city schools this year. That’s to meet a state requirement to keep $11.5 million in grants for struggling schools in the Syracuse City School District. “It was something that we needed to … Continue reading
Murders Rise & Fall for City & County Over Decade
Six murders. That’s the number of murders in Syracuse in all of 2011, according to Syracuse Police. It compares to 15 murders in the city in 2010 — a drop of 60 percent. And it’s a decline that local officials … Continue reading
TRAC Feeds Government Accountability by Opening Records
Break open tons of government documents. Distill them into nuggets of understandable data. Serve in neatly-packaged reports. That is the recipe TRAC — or Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse — has followed for 23 years to give the public a chance … Continue reading
Controversial Bill Includes Women in Same-Sex Couples for Help Against Domestic Violence
Women in same-sex relationships could get help against domestic violence under a proposed change in a federal law. “Many same-sex couples cannot take advantage of programs because some states don’t allow them to be married,” said Kim Dill, the executive … Continue reading
Civil Liberties & Security at Odds in Surveillance of Muslim Students
When Muslim students at Syracuse University were being watched by the government, the surveillance highlighted the ongoing conflicts between civil liberties and national security. “Nobody wants to be on anybody’s list,” said Tanweer Haq, the Islamic chaplain at Hendricks Chapel … Continue reading
Tracking You Online: Privacy or Customer Service?
Google is watching you. And with recent changes in its privacy policy, Google has renewed a debate how Internet service providers like Google can collect and use the personal information routinely — and quietly — exposed on the web by … Continue reading
Two Sides of Same Coin: Minimum Wage
For single mother Yaumara Rodriguez, a minimum-wage hike means the difference between paying for gas or giving her daughters some new clothes. “Gas is very expensive,” Rodriguez said. “It’s almost what I make in an hour.” For business owner Jerry … Continue reading
To Feed a Family, Food Stamps Can Fall Short
For Tina Backus, feeding her family on the $243 a month in food stamps is nearly impossible. “It’s really, really hard at the end of the month,” said Backus, a single mom of four boys who can no longer work … Continue reading
Biking Gets Better, Safer with a Plan
Syracuse’s bike plan is beginning to show its stripes. From East Genesee Street to South Salina Street, bright new white lines identify bike lanes. They are the result of the city’s plan for an interconnected bicycling network. They are also … Continue reading
Making Syracuse a Work of Art
A giant serpent popping out of the concrete alongside a creek. A mural depicting people’s favorite aspects of Syracuse like snow-capped hills. A sculpture of a pair of bells to be rung to let go of lost love. Public art … Continue reading
A Win for Towns vs States on Hydrofracking
When two upstate New York towns won recent court victories about banning hydracking, they also won early battles about what’s called “home rule.” And the court rulings could have larger implications about controversies that pit one level of government against … Continue reading
Students Struggle with Repaying College Loans
More college students are failing to pay back their federal government loans. “The numbers show that people have had a hard time over the past couple of years with payments,” said Jane Glickman, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of … Continue reading
Technology in Schools a Growing Trend and Question
For students and parents of Cazenovia School District, technology is an everyday tool. Parents track attendance and grades with the online system PowerSchool. In 2011, the school purchased 40 iPads with federal stimulus dollars. Teachers use smart boards — interactive … Continue reading
Winter Choice: Salt in Water or Ice on Roads
Slippery, ice-coated roads — or more salt in the water table. Those are the trade-offs in the winter battle to keep roads open in Onondaga County and other snow-belt areas. “We constantly get calls from the public and environmentalists,” said … Continue reading
Public Funding a Symphony Still Unclear
The future of a symphony orchestra in Syracuse is hanging by a tax-payer string. Two groups are now seeking government funding to create a new symphony orchestra after an earlier orchestra went bankrupt and a philharmonic orchestra failed. Meanwhile, some … Continue reading
Scenes from New Hampshire primary 2012
Syracuse University graduate and undergraduate students spent Jan. 4-11 in New Hampshire. They were covering the primary for news outlets across the country. Here are some memorable moments from the trip.
For WATD Radio, Some Memories of Primary
For the week of the New Hampshire primaries, three Newhouse broadcast journalism students — Matt Porter, Amanda Watkins, and Jared Kraham — covered the election for WATD Radio in Marshfield, Mass. This is their final report — a sample of … Continue reading
Lessons from a New Hampshire Adventure
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012) — This is one crazy place. Hordes of reporters swarm to New Hampshire for the first-in-the-nation primary. After four years of studying journalism and political science from the classroom, I’ve been thrown into real-world reporting. … Continue reading
Scenes from Occupy New Hampshire
Democracywise reporter Ben Klein captured these scenes from the Occupy New Hampshire protest during Primary Week. (Ben Klein, a senior with dual majors in magazine journalism and political science at Syracuse University, is covering the New Hampshire primary for The … Continue reading
Romney Wins New Hampshire Primary
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney handily won the New Hampshire primary, delivering his victory speech by 8:30 p.m. with 37 percent of the vote. “Tonight we made history,” Romney said in his victory speech, according to the Associated Press. “The … Continue reading
No Political Exhaustion for N.H. Voters
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012) — Primary fatigue is not a disease in New Hampshire. Despite the daily campaign events, despite the wall-to-wall posters and placards, despite the hordes of journalists, New Hampshire residents still relish their role in choosing … Continue reading
Last Pitches for 2012 Primary Campaign
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/V_Kraham_LastDay_1_9_12PM.mp3|titles=V_Kraham_LastDay_1_9_12PM] NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012) — In the countdown to Primary Day, theRepublican candidates are racing around the state making their final cases to voters. WATD’s Jared Kraham has the details. Candidates have crammed their schedules with events in … Continue reading
Behind the Scenes with Press
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 7, 2012) — This is a glimpse behind the scenes into Manchester’s most frenetic club. It is open for one night only. Capacity is just over 700. On Friday, this club was packed with media from Denmark … Continue reading
From Rochester to New Hampshire a Journey into a Culture
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012) — When Greece-Arcardia ’82 high school sweethearts Bill and Jennifer Kretovic moved to New Hampshire in 1988, they made several engagements — and not just of the romantic kind. They got married. They moved into … Continue reading
Missourians Occupy New Hampshire
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 9, 2012)–Michael Shaughnessy of Kansas City, Mo., is making a New Hampshire statement with his artwork. It is a circular bail of hay on top of his car with signs that say “We are the 99 percent.’” … Continue reading
SU Alum a Player in NH Primary
HOLLIS, N.H. (Jan. 8, 2012) — “Money manager” Jim Luther knows New Hampshire politics, by way of the Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University. “New Hampshire is the filter for the nation,” said Luther, a state senator in New … Continue reading
Paladino to Campaign for Gingrich in New York; Others Take Advantage of NH’s Retail Politics
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan.7, 2012) — Political maverick Carl Paladino arrived from Buffalo, N.Y., in New Hampshire to start prepping for a new role as the Western New York campaign coordinator for the Newt Gingrich campaign. “I want to meet these … Continue reading
Virginians Cultivate New Hampshire Politics
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012)– For Richmond-native Britt Curley, this is — in the campaign’s slogan — “Newt Hampshire.” She’s excited, Curley said, to help Newt Gingrich try to win the GOP presidential nomination and beat President Barack Obama in … Continue reading
Being a Neighbor is Good Politics for Romney
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012) — For Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney, being a neighbor to New Hampshire is mostly a good thing. Romney was governor of neighboring Massachusetts from 2003 to 2007. And that accounts at least partially for … Continue reading
A Good Haircut for a Good Cause
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/S12-HairBiz.mp3|titles=S12 HairBiz] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012)—A $400 hair cut is still on list of services at the Hair Biz Salon. The high-priced cut dates back to 2008 when then-Sen. John Edwardswas running for the Democratic nomination. Edwards was famous … Continue reading
Music of Note in New Hampshire
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012) — Forget Jay-Z. Forget Alicia Keys. In New Hampshire, it’s all about The Super Secret Project and its anthem to New Hampshire pride, “The Granite State of Mind.” “I’ve done shows when an 80-year-old woman … Continue reading
Globe Goes for Huntsman
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/S12-Kraham-Globe.mp3|titles=S12 Kraham Globe] NEWPORT, N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012) — The Boston Globe has endorsed Jon Huntsman in the Republican presidential race. WATD’s Jared Kraham is following the Huntsman campaign and has the details: “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our 157th … Continue reading
What Makes New Hampshire Special?
TILTON, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — Margo Weeks likes to look presidential candidates in the eye and ask tough questions to determine whether she trusts them. In New Hampshire, she can do exactly that. “You really get a chance to … Continue reading
Boundless Energy for a Democrat Running in New Hampshire
NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — Bob Greene has the answer to the energy crisis. It’s cheap, available and it’s domestic. “It’s like uranium, only better. In almost every single aspect, it’s far better,” he said. Greene is running for … Continue reading
What Makes New Hampshire Different
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/S12-PORTER-Story1.mp3|titles=S12 PORTER Story1] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — People taking a break at Concord’s Barley House tavern, also known as Campaign Central, say their state deserves the honor it’s held for over almost 60 years. “A candidate wants to … Continue reading
Young Voters Drawn to New Hampshire
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — Just nine days after George Cox graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas this December, he joined Jon Huntsman’s campaign in Manchester, N.H. “Huntsman has foreign policy experience, business experience, a history of … Continue reading
A Warm Welcome for Santorum
TILTON, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — Rick Santorum rode his swell of popularity and media attention from Iowa through central New Hampshire Thursday afternoon. Santorum, who is campaigning as a staunch conservative, finished just 8 votes behind front-runner Mitt Romney … Continue reading
Newport Booms With Politics
NEWPORT, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — The Village of Newport isn’t much bigger than the Village of Manlius — unless a presidential candidate is visiting. When a politician like Mitt Romney rolls into town, for example, Newport — normal normal … Continue reading
Iowa? New Hampshire Voters Make Up Their Own Minds
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — Even after Iowa, many New Hampshire voters are still undecided on their presidential choice. A small random sampling on Thursday in Manchester found some New Hampshire voters were impressed by Rick Santorum, who came … Continue reading
Santorum Aims for 1st Place
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/S12-Watkins-story1-Santorum2.mp3|titles=S12 Watkins story1 Santorum] NORTHFIELD, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — After coming in second in the Iowa caucuses, Rick Santorum is getting a second look from New Hampshire voters this week. WATD’s Amanda Watkins was in Northfield talking to voters … Continue reading
Blue Plate Special: Santorum
TILTON, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — In the best tradition of diner politics, the Tilt’n Diner sees candidates come and go. Kyoko Cate, a waitress at the Tilt’n Diner, judges candidates by where they go in the diner. “My son, … Continue reading
Elm Street: Where Politics and Business Meet
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 5, 2012) — Cupcakes for Newt Gingerich. Headquarters for most of the Republican presidential candidates. Sightings of just about all them. Those are all along Elm Street, an intersection of politics and business. In a snow flurry … Continue reading
New Hampshire a Primary Culture
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 6, 2012) — On behalf of their fellow Americans, New Hampshire voters are getting up close, personal and tough with the Republican presidential candidates in pursuit of the state’s primary on Jan. 10. “New Hampshirites are acting … Continue reading
Health Insurance Again a Question Mark for Millions
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
Many Vets Face Quiet Struggles After Coming Home
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
Obesity a Growing Health Threat
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
Hydrofracking Yeilds Split View of Benefits & Dangers
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
Food Stamps a Red-Tape Lifeline for the Hungry
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
Students’ Debt a Drag on Future’s Dreams
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
Learning English: Adult Immigrants & Refugees
“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
Unemployment Hits The Young with More Challenges
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
School Lunches Get New Menu & Concerns
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
High-Speed Rail Off the Tracks for Now
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
Veterans’ Face Challenges in Job Market
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
County District 6: Plochocki Win a “Dream”
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
County District 6: Shelley Loses for Dems
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
Common Council District 4: Bey Claims Seat for Dems over Green’s Hawkins
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
County District 4: Tassone Optimistic with Slim Lead
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
County District 15: McMahon a Quiet Winner for GOP
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
County District 7: Liedka Cautiously Excited by Lead
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
County District 8: In Losing, Corso Still Gave Voters a Choice
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
County District 4: Stott Behind by 31 Votes
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
County District 7: Dadey Trails by 133 Votes
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
County District 15: Democrat English Loses
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
County District 8: Ryan Wins for Dems
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
County District 4: Stott on Issues
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
County District 4: Tassone on Issues
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
County District 6: Shelley on Issues
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
County District 7: Dadey on Issues
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
County District 7: Liedka on Issues
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
County District 8: Ryan on Issues
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
County District 8: Corso on Issues
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
County District 15: English on Issues
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
County District 15: McMahon on Issues
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
Common Council 4: Hawkins on Issues
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
Common Council 4: Bey on Issues
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
County District 4: $ for Stott
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
County District 4: $ for Tassone
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
County District 6: $ for Shelley
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
County District 6: $ for Plochocki
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
County District 7: $ for Dadey
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
County District 7: $ for Liedka
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
County District 8: $ for Ryan
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
County District 8: $ for Corso
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
County District 15: $ for English
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
County District 15: $ for McMahon
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
Common Council 4: $ for Hawkins
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
Common Council 4: $ for Bey
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
Common Council 4: Hawkins for Green Party
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
Common Council 4: Bey for Dems
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
County District 4: Stott for Dems
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
County District 4: Tassone for GOP
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
County District 6: Plochocki for GOP
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
County District 6: Shelley for Dems
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
County District 7: Dadey for Dems
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
County District 7: Liedka for GOP
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
County District 8: Larry Corso for GOP
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
County District 8: Chris Ryan for Dems
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
County District 15: English for Dems
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
County District 15: McMahon for GOP
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
Voting 101: How to Have a Voice in Democracy
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
County Legislature Election Gets a Make-Over with New Faces
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
County-Wide View of Districts & Candidates: All 17 Up for Election
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
County Open Seats Give Voters New Choices
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
Top Three County Offices Uncontested: Mahoney, Fitzpatrick & Antonacci
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
Common Council Big Picture is Close-Up Politics
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
Common Council Roundup: All Seats Up for Election
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
Councilors-at-Large: Two Dems & Two GOP Joy, Hudson, Rotondo & Schmeling
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
City Auditor Candidates: Kimatian and Masterpole
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
Three Candidates Run for City Court Judge
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
School Board to Get 4 New Faces; 7 Candidates Want the Jobs
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
Voters’ Voices
“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
Voters’ Voices
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
Voters’ Voices
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
Voters’ Voices
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
Voters’ Voices
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
Voters’ Voices
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
Voters’ Voices
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
Voters’ Voices
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
Voters’ Voices
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
Voters’ Voices
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
Voters’ Voices
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
2010 Census Shows Changing Face of Syracuse
Syracuse has slowed its population drain. Since 2000, the city has lost only 1.5 percent of its population, according to the 2010 Census. That stops a three-decade trend of flight out of Syracuse. And it’s a triumph of public programs … Continue reading
NPR: Cherished & Controversial
Amy Kremenek begins her morning with public radio. “I wake up with morning news on WAER,” said Kremenek, 41, a chief public affairs officer at the Onondaga Community College. WAER is the public radio station in Syracuse, part of the … Continue reading
CNY Professors’ Political $ Mostly Blue
When Malcolm Ingram chipped in $2,000 to help elect Democrats to Congress in 2010, he was part of a college tradition in Central New York. “I think it’s important, who’s running the country,” said Ingram, a drama professor at Syracuse … Continue reading
Local GOP Looking to Brighter Future
After several years of financial struggles and fractured leadership, the Onondaga County Republican Committee is staking a claim on a better future. That’s thanks to new leadership, a united political front and a large contribution by a single donor, according … Continue reading
For Children in Poverty, a Struggle for a Better Future
Four-year-old Carlos Lopez’s favorite food is tacos, but he can’t always have them. At the end of most months, when things like milk and bread run out, tacos are not high on the list priorities for his mother, Karrema Jones. … Continue reading
A Rainy-Day Clean-Up Plan
To help clean up Lake Onondaga, the county is trying to “Save the Rain.” “It will improve the water quality by preventing polluted water from getting into Onondaga Lake,” said BJ Adigun, project manager with CH2M Hill construction company. It … Continue reading
Home-Style Care for the Elderly Delayed
A shift to more home-like nursing homes won’t happen any time soon for Onondaga County. Plans to build small residential-style Green Houses in Cicero have been canceled for financial and planning reasons, Loretto, the largest local provider of long-term care, … Continue reading
New Political Landscape for Gay Marriage in New York?
Gay-marriage advocates are taking hope for a new gay-marriage bill from a new governor, new coalitions, new strategies and new public attitudes. But opponents suggest the advocates are misreading the political landscape. “You see so many new stories spinning momentum … Continue reading
Cyber-Bullying A Growing Threat & a Free-Speech Dilemma
One out of every five students has been a target of cyber-bullying. That jarring statistic is from the Cyberbullying Research Center, an online clearinghouse created by two scholars studying online behavior. And it is one of sparks for state lawmakers … Continue reading
Pioneering Political Women a CNY Tradition
In a region rich with feminist history, four recently elected women are following in some big political footsteps. In Central New York, U.S. Rep. Ann Marie Buerkle, R-Onondaga Hill, and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., represent voters in Congress. And Syracuse’s … Continue reading
For Grassroots, $ Hard to Grow; Dems Give Time & Energy
Money is tight for the Onondaga County Democratic Committee leading in to the elections this November. As of late April 2010, the committee is $3,105 in debt, according to the most recent data from the New York State Board of … Continue reading
Changing Lives by Saying Yes
For 18-year-old David Minney, the steppingstone into a private university is the Say Yes to Education Program. “It provided more incentive to continue my education,” said Minney. Minney is one of 80 students at Syracuse University and among 1,000 Syracuse … Continue reading
William Fitzpatrick Interview
“When you say new blood that usually means there’s a greater level of enthusiasm. You’re not going to find anyone more enthusiastic than me – no matter how old I am.” “If anyone comes to me with a hypothetical case, … Continue reading
District Attorney: Fitzpatrick for 6th Term
Click Here for Audio For the county’s top law-enforcement job, incumbent Republican William Fitzpatrick is the sole choice for voters as of early spring. Fitzpatrick has announced he is seeking his sixth term as district attorney. If re-elected, he said … Continue reading
County Legislature Districts To Get New Boundaries
Two must go. That’s how many representatives the Onondaga County Legislature will lose under a redesign — or redistricting — of the county’s legislative districts. The reasons: Shifts in the county’s population revealed in the 2010 Census and a push … Continue reading
County Executive: Mahoney Alone for Now
Click Here for Audio Voters so far have only one choice for county executive in Onondaga County: incumbent Republican Joanie Mahoney. As she seeks her second term, Mahoney says she will mainly focus on creating jobs in the county. “We … Continue reading
County Comptroller: Antonacci Seeks Re-Election
For the county’s top money manager, incumbent Robert Antonnacci is the only candidate expressing interest so far for the fall election. Antonacci, a Republican and resident of Salina, is seeking re-election as the Onondaga County comptroller. “As an incumbent, I … Continue reading
Education Commissioners: Four Seats to Fill in Fall
Syracuse students can look forward to fresh faces in the city’s education administration this fall. Four of the seven seats on the Syracuse City School District Board of Education will be up for election on Nov. 8. As of April … Continue reading
City Auditor: Masterpole in the Race
For watching the city’s finances, voters so far have only one choice for city auditor in the November election. As of late March, the only candidate expressing interest in the office was County Legislator Marty Masterpole, D-Syracuse. He represents the … Continue reading
Common Council District 4: Khalid Bey Only Potential Candidate Now
Voters so far have only one potential choice for the open seat for Common Council District 4 in November’s election. As of April 1, local author, businessman, and political organizer Khalid Bey is the only candidate to express interest to … Continue reading
Common Council District 2: Hogan Runs Again
Voters in Common Council District 2 are limited so far in their choices at the voting booth in November. As of April 1, incumbent Pat Hogan D-Syracuse is running unopposed for the district’s Common Council seat. “I’m running again. My … Continue reading
County Legislature: All Seats Up for Election
Voters will choose occupants for every seat in the Onondaga County Legislature on Nov. 8. But it’s not yet clear how many seats that will be. The county is being re-districted and is expecting to lose two districts — going … Continue reading
At-Large Common Council: Four Early Choices for Voters
Four Democrats are now voters’ choices for two at-large common councilors’ seats in the November 2011 elections. They are the incumbent Kathleen Joy, D-Eastwood; Pamela Hunter, who was recently appointed to the council; Helen Hudson, a long-time anti-gun advocate; and Julius Edwards, … Continue reading
Common Council District 3: Incumbent McMahon Considers Run for County
Choices are uncertain for voters in Common Council District 3 for the November 2011 election. The incumbent, Ryan McMahon, R-Syracuse, is unsure whether he’ll seek re-election for a fourth term. Instead, he said, he may run for a seat in … Continue reading
Common Council District 5: Now One Choice — Incumbent Maroun
Voters so far have only once choice for Common Councilor in District 5: incumbent Nader Maroun, D-Syracuse. And as he seeks his second term, Maroun is promising to focus on the economy and education. “Challenges we face as elected officials … Continue reading
Common Council District 1: Novice Candidate vs. Youngest Councilor
A political newcomer plans to challenge a one-term Republican incumbent for the District 1 Common Council seat in November. The newcomer is Robert Marks, 58, a substance abuse counselor who has submitted a letter of interest in the District 1 … Continue reading
Ad Campaign for Gay & Lesbian Tourists on Hold
Budget limitations have stalled a specialized ad campaign in Onondaga County that would include the area’s first a gay-friendly tourism strategy. “Once our budget stabilizes we will be able to reach our to special interest and niche groups, including the … Continue reading
Sculptor Takes His Art to the Streets
For Brendan Rose, the streets of Syracuse are his art gallery. “Having art in the urban fabric is critical,” says Rose, “for having a healthy, functioning urban environment.” Rose, 35, an adjunct industrial design professor at Syracuse University, is Syracuse’s … Continue reading
For Teen Moms, Poverty Can Be A Trap
Ruth Williams was 17 when she became pregnant with the first of her four children. That year she dropped out of Corcoran High School, began taking Young Mothers Educational Development classes, got married and got her GED. She also began … Continue reading
Budget Woes Threaten City School Sports
No new uniforms. Less travel. Shorter schedules. Fewer teams. Those are among the ways that Syracuse high schools may have to cope with athletic budget cuts, says a key athletic official. “We’ve had a number of meetings to come up … Continue reading
Nanotech Center Still in the Works for Syracuse
The $28-million Syracuse venture into nanotechnology is still in the works despite state budget problems, say supporters. “We’re very pleased that our partners in Albany remain committed to this project and see its enormous potential for attracting new companies and … Continue reading
Cultural Festivals Caught in Budget Crunches
Syracuse’s cultural festivals come with a hefty price tag. It takes $50,000 to run the three-day long Polish Festival. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade costs $30,000. And $50,000 is the cost of the nine hours of the Latin American Festival. … Continue reading
Project Sunshine Sheds Light on County Spending
A $450 round-trip flight to Toronto for an Onondaga County industrial development specialist. Meals for $213 during a three-day trip to Washington, D.C, for a county economic project manager. A travel bill totaling $5,048 over six days on a trip … Continue reading
Centro Riders To Come In From the Cold
For Mary Sullivan, Centro’s downtown bus hub can’t come soon enough. It will be good, she says, to come in out of the cold. “Last week was really bad,” said Sullivan, 21, of North Syracuse and a housekeeper at the … Continue reading
Landowners Sometimes Can’t Say No to Natural Gas Drilling
A natural gas drilling company can legally drill under your land — even without your permission. Under New York State law, if enough of your neighbors sign a lease with a company, that company has the right to drill under … Continue reading
SUNY Schools Worry About $ Cuts from State
Higher student fees. Larger class sizes. Fewer classes to choose from. Fewer professors to teach them. These are some of the possible actions local state colleges say they may have to take if Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s proposed state budget cuts … Continue reading
Say Yes Supporters Hold Out Hope for Federal $
Despite threats to its federal funding, Say Yes to Education will survive in Syracuse, say local officials. “Budget cuts will not change anything. We will adjust our fundraising strategies and continue moving forward,” said Susan Dutch, director of marketing and … Continue reading
Natural Gas Drilling Worries Some in CNY
Some residents of rural Central New York say gas drilling companies are ruining their pristine environment. One of those people is lawyer Jane Welsh. She is also a member of Citizens for Safe Energy, a group of concerned residents in … Continue reading
New Faces of Poverty in Syracuse
Poverty is striking new and different people in Syracuse, say experts. “People who, two years ago, never would have been struggling are accessing Food Stamps simply to keep food on the table,” says Denise Harlow, CEO of the New York … Continue reading
Controversial Video Gets Calm Reception in Syracuse
With a video of ants crawling over a crucifix, the Syracuse art community has joined a worldwide protest against censorship. “It’s been a really hard-fought battle to get work like this in public,” said Rose Viviano, director of ArtRage gallery. … Continue reading
Alliances for Gay & Straight Students Offer Support
With the blessing from school district officials, a local advocacy group is aiming to strengthen support for gay and lesbian students in Syracuse public high schools this spring. Their method is what are called “gay-straight alliances” — student groups or … Continue reading
Near Westside Gets Help for Entrepreneurs
Aspiring businesses in Syracuse’s Westside Community will get a jump-start, thanks to a new program to help entrepreneurs. “We’re projecting the creation of five new businesses and 10 new jobs here in the first two years,” said Michael Short, deputy … Continue reading
GPS Upgrade to Speed Up Air Travel
Click Here for Audio Reducing flight delays is the goal of a program to update air traffic-control technology at Syracuse Hancock International Airport and others nationwide. The Federal Aviation Administration wants to replace old radar systems with upgraded GPS technology … Continue reading
Unity for Diverse Students at Cicero-North High School
After Daniel Ciciarelli’s first Umoja meeting, he was hooked. A football teammate had invited him to the after-school club at Cicero-North Syracuse High School. At the meeting, Cicarelli recalled, club members talked about their struggles as minorities, about their different … Continue reading
Lobbyists Crusade for Causes & Clients
Syracuse has a new champion in Albany’s legislative halls — and his name is Dan McNally. “I’m working to be sure our city has a presence and a voice on a large stage,” said McNally in a phone interview from … Continue reading
Some For-Profit Schools Fight New Federal Regs
How for-profit colleges operate is at the heart of a bitter fight between the colleges’ trade association and the federal government. Last fall, the U.S. Department of Education announced that it will apply 13 new rules to regulate for-profit schools. … Continue reading
Snow Effect on Transportation? Slow, Slow, Slow
Getting around has slowed down in Central New York’s bad weather. Highway traffic slowed to a crawl and many drivers have collided with each other or the ditch. Some buses made detours, leaving many bus-riders waiting in the cold. Amtrak … Continue reading
Empire State Winter Games Win, with Help of Three Fans
For young New York athletes, the Empire State Winter Gameswill continue— thanks to the fundraising efforts of three life-long fans. “We were looking at the loss to the young athletes of New York State and what this event means to … Continue reading
Helping Parents Help Students
Wanted: More Parents. “Parent involvement to me is day-to-day engagement,” says Richard Strong, president of the Syracuse City school board and father of two children in city schools. The Syracuse City School District is hoping to attract more parents’ attention … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “Ratify this healthcare system, which I don’t understand. I know you can probably go online and find out more about it, but they’re not really telling people what it covers, doesn’t cover. Places I worked for, … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “I am engaged to a woman, so right now we are jumping through hoops trying to figure out where we can be married and what we can pull off. A lot of the friends I have … Continue reading
Voices
“I mean it’d be nice if poor people weren’t quite as poor. And if everybody was a little happier, it’d be nice.” (Jeremiah Clifford, 30, of Syracuse, unaffiliated with a political party) “I’m hoping that the new government will find … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “I believe in affordable healthcare for everybody. I believe in protecting our environment. I believe that the government is responsible for that.” (Abigail Scaduto, 30, of Tipperary Hill neighborhood, works at the Museum of Science and … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “It’d be nice to see a time when people are not taxed unduly and we’re reaching a point where the average individual is paying more than 50 percent of their income in taxes. At this point, … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “When it comes to politics, there’s two places that get hit really hard — the young and the old. The young people because they don’t have a voice — they’re not allowed to have a voice. … Continue reading
Voices
“More funding for public libraries. More funding for schools.” (Christine Richie, under 30, of Kirkville, full-time clerk at Beauchamp Public Library “The four public high schools in Syracuse, in the city, are in the lowest ten percent of the state … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “All this money that a lot of these people are making, why can’t somebody take some cuts? Why can’t the government take some of these cuts on the Republican side and the Democrat side? Just don’t … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “I would like the government to stop spending and start getting people jobs and helping the handicapped. I’d rather see them spend it on things they know is going to work. I don’t want them spending … Continue reading
Voices
“Employment. It affects everybody. When there isn’t enough money out there, everybody feels it.” (Maurice Kroho, owner of Student Choice, Marshall Street) “I think healthcare can definitely be improved. I’m going into healthcare as a career and I think there … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “That they spend within their means, attack the deficit, that they create a business environment where people would be hired for getting jobs and that they retain or increase their credibility.” (Ray Rudolph, 58, of Manlius, … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “I care about people living on the streets. I care very much about homeless people and politically, Republicans don’t seem to care a damn about these people, how they’re going to get medical. As long as … Continue reading
Voices
Click Here for Audio “Definitely national healthcare. There’s a lot of deaths that can be avoided. A lot of young deaths, a lot of people who can’t afford health insurance. There should be a safety net in place. People should … Continue reading
Nancy Austin: “Mom” for Military Students at Newhouse
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
Libertarians Counting Their Successes
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
OCC Copes with Budget Cuts
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 in Federal Buildings? Why Not?
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
For Women Veterans, VA Expands Services
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
For LGBT Elderly, Sage Advocates for Change
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
Boxing Hall of Fame Draws Tourists, Not State $ This Year
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
Education in Jail Helps to Stay Out of Jail
[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
No Kid Left Out of Health Insurance for Pre-Existing Conditions
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
Somali Bantu: A Learning Community
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
Homeless Shelters See Growing Need
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
Arts & Cultural Programs Get $
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
Religious Displays Get Protection from New Law
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
Safety Reminders for Holiday Flyers
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
Tan Tax No Brake on Bronzing
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
Center Creates New Americans
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
Food-Safety Overhaul Lingering in Congress
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
The Meaning of Home
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
New Idea for Caring for the Elderly: Home
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
Rudolph Teaches Art to Special Audience
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
Historic Church Under Renovation
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
A New Ice Age Ready at Sunnycrest Rink
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
Farmers Caught in State Budget Crunch
[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
Adult Children Get New Insurance Protection
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
Surveillance Cameras Raise Concern for Immigrants
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
Syracuse Draws More Tourists
[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
Holiday Decorations Okay for Public Money
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
Women Rule! Three Hold Top Local Public Offices
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
New Rules Aim to Help Students Get “Gainful Employment,” Especially for those at For-Profit Schools
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
For Inmates, Jail Ministry Lends an Ear and a Voice
“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
Render Unto Ceasar? Taxes Unclear on Business in Former Church
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
Landmark Theatre to Return to Glory Days
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
Digital-Age Campaign Tools Go Social
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
Veterans Get Education as Thank-You from Taxpayers
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
Outsourcing Jail Health Care Draws Concerns
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
Ad Campaign Promotes Ethics & Values Without Religion
“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
Financial Aid Gets Cheaper for Taxpayers, Easier for Students
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
A Line Gives Time for the Greens
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
Budget Cuts Bench Freshmen Across CNY
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
A Colder Winter for Some Families Without HEAP
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
Federal $ Means Things Are Looking Up for Hancock Airport
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
25th Congressional District: Maffei Ahead for Dems on Election Night; Concedes Later
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
25th Congressional District: Buerkle Trailing for GOP; Wins later
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
50th Senate District: Joy Loses for Dems
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
50th Senate District: DeFrancisco Wins for GOP
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
49th Senate District: Valesky Holds On For Dems
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
49th Senate District: Russo Off-Key for GOP
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
121st Assembly District: Miller Holds Slim Lead for GOP
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
121st Assembly District: Stirpe Trailing in Tight Race
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
120th Assembly District: Magnarelli Returns for Dems
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
120th Assembly District: Guy Loses for GOP
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
119th Assembly District: Roberts Wins for Dems
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
119th Assembly District: Sharon Comes in 2nd for GOP
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
119th Assembly District: Fitch Marks Loss with Friends Among Conservative Party
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
For Sheriff: Challengers Not Successful, Again
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
For Sheriff: Walsh Wins Again
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
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
Election 2010 a Green Moment for Hawkins in Gov’s Race
(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
$ for 25th Congressional District: Dan Maffei
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
$ for 25th Congressional District: Ann Marie Buerkle
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
$ for 50th Senate District: John DeFrancisco
(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
$ for 50th Senate District: Kathleen Joy
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
$ for 49th Senate District: Dave Valesky
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 49th Senate District: Andrew Russo
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 121st Assembly District: Al Stirpe
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
$ for 121st Assembly District: Donald Miller
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
$ for 120th Assembly District: William Magnarelli
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
$ for 120th Assembly District: Rick Guy
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
$ for 119th Assembly District: John Sharon
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 119th Assembly District: Christina Fitch
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
$ for 119th Assembly District: Sam Roberts
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 Sheriff: Toby Shelley
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
$ for Sheriff: Joe Price
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
$ for Sherrif: Kevin Walsh
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
25th Congressional District: Incumbent Dan Maffei for Dems
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
25th Congressional District: Challenger Anne Marie Buerkle for GOP
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
50th Senate District: Incumbent John DeFrancisco for GOP
(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
50th Senate District: Kathleen Joy Challenges for Dems
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
49th Senate District: Incumbent Dave Valesky for Dems
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
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
121st Assembly District: Incumbent Al Stirpe for Dems
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
121st Assembly District: Donald Miller for GOP
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
120th Assembly District: William Magnarelli for Dems
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
120th Assembly District: Rick Guy for GOP
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
119th Assembly District: Sam Roberts for Dems
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
119th Assembly District: Christina Fadden Fitch for Conservative Party
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
119th Assembly District: John Sharon for GOP
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
Sheriff: Toby Shelley for Working Families
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
Sheriff: Joe Price on Dems ballot line
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
Sheriff: Incumbent Kevin Walsh for GOP
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
How to Register to Vote
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
New Voting Machines: Goodbye, Lever
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
Governor: Dem Cuomo vs Paladino for GOP &… Hawkins for Green; Redlich for Libertarians; Davis for Anti-Prohibition
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
Senior Senator: Schumer for Dems; Townsend for GOP
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
Junior Senator: Dems’ Gillibrand vs DioGuardi for GOP
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
Attorney General: Schneiderman for Dems; Donovan for GOP
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
23rd Congressional District: Dem Owens vs Doheny for GOP & Hoffman for Conservative Party
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
24th Congressional District: Arcuri for Dems vs Hanna for GOP
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
25th Congressional District: Dem Maffei vs Buerkle for GOP
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
49th Senate District: Valesky vs Russo
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
50th state Senate District: DeFrancisco for GOP vs Joy for Dems
(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
119th Assembly District: Roberts for Dems; Sharon for GOP; Fitch for Conservatives; Donnelly for Greens
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
120th Assembly District: Magnarelli for Dems, Guy for GOP
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
121st Assembly District: Stirpe for Dems & Miller for GOP
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
Sheriff: Walsh vs Price & Shelley
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
“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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
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
Voters Voices: Election 2010
“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
The $: Meyer, R, for County District 3
For campaign dollars, Republican William “Bill” Meyer, the 20-year incumbent, is trailing his challenger for the District 3 seat in the Onondaga County Legislature. Democrat Ed Szczesniak has raised almost twice as much campaign money as Meyer, according to campaign … Continue reading
County District 3: Democrat Ed Szczesniak, the Challenger
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
County District 3: Republican Bill Meyer, the Incumbent
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
For County District 2: Democrat Donna Marsh O’Connor
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
For Country District 2: Republican John Dougherty
“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
The $: Miner, D, for Mayor
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
The $: Kimatian, R, for Mayor
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
The $: Jennings, Conservative Party, for Mayor
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
The $: Denno, D, for Common Council At-Large
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 $: Villarreal, R, for Common Councilor At-Large
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
The $: Kessner, D, for Common Council At-Large
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
The $: Rayo, R, for Common Council District 1
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
The $: Heagerty, D, for Common Council District 1
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
The $: Szczesniak, D, for County District 3
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
The $: O’Connor, D, for County District 2
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
The $: Dougherty, R, for County District 2
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
Fact-Check: Kimatian a Bit Too Optimistic on Curfew Challenges
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
Fact-Check: Miner Gets Much Credit for Say Yes $
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
Fact-Check: Kimatian Banking on Land Bank
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
Fact-Check: Miner on Destiny – Would Be Right If…
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
Fact-Check: Jennings A Bit of Overstatement on Crime; Violence Against Immigrants More Visible in the News
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
Fact-Check: Miner Right on Homeowners’ Insurance
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
Fact-Check: Kimatian Overly Optimistic about Curfew & Safety
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
Fact-Check: Jennings Accurate on School Portrait
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
Fact-Check: Kimatian on the Money in Small Biz Economic Role
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
Fact-Check: Miner Confusing But Accurate on STAR Role
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
Fact-Check: Jennings Makes Good Call on After-School Programs
[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
Two for the Bench: Candidates for Onondaga County Court Judge
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
Common Council Has Field of Choices for Voters
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
Third Parties Bring Variety to Elections, Democracy
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
New Voting Machines Give the Disabled More Options
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
Dems Gaining Ground for County Legislature
[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
Education Commission Candidates Hope to Make the Grade with Voters
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
Away on Election Day? Vote by Absentee Ballot
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
GOP Newcomer for Mayor: Steve Kimatian; Jennings Stays in Race for Conservative Party
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 the Dems Choice for Mayor
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
Order at the Polls: Election Inspectors Serve Democracy
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
Power Without a Vote: Common Council President
[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
First Step Toward the Polls: How to Register to Vote
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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
Voters’ Voices 09
[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
Voters’ Voices ’09
[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
District 3: Republican Meyer Runs to Keep Seat
Bill Meyer remembers waking up to find a parking ticket on his beat-up ‘64 Chevy Malibu. It was that cold November morning that he realized he wanted to get into politics. “I didn’t think giving me the ticket was the … Continue reading
District 3 Race ’09: Szczesniak Is Challenger for Dems
Lieutenant colonel in the army. Long-time veteran of Democratic politics in Onondaga County. A resume of management experience. “I have a range of experience to look at things from different perspectives,” said Ed Szczesniak. “All of my experiences have taught … Continue reading
Mayor’s Race ’09: Miner Follows Family Tradition for Dems
A presidential bag of peanuts brought Stephanie Miner into politics. In 1976, when she was six years old, Miner recalls, she went to a political party with her maternal grandmother, Betty Cooney. Cooney, then a Democratic ward chair in Syracuse, … Continue reading
Mayor’s Race ’09: Davis Follows Faith for Dems’ Challenge
For Alfonso Davis, running for mayor of Syracuse is a leap of faith. The decision came to him, he recalls, sitting in his hotel room at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. “I was getting dressed on a Tuesday morning … Continue reading
Mayor’s Race ’09: Kimatian Challenges for GOP Nomination
In 1980, Steve Kimatian, then a lawyer, lost the race for Maryland’s state legislature. “It was tough losing. It was the type of campaign which was very street oriented. It was door to door, street by street, and voter by … Continue reading
Mayor’s Race ’09: Nicoletti Returns to Democratic Politics
In a return to politics, Democrat Joe Nicoletti is aiming for Syracuse’s top job as mayor. “I’m more seasoned and prepared. I have a complete plan for a better Syracuse,” Nicoletti said. Nicoletti is one of five candidates running for … Continue reading
Issue: The Uninsured Get Renewed Attention
Imagine not being able to get the proper medicine for allergies. Or think about not being able to get an MRI if you get hurt doing routine repairs around the house. Or picture your child not getting the proper care … Continue reading
Issue: Education Gap Still Hurts Students
For too many students, the education gap remains stubbornly wide. “We know that there is an overwhelming achievement gap between urban and suburban school districts,” said Cynthia Kirby, vice president of the Syracuse school board. “There are more children in … Continue reading
Issue: Medicare in Poor Financial Health
Every time Betty Coyle of Syracuse needs to have surgery or has to pay doctor’s bill, she has something to rely upon. “Medicare just really takes care of everything for me,” Coyle said. “I haven’t had any problems with it.” … Continue reading
Issue: Obesity Becoming an Epidemic
Symptoms: Too many couch potatoes. Too many potato chips. Not enough exercise. Diagnosis: An obesity epidemic. “It’s a big concern,” says Rachel Murphy, a registered dietician with the Onondaga County Health Department. “We certainly have a lot of work to … Continue reading
Issue: Foreclosures Set Records
Local homeowners are facing foreclosure at record rates, as the economy continues to falter. But, despite those record home foreclosures, Syracuse fares better than much of the country. “Syracuse wasn’t exempt. But we didn’t have a catastrophe either,” said David … Continue reading
Tax Credit Helps Many, Especially in Hard Times
Tax time can pay off big time for some Central New Yorkers. “One lady walked out of here with $11,500 more than she expected,” said Elaine Fartwell, the tax program coordinator for P.E.A.C.E. Inc., which stands for People’s Equal Action … Continue reading
Issue: Stem-Cell Research Renewed — Along with Ethical Qualms, Debate
Alzheimer’s. Diabetes. Cancer. Gone. Non-existent. All of them. “In theory, stem cells literally have the ability to cure diseases without side effects,” said Peter Brink, a stem-cell researcher at Stony Brook University on Long Island, N.Y. Brink and other researchers … Continue reading
Empire State Games: No Home Fields
The Empire State Games has lost its host site and now has nowhere to play. The group organizing the venues for the games — the Hudson Valley Local Organizing Committee — has told New York state that it will not … Continue reading
Human Rights Commission Shines a Light on Discrimination
In the fight against discrimination, the front line is often the desk of Bridget Owens. “I’m the primary person who takes complaints from people who feel they have been discriminated against or treated unfairly in Onondaga County,” Owens said. Owens … Continue reading
Homeless Get Shelter, Aid with HUD Grant
Homeless people in Onondaga County will benefit from a $6.8 million federal grant for programs serving the homeless, say advocates for the homeless and county officials. “This will be good for the community” said Tony Discenza, who heads the Syracuse … Continue reading
College $ Grows in Stimulus Package
College students will get more financial aid from the federal government, thanks to the recently enacted economic stimulus package. But the increased government support won’t solve all the students’ college-money troubles, caution some local financial aid officers and government officials. … Continue reading
National Action Network: Trying to Spark Social Change
Going into its second year, a branch of the National Action Network is trying to establish itself as a sparkplug for social activism in the Syracuse area. “As a community, we can be complacent and sometimes we just allow things … Continue reading
Sacred Lands on Nations’ Wish List
Before most religious ceremonies, Marla Antone can be found in the frozen foods section of her local supermarket. “We have to use frozen berries now because they don’t grow anywhere on our land,” Antone said. Antone, of Cato, is a … Continue reading
Schools’ Green Renovations Still in the Works
For school children, Syracuse is still planning to turn some of its schools green. “People always think the goal of ‘go green’ has something to do with recycling,” said Martin Walls, communications manager of Syracuse Center of Excellence in environmental and energy … Continue reading
Shared Works Program Helps Companies Avoid Lay-Offs
Cheryl Saunders of Cazenovia does not like seeing her employees get laid off. That is why she is a big supporter of the state Labor Department’s Shared Works program. “I’m a huge fan of the program and have been for … Continue reading
Travel Warnings Make Students Alert; But Many Still Go Abroad for Spring Break
Dangerous countries will be destinations for some Spring Break travelers from Syracuse University, despite warnings from the federal government. “I am nervous about this trip,” said Racquel Clarke, a junior newspaper and international relations major at SU, who will spend … Continue reading
Empire State Games Bench Senior Athletes for $ Woes
For the first time in 15 years, the Thompsons will miss the games they love. Gene, 71, and Judy, 68, from Kirkville, N.Y., compete in the ping-pong, track and field and golf divisions of the Empire State Games senior division. … Continue reading
Hard Times for Serving the Poor
Christmas was a sign that things were getting worse: 2,800 people showed up for dinner and gifts at The Salvation Army. “We helped 300 more families than we expected,” said Lynn Hy, The Salvation Army’s marketing events manager. The Salvation … Continue reading
Help for First-Time Home Buyers from the Feds
For first-time homebuyers, an $8,000 federal tax credit is good — but not good enough. That’s the reaction of Syracuse-Area real estate brokers to the recently enacted federal stimulus package. The $8,000 tax credit is a cut from a $15,000 … Continue reading
Somali-Bantu Community Bonds & Learns for Future
For Haji Adan, every Saturday morning is an investment in the future. “We felt like we needed to do something for our children,” says Adan. He is talking about the Somali-Bantu Community Association’s effort in Syracuse to teach their children … Continue reading
I-81 & Air Quality: A Research Project
To breathe easier, Syracuse should consider replacing the elevated portions of Interstate-81 downtown, say a group of environmental researchers. “The transportation on I-81, such as mobiles and trucks, has an impact on the air pollution,” said K. Max Zhang, assistant … Continue reading
Hunger: Another Effect of the Bad Economy
Hunger threatens more Onondaga County families as the economy falters, say county officials and advocates for food programs. “We’re going to see a ripple effect,” said Mary Beth Frey, executive director of The Samaritan Center, which serves warm meals for … Continue reading
Schools Get Fed $
For Syracuse school children, the federal government is easing the effects of state budget cuts. “The stimulus funding definitely helps the students because we will be able to retain more teachers and keep programs for the students,” said Neil Driscoll, … Continue reading
HIV/AIDS Patients Caught in State Budget Crunch
For those living HIV and AIDS, the state’s budget crisis threatens to reduce important services such as free meals, mental health counseling, and programs that help them stay on their medicine, say advocates of the services. The 11 HIV/AIDS organizations … Continue reading
Chaplains Keep the Faith — In Prison
Every Tuesday evening, the Rev. Joe Burton transforms Jamesville prison into a church. “I’m here,” said Burton, “to tell them about love.” Burton, also a pastor at St. Lukes Missionary Baptist Church in Syracuse, is one of three chaplains independently … Continue reading
$ Cuts Keep Student Athletes At Home
Athletes from Jamesville-DeWitt won’t be taking any big trips in 2009 — unless someone else is footing the bill Take, for example, the J-D boys’ basketball team’s trip to New York City in late January. The team played Lincoln High … Continue reading
Reflections on the New President
“Because it’s history. I mean I could say I watched it on TV, but I can never say that I didn’t go because it was too cold, you know? Nothing a jacket and a little snuggling up to a couple … Continue reading
Reflections on the New President
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/POS1-Inauguration-Su.mp3] “I’m excited about our new president, and I have great hope and I think that it’s a new chapter of American life. It’s a new threshold that we have stepped over. It doesn’t mean that there is not a … Continue reading
Reflections on the New President
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Story2-POS-Cohen.mp3] “I like how he said if we lend a hand, don’t clench your fist. And he was talking to foreign nations saying, we’re here to help everyone. If we lend a hand, just open your hand up and we’ll … Continue reading
Reflections on the New President
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Story2-POS.mp3] “I was really excited that Obama was elected. It was a no-brainer in my mind who to vote for because we definitely need change and I think that he will bring change as opposed to if another Republican were … Continue reading
Reflections on the New President
“Yeah, we’re an interracial couple and I think it’s amazing. I don’t know about her but I think it’s absolutely amazing that this is going on. I’ve come down, skipped class.” (Erick Sasso, 19, Syracuse University sophomore majoring in visual … Continue reading
Reflections on the New President
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Story2-POS-Ramirez.mp3] “His policies don’t – as for me, an 18- year-old female from Connecticut in college, doesn’t resonate within me as a demographic, but as part of America as a whole — me, as an individual, as part of America … Continue reading
Reflections on the New President
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Story2-POS-Banick.mp3] “Everything I’ve seen about him is too good to be true. I mean, here’s somebody — I’m almost cynical. I figure they’re gonna find out he’s a pedophile next week or something. It’s just too wonderful, his family, his … Continue reading
Reflections on the New President
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/Story2-POS-Inauguration-Tarr.mp3] “Danielle Roberts, I’m 21, and I’m a full-time college student. Well, it was very legendary, monumentous (sic) — it was just a beautiful occasion. It instills in me a faith of hope that probably wasn’t there before. Hopefully students … Continue reading
Issue: Obama’s Plan for the Uninsured
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
Issue: Renewable Energy
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
Issue: Unemployment
[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
Election 08: A Time to Celebrate
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
Issue: Home Foreclosures
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
Issue: Gun Control
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
Issue: Bankruptcies
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
Issue: Long-term Care & Medicaid
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
Issue: Stem-Cell Research
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
Issue: Organizing Labor
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
Issue: Help for the Uninsured
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
Issue: Social Security
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
Issue: No Child Left Behind
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
Issue: Outsourcing Jobs
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
Issue: Same-Sex Marriage
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
Issue: $ Crunch for College Students
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
Vote08: Some Democracywise reporters on Election Night
Vote08: Democracy in Action – Scenes from the Polls
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
Vote08: And the Dems Go Wild!
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
Vote08: College GOPers Learn Lesson in Stoicism
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
Vote08: Joy for Dems
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
Vote08: Stirpe Wins for 121st Assembly District
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
Vote08: Christensen Back for 119th Assembly Distict
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
Vote08: Magnarelli Wins Again for 120th Assembly
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
Vote08: For Howie Hawkins, No. 14 Is Not The Charm in 25th CD
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
Vote08: Sweetland Gets Credit for Good Campaign in 25th CD Loss
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
Vote08: DiStefano Gets GOP Praise for 49th Senate District Run
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
Vote08: Valesky Again for 49th Senate District
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
Vote08: DeFrancisco Wins 50th Senate District
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
Vote08: Few Problems at Polls
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
Election Day Toolkit: Waits to Vote Not Expected to Be Long
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
Magnarelli Builds on Family Tradition
[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
Election Day Toolkit: How to Find Your Polling Place
[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
Stirpe Stays Hungry for Politics in 121st Assembly District
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
Election Day Toolkit: Good Weather = Good Turnout
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
Election Day Toolkit: Dems to Party in Liverpool
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
Election Day Toolkit: College GOPers Pitch in for Sweetland
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
Election Day Toolkit: The Do-Nots of Politically Incorrect Behavior
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
Election Day Toolkit: Sweetland Has Full Plate
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
Election Day Toolkit: GOP Prepping for Last-Minute Campaigning
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
Election Day Toolkit: Venerable Voting Machines on Duty
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
Election Day Toolkit: Look 4 Young Dems @ Different Parties
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
Election Day Toolkit: Get a Ride to the Polls
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
Election Day Toolkit: Prepared for a Tie
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
Election Day Toolkit: New Voters Need I.D.; Others Probably Not
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
Election Day Toolkit: Where to Get News
[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
Election Day Toolkit: Kids Welcome at Polls
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
Obama: Christian Identity
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
Knapp Taps Local Roots for 121st Assembly Race
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
Maffei Runs for Return to Congress: This Time As Elected Rep.
[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
Syracuse Gives the $ for Magnarelli
[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
College Students Give Time Instead of Dollars
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
For 10th Term, Christensen Spending Most $ Ever
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
Maffei Breaks $ Record for 25th Congressional District
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
Educators Chip in $ for Obama
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
For 119th Assembly Race, Fitch Bankrolls Own Campaign
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
Stirpe Gets $ from Dems Party
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
For Obama, SU Employees Chip in $
[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
Third Parties: Different Voices in Democracy
[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
DeFrancisco Taps $ for 50th NY Senate Re-Election
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
DiStefano Banks on Frugal Record to Take 49th NY Senate
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
Sweetland Aims from Farm to Congress in 25th District Race
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
McCain’s Military Past Shapes Foreign Policy Views
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
Christensen Pursues 10th Term for 119th Assembly District
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
Obama’s Illinois Days Shape His Presidential Views
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
Fitch Runs with Praise for 119th Assembly District
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
Hawkins Gets More Respect for No. 14 Run
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
Joe Biden: Profile in Orange
[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
Valesky Runs on Record for 49th NY Senate
When Democratic state Sen. David Valesky voted to cap taxes supporting education this summer, he broke with one of his strong support-groups. “I have been very supportive of education issues,” Valesky said in a recent phone interview. “These are the … Continue reading
DeFrancisco Brings Home the Bacon in NY 50th Senate Race
More money for Syracuse-area projects. That’s a main theme in the re-election campaign for Republican state Sen. John DeFrancisco from the 50th Senate District. Or, as he puts it in his campaign slogan: “DeFrancisco Delivers.” “I don’t think you can … Continue reading
Valesky in the $ for Return to NY 49th Senate District
Labor unions and other political figures are the largest contributors in Democratic state Sen. David Valesky’s fund-raising for the 49th Senate District race. “The people that donate to our campaign are the people that are already engaged in the system,” … Continue reading
DiStefano Trails in $ for 49th NY Senate Race
One hundred dollars. That’s about .2 percent of the money Republican James DiStefano has raised in his campaign for the New York State Senate seat in the 49th District. But for Herbert Silvestri, it’s a big political message. “I’m not … Continue reading
Sweetland’s $ Gets Boost from Real Estate Industry
The booster for Republican Dale Sweetland’ campaign for Congress is the Syracuse-area real estate industry. It has donated more to his campaign than any other industry, according to analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics in Washington, D.C. The group … Continue reading
McCain Leads in $ from Onondaga County
For campaign dollars, Republican presidential candidate John McCain enjoys something in the greater Syracuse area that he doesn’t most other places: A lead over Democratic candidate Barack Obama in donations from individuals. The Center for Responsive Politics, in Washington, D.C., … Continue reading
For Green Populist Hawkins, Money Isn’t the Issue
When it comes to money, Howie Hawkins just can’t compete. “It puts me at a disadvantage,” said Hawkins. He is the perennial third-party candidate now running as the Green Populist candidate for the 25th Congressional District. “I’m doing OK in … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Maffei Ad Right on Job Losses, Not on Why; NCC News Shows the Facts Too
The AD: Title: “Investing in Our People” From: Paid by Friends of Dan Maffei URL: http://www.maffeiforcongress.com/Multimedia/AdSpots/ What it says: Dan Maffei is the Democrat running to succeed retiring Congressman Jim Walsh, a Republican, in the 25th Congressional District. His opponents … Continue reading
Third Parties Offer Different Voices in Politics
(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
Fact-Check: Obama Ad Paints Accurate Picture of Economy
The Ad: From: Barack Obama Democratic presidential candidate Type: TV advertisement Date: September 16th, 2008 URL: The Television Ad What it says: The TV ad contains just Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama sitting down and talking about his plan. The … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Maffei Paints Incomplete Picture of Job Losses
The Statement: Title: Dan Maffei’s Job-Creation Plan From: Democratic congressional candidate Dan Maffei, running in the 25th Congressional district. His opponents are Republican Dale Sweetland and Green Populist candidate Howie Hawkins. They are running to succeed retiring Republican Jim Walsh. … Continue reading
Fact-Check: McCain Attack Off the $ on Obama Tax Plan
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Fact-check-Chloe.mp3] The Ad: Title: “Recipe” From: Republican presidential candidate John McCain Type: Attack ad against Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. When/Where: Aug. 8, 2008, as a radio ad on YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iDkg_clAsI What It Says: The one-minute attack ad is … Continue reading
NY Senate on Verge of Going Democratic
For the first time in more than 40 years, Democrats are poised to take control of the New York state Senate and most of the state’s government. “There are a lot of indicators that it could be a very good … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Maffei Slightly Over-Optimistic For Wind-Power Jobs
The statements: On his Web site, Democratic congressional candidate Dan Maffei praises the Spanish energy company Iberdrola as an example of a creator of new, high-quality jobs for Central New York. Title: “My Job Creation Plan” and “Candidates take starkly … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Obama Ad Makes Weak Link on McCain’s Health Care Views
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/fact-check.mp3] Anchor Intro: A health-care plan headed for a Wall Street-like disaster. That’s what Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama says in a recent ad about Republican candidate John McCain’s health care proposal. Reporter Torie Wells explains why the link between … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Dems Group Gets Much Wrong on Sweetland
The Ad: Title: “Dale Sweetland Has It Backwards” From: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Type: Attack ad against Republican Dale Sweetland. Sweetland is running against Democrat Dan Maffei and Howie Hawkins of the Green Populist Party to succeed Republican Jim … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Sweetland Overdoes Criticism of Crop Insurance
The Statement: Sweetland remarks From: Dale Sweetland, Republican candidate for 25th Congressional District. His opponents are Democrat Dan Maffei and Green Populist candidate Howie Hawkins. They running to succeed Republican Jim Walsh, who is retiring. Type: Comment made at public … Continue reading
Fact-Check: McCain Misleads on Obama Ties to Fannie and Freddie
The Statement: speech by Republican presidential candidate John McCain Title: “Our Financial Markets” From: McCain campaign Type: Stump Speech Date: Speech delivered Sept. 19, 2008 in Green Bay, Wis., to members of the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce URL: http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/9a604256-0519-46e6-a1ce-e70798b39ec2.htm … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Sweetland & Medicaid, a Bit Too Much Credit
The Statement: press release from Dale Sweetland’s campaign Title: “Sweetland’s Medicaid Fraud Initiative Saves County Taxpayers $2 Million in 7 Months” From: Republican Dale Sweetland’s campaign for 25th Congressional District in New York State. Sweetland’s opponents are Democrat Dan Maffei … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Obama Ad Wrong On McCain’s Social Security Views
The Ad: Title: “Social Security” From: The Obama/Biden Campaign, Democratic ticket Type: Attack Ad on Republican candidate John McCain’s views on Social Security Date: Released Sept. 18, 2008 URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV9GZUtCgPc What It Says: The ad attacks Republican presidential candidate John … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Obama Ad Just Opinions About McCain’s “Honor”
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/FACT-CHECK-STACY-LANGE.mp3] The Ad: Title “Honor” From: Obama/Biden Campaign, Democratic Party Type: attack ad against Republican candidate John McCain Date: Sept. 15, 2008 URL: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG5q24 What It Says: The ad opens with a clip of Republican Sen. John McCain at a … Continue reading
Fact-Check: Obama Ad Mostly Accurate on McCain’s View of Equal Pay for Women
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Factcheck-Kineke.mp3] The Ad: Title: “Equal Pay” From: Barack Obama, Democratic presidential candidate Type: Attack ad on Republican presidential candidate John McCain Date: Sept. 16, 2008 URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2G7ZDgVSvM What it Says: “Today, many women work to help support their families, but … Continue reading
Health Care Remains Election Issue
Rob Sturges, a Syracuse University graduate student, does not have health insurance, so he didn’t go to see a doctor after he broke his finger last year. “You know it hurt for a while. But I didn’t know if it … Continue reading
Young People Tuning In to Election Excitement
Nicole Thur can’t wait for Nov. 4. “I’m really just excited to vote,” said Nicole Thur, a senior at Syracuse University. “I just missed being able to vote in the 2004 election and to finally have the opportunity to vote … Continue reading
In 49th NY Senate, Valesky vs. DiStefano; In 50th NY Senate, DeFrancisco vs. Mulcahy
Sens. David Valesky and John DeFrancisco are up for re-election in the 49th and 50th Senate Districts surrounding Syracuse. And if history repeats itself, they have a good chance of returning to Albany. Incumbents, like Valesky and DeFrancisco, win re-election … Continue reading
For U.S. Senate, Dems on a Roll
[audiohttps://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Story3A-Senate-Story-Kineke2.mp3] Two seats. That’s the Democrats’ slimmest of slim majorities in the United States Senate. But many political signs suggest that will change with this election. Political scientist Danny Hayes of Syracuse University says Democrats will benefit from Republican scandals, … Continue reading
VP’s Job Spelled Out by Constitution, Filled Out by Tradition
When John Adams was vice president from 1797 to 1801, he called his position “the most insignificant office.” Soon after Jack Garner accepted his vice presidential nomination in 1932, he said “The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm … Continue reading
Race Remains a Question in Election Influence
White and male. That’s how presidential candidates usually look. And that’s one of the reasons Barack Obama’s nomination by the Democratic Party marks a historic moment in American history. But experts disagree on whether the color of Obama’s skin will … Continue reading
Dems Aim for Bigger Majority in Congress
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Story3-Matt-Scene-Setter-Final-Audio.mp3] All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election this fall. Now, Democrats are in control of the House. They reclaimed the majority in the 2006 elections. They hold 236 seats while the Republicans own the … Continue reading
Democrats Gain Ground in Suburbs; Party’s Enrollment Up
For the first time in as long as they can remember, Democrats in DeWitt — a Syracuse suburb of about 25,000 — are celebrating a big change. “The town of DeWitt just went blue,” Diane Dwire, chairwoman of the Onondaga … Continue reading
Gender Less Important Than Policies, Experts Say; Palin Not A Sure Vote-Getter Among Women
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story3cToriescenesetter.mp3] Anchor Intro: After Senator Hillary Clinton of New York lost the Democratic presidential nomination, the campaign looked like it would be an all-male event. But then Republican John McCain brought a woman back into the race. He chose Alaska … Continue reading
NY Assembly Likely to Go Even More Blue
With voters choosing all their state Assembly members this fall, Democrats are likely to tighten their grip on state government in Albany, say political experts. “The Democrats’ lock on the Assembly is so huge that there’s no way, even in … Continue reading
Students’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-Andy-POS-audio.mp3] “My boyfriend is too lazy to register to vote, so I went to the student center and got applications and started to hand them out to my friends and filled it out for them . . . This is … Continue reading
How To Register to Vote: Deadlines Loom
Red-letter days for would-be voters are fast approaching. There are two deadlines — Oct. 10 and Oct. 24 — for registering to vote. Citizens can register to vote in Onondaga County in two ways: by filling out a mail-in voter … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2A-Boris-POS-montage.mp3] “My name is Luke Rob Gorz, I’m 21 years old, and I’m a Republican. Well, obviously, the economy is Number One. Number Two is taxes… and Number Three, the welfare of the country – national security and stuff like … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
“I would say healthcare. There are a lot of people out there who are temporarily out of jobs. Like where I work now, a lot temps are there. The health insurance we have right now isn’t always an option.” (Brenda … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2B-Landon-Revised-Montage.mp3] “More recently I’ve been looking at the front page more than the sports page a little bit. It’s getting more interesting. That’s for sure.” (Arthur Kenny, 70, speech pathologist, of Jamesville-Dewitt) “I vote in every single election and primary. … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-POS-Chloe-FINAL.mp3] “I have a 5-year-old son, so…what’s the U.S. going to be like when he is 40 years old? I want it to be a good place for him to live — and all I see is the 1920s and … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/1POS-Jamie.mp3] “It was always the right thing to do when you were 18. When I was 18, you could drink, you could vote, you could serve your country, so that’s what we did.” (Mark Eddington, 43, of Syracuse, assistant service … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
Counter clockwise from top left: George Cannellos, Terry Burke, Dan Murphy, Patricia Moore, Jeff Keida [audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Voters-Minds-Asa.mp3] “To get everything back to normal, like it was when Clinton was here somewhat.” (George Cannellos, 82, of Syracuse; owner of Cosmo’s Pizza; unaffiliated … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-Zak-POS.mp3] “The country’s messed up. We just need a whole new- just start all over again. And I don’t think one person, ‘Bama — anybody other than Jesus Christ — can do it in four years. But at least we’ll … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
“I see it as a lot of government being more people telling me how to think rather than allowing me total free will. Whereas conservatives believe in less government. And I kind of want the national government to only do … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-POS-Ed-Audio-final.mp3] “What I really want to hear is the voice of integrity from the politicians, and I’d love to hear a presidential campaign person — a candidate — say, ‘I can’t do it alone.’” (Eunice Tompkins, 60, of Tully, registered … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-POS-Torie-montage.mp3] “I’m not sure that the next generation, which is our children, are going to have the kind of retirement that we have, which is stable — and that’s what I’m concerned about.” (Jane Wiehele-Amond, 64, of Cicero, retired, Democrat) … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-Megan-POS-audio.mp3] “Obama…. His education policies have convinced me. He seems to actually support teachers — wherein a lot of the time it’s not about supporting teachers. It’s about, ‘Let’s create some tests and hopefully that’ll test students and get not … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-POS-Leigh-VoterIssues.mp3] “Abortion, the economy, and the war in Iraq.” (John Crisafulli, 26, SU grad student, Democrat, voting for Barack Obama) “War. I don’t like that. Some of my family is over there. That and I feel like America’s more worried … Continue reading
Voters’ Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Susanna_POS.mp3] “The war in Iraq, that’s another one. Health insurance is a big one, that’s probably the biggest. It’s getting so expensive that people can’t afford health insurance anymore. Doctor’s, there’s not enough of them out there, people can’t afford … Continue reading
In 124th State Assembly Race: Barclay Alone?
Voters in the 124th state Assembly District so far have only one option: their incumbent William A. Barclay (R-Pulaski). Barclay, 38, was nominated May 1 by the Onondaga County Republican Party to run again for the assembly seat he has … Continue reading
In 25th Congressional Race: Maffei vs. Sweetland… And Maybe More
[Update: On May 1st, the Onondaga County Republican Party nominated Dale Sweetland as its choice for the 25th Congressional District. Sweetland received 94 percent of the vote, with Assemblyman Bob Oaks coming in second with 5 percent. On May 6, … Continue reading
SU Explains Endowment to Congress
[INTRO: College tuition is getting attention from Congress. The Senate Finance Committee has asked 136 colleges and universities to explain their endowment spending and financial aid. Syracuse University was on that list and Democracywise reporter Beth Croughan tells us just … Continue reading
In 23rd Congressional Race: Candidates’ Stands on Issues
Where the three candidates stand on New York’s top-three issues: John McHugh (Republican, incumbent) The Economy: McHugh supports making the Bush tax cuts permanent and is opposed to any tax increases for government programs. On extending the soon-to-expire Bush tax … Continue reading
In 23rd Congressional Race: McHugh vs. Rookie and Ex-Opponent
Saying they are fed up with the federal government, a political rookie and a familiar opponent will challenge a veteran congressman for New York’s 23rd Congressional District this fall. The rookie is Michael Oot, a lawyer from Stockbridge who is … Continue reading
In 24th Congressional Race: Arcuri vs. Hanna & Gorton
A freshman Democratic incumbent from Utica. Two Republicans: An Oneida County businessman and a self-employed handyman from Garrattsville. Those are shaping up as choices for voters in the 24th Congressional District for the November 2008 election. The freshman Democrat is … Continue reading
In 121st State Assembly Race: Stirpe vs. Knapp
Voters in the 121st state Assembly District will choose between incumbent Democrat Al Stirpe and Republican LaFayette town councillor David Knapp in the election this year. The election is on Nov. 4, 2008. Stirpe is running for his second term … Continue reading
115th’s Townsend on the Issues
Here’s a look at the views of Assemblyman David Townsend, R-Oneida, on issues affecting the 115th district: The Economy: “The state of Florida has 18 million citizens and $60 billion in their budget. New York has 19 million citizens and … Continue reading
In 50th State Senate: Still Sweet Music for DeFrancisco
A saxophone-playing senator is still bringing music to Syracuse after 16 years in office. Republican John DeFrancisco is running for his ninth term as state senator in the 50th District this November. As of late April, DeFrancisco is unopposed for … Continue reading
In 119th State Assembly Race: Christensen Again Dominates
(Editor’s Note: On May 1, 2008, anti-abortion activist Christina Fitch of Liverpool won the designation of the Onondaga County Republican Party.) The choice for voters in the 119th state Assembly District is — once again — shaped by 18-year incumbent … Continue reading
In 120th State Assembly Race: Veteran Magnarelli for Dems; GOP Potential Candidate with a Different Voice
(Editor’s note: On May 1, 2008, veteran Republican Kristen Rounds, long-time chair of the 3rd Ward, won the designation of the Onondaga County Republican Party over Peter Gay, who had been the only openly declared candidate when this story was … Continue reading
In 115th State Assembly Race: Townsend Alone
A veteran Republican Assemblyman is likely to be the only choice for voters in the 115th District. David R. Townsend, R-Oneida, has no challenger as of late April for state Assemblyman of the 115th District. He has held the seat … Continue reading
Understanding Builds Bridges Out of Poverty
Treating her patients who are poor takes more than just medicine, says pediatrician Maritza Alvarado. “We need to understand our clients better,” said Alvarado. Alvarado is one of the 3,000 local graduates of a national educational program called Bridges out … Continue reading
Exhaustion Wins on the Campaign Trail
Mornings that start at 5 a.m. in the Midwest and nights that end past midnight in the South. Constant travel. A day off here or there — if the next stop is across the country and if there’s an overnight … Continue reading
Drop-Out Rate Rising For Syracuse School District
The high school drop-out rate is on the rise for the Syracuse City School District. “It’s a very serious problem,” said Steve Gramet, director of pupil services at the school district office. “Too many students don’t graduate,” he added. About … Continue reading
SU Chips in $ to Presidential Candidates
Employees of Syracuse University are making their contributions to democracy this presidential election cycle—to the tune of at least $19,000. And 32 of at least 35 contributions made by employees of Syracuse since Jan. 1, 2007, have gone to Democratic … Continue reading
Stirpe Fundraising for 121st Assembly Re-Election
For $200, Robert Diflorio made a contribution to democracy. A frequent donor, Diflorio donated the money to the first-time legislator Al Stirpe of the 121st Assembly District. “I wanted to help him,” said Diflorio, who is a registered Democrat and … Continue reading
Giving the Green: Political $ from CNY Universities
With their dollars, college professors, administrators and staff around Central New York are funding presidential candidates to the tune of at least $62,694 in the last two years. That’s according to a search of campaign finance reports filed with the … Continue reading
Primary Color for Clinton: Green $ Pours in after NY Win
A treasure chest has opened in Onondaga County for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton since she won New York’s primary election in February. After the Feb. 5 primary, donors in the county gave $27, 618 during the rest of the month, … Continue reading
Arcuri Taps Unions, NYC & Hometown for Re-Election $
For his political treasure chest, U.S. Rep. Michael Arcuri (D-Utica) can count on labor unions, New York City and his hometown of Utica. That’s typical for Democratic politicians, said Jeff Stonecash, a professor of political science at Syracuse University. Politicians, … Continue reading
Democrat Maffei in the Money for House 25th District
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/maffeifinances.mp3] democrat=”” dan=”” maffei=”” is=”” running=”” again=”” for=”” congress=”” from=”” the=”” 25=””>25th District around Syracuse. Democracywise reporter Beth Croughan tells us just how much money Maffei has — and where some of his contributions are coming from. > At age … Continue reading
Rep. Walsh’s Unspent Political Money: What to Do?
[Half-a-million dollars in the bank but no election to spend it on. Congressman Jim Walsh will have to find another way to cash in his campaign donations when he steps down next year. Shelly Schwartz of Democracywise tells us how … Continue reading
Financial Aid Opens SU Doors for Many
A federal loan. Work-study. An engineering grant. A university grant. With all of that financial aid — about $20,000 worth a year —Andrew DiOrio is able to complete his sophomore year at Syracuse University. “Without financial aid I wouldn’t be … Continue reading
What To Do About Metal Bats in Youth Baseball? Little League Says They’re Safe
Aluminum baseball bats continue to raise concerns for some in youth baseball leagues. But the Little League — the largest of youth leagues — says the metal bats are as safe as wooden bats. Some parents, coaches and league administrators … Continue reading
Weak Economy Hurts College Students; SU to Aim for More Financial Aid
[Intro: Higher college costs and a weak economy — that’s a double whammy for Syracuse University. Democracywise reporter Beth Croughan tells us how S-U is trying to make sure people can still afford the hefty 32,000-dollar price tag for next … Continue reading
Going Green: Buildings, Jobs, the Economy
Green fever is rising in Syracuse. Take, for example, CDH Energy Corp. It’s a Cazenovia-based company that evaluates energy systems. It’s spearheading a project to design energy-efficient homes on Syracuse’s Near West Side. And the company is doing that with … Continue reading
Syracuse Schools Still Behind on No Child Left Behind Law
For the sixth consecutive year, the Syracuse City School District remains on the state’s list of low-performing districts. All four Syracuse high schools are designated as “schools requiring academic progress,” according to the list released on March 25 by the … Continue reading
Abandoned Buildings Hurt South Side; But Neighborhood Gets Help
[Like a disease, hundreds of abandoned buildings slowly rot away and infect Syracuse neighborhoods with a lot of problems. People have been abandoning their homes and businesses for decades. Shelly Schwartz of Democracywise explains how vacant buildings harm neighborhoods and … Continue reading
Rebuilding South Side: Out of Their Own Pockets
[Bringing neighborhoods back to life. That’s the mission of community groups renovating abandoned buildings. Many are doing this without the help of government money. Shelly Schwartz of Democracywise explains how community members are restoring the streets they call home without … Continue reading
Tax-Free Homes — Almost
[Buy a house for a buck. That’s what Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll is proposing to entice people to fix up abandoned buildings. Shelly Schwartz of Democracywise tells us what the mayor and others say about how this deal aims to … Continue reading
Chiefs Still in Debt to County
With nearly $500,000 owed to taxpayers, Onondaga County is not yet collecting any of the debt from the Syracuse Chiefs. But the minor-league baseball team will have to pay up in the future, says at least one county official. “It’s … Continue reading
No More Solitary Confinement for Mentally Ill in Prison
For prisoners suffering from mental illness, solitary confinement is no longer legal in New York. New York state passed the “SHU bill” on Jan. 15. That’s legislation requiring the Department of Correctional Services to conduct mental health assessments on all … Continue reading
Using the First Amendment: Mary Fetchet, a Profile in Citizenship
When the second plane crashed into the World Trade Center building and took the life of Mary Fetchet’s 24-year-old son, her life priorities changed “It changed my life dramatically,” said Mary Fetchet in a phone interview. “I felt as though … Continue reading
Water for Syracuse to Get Even Cleaner — & a Little More Costly
Water rates are likely to go up in Syracuse within the next couple of years, say city officials. This is because of new regulations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The E.P.A. is requiring the city to treat its drinking … Continue reading
School Budget Cuts Means Fewer Jobs Filled
Job cuts will combat the budget problem of the Syracuse City School District, says the district’s superintendent. These cuts of 75 jobs will be done through attrition and not layoffs, Superintendent Daniel G. Lowengard said. “To make the revenues and … Continue reading
Connective Corridor: What Will It Do?
[INTRO: With millions of taxpayer dollars, Syracuse University is working with the city to develop what’s called the “Connective Corridor.” The city and university see this project as an economic necessity. But Democracywise reporter Beth Croughan tells us why some … Continue reading
Onondaga Lake Getting Cleaner
Onondaga Lake is no longer Syracuse’s sewer. That’s the result of Onondaga County having completed more than two-thirds of its court-ordered projects to stop municipal sewage from polluting the lake, say government and other experts. “Onondaga Lake is beginning to … Continue reading
New Lobbying Law’s Effects Unclear
Money, influence and power. These were the targets of an eight-month old law in which Congress aimed to curb the $1.47 billion lobbying industry. So far, at least one lobbyist, Benjamin Lieber of the Carmen Group in Washington, D.C., does … Continue reading
Liverpool Voters Reject $ for Football Stadium; Other Projects Get the Blame
Friday-night football lost on the ballot Wednesday as Liverpool Central School District residents headed to the polls. That’s the effect on the Liverpool High School’s Warriors as voters rejected a $44.5 million proposal that included funding for a new $6.3 … Continue reading
Home Sweet Home for Clinton
New York was good to Sen. Hillary Clinton in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. In her home state, Clinton won big, bringing in 57 percent of the statewide unofficial vote, compared to 40 percent for Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. Onondaga County … Continue reading
McCain Gets Boost & Win with CNY Help
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Shelly-NY-primary-McCain.mp3] [Senator John McCain of Arizona has broken away from the pack in the Republican presidential race. After Super Tuesday, McCain has gone from “the comeback kid” to the likely Republican nominee. Shelly Schwartz of Democracywise tells us about McCain’s … Continue reading
Romney Too Far from Home to Win in NY
Mitt Romney won the Republican nomination in his home state of Massachusetts. But that momentum didn’t translate to New York voters. Romney lost the New York State primary Tuesday. He received about 30 percent of the votes. Sen. John McCain … Continue reading
Doing the Math: It’s All About the Delegates
In the race for all-important numbers of delegates, Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona and Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton were the big winners in New York’s presidential primaries Tuesday. In the winner-take-all race for the GOP, McCain is the unofficial … Continue reading
Voter Turnout Good in NY; Campaigns Getting Much Attention
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/beth-NY-primary-turnout.mp3] [Voters flocked to the polls in New York and 23 other states Tuesday to cast ballots in presidential primaries. Democracywise reporter Beth Croughan takes an early look at voter turnout. ] Even before Super Tuesday, voters have been breaking … Continue reading
Obama Loses NY Vote; Supporters Celebrate Delegates to Convention
Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois lost big time to Sen. Hillary Clinton in her home state of New York in the Democratic presidential primary Tuesday. But for local Obama delegates and campaign volunteers, downplayed the loss in votes. Obama still … Continue reading
Problems? Sure But It’s the Spirit That Counts at the Polls
Elections inspector Claire McGrheh ruffled through piles of paper, searching for a few more envelopes. “They didn’t give me enough!” she says. Meanwhile, several voters waited behind her at the table, clutching ballots. McGrheh, one of four elections inspectors at … Continue reading
Some of the Scorecard for Clinton & McCain Comes from New York Wins
With little suspense, Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York won her home state’s Democratic primary and Sen. John McCain of Arizona was the Republican winner Tuesday. On the Super Tuesday, a virtual national primary day, 24 states went to poll, … Continue reading
Giuliani Barely Registers with New Yorkers; McCain Wins State’s GOP Primary
With homestater Rudy Giuliani out of the race, Sen. John McCain of Arizona made a clean sweep across New York in the Super Tuesday Republican presidential primary. Statewide, with 96 percent of precincts reporting, McCain had 51 percent of the … Continue reading
Even Out, Edwards Still Gets Votes of Die-Hard Supporters
John Edwards grabbed enough votes for third place in Tuesday’s New York primary, despite dropping out of the race for the Democratic nomination for president last week. And Edwards’ die-hard supporters turned out in 21 other states holding Democratic primaries … Continue reading
Iraq War Brings Different Plans from Clinton & Obama
The Iraq war is a top issue for many New Yorkers and other voters in the presidential primary on Tuesday. Some voters, like members of the Syracuse Peace Council, want the troops home from Iraq immediately. The American invasion, says … Continue reading
Students Get Interested in Voting — Finally!
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Studentsdontvote11.mp3] [College students are turning out in record numbers to vote for presidential candidates this year. Democracywise reporter Beth Croughan tells us about one group of college students and their new-found interest in politics. ] College students don’t vote, according … Continue reading
McCain & Romney Offer Iraq War Strategies for GOP Primary Tuesday
With the Iraq war much on voters’ minds, Republican presidential candidates Mitt Romney and John McCain offer slightly different choices of war strategy in Tuesday’s primary. McCain, senator of Arizona, was a POW in Vietnam. He has been a steadfast … Continue reading
Change vs Experience Too Simple for New York Voters With Clinton & Obama as Choices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/NY-Primary-Experience-v.-Change-Schwartz.mp3] [Experience or change? New York Democrats must decide in Tuesday’s primary election between Senator Hillary Clinton and Illinois Senator Barack Obama. Shelly Schwartz of Democracywise tells us how two simple words have fueled the Democratic presidential race but may … Continue reading
Obama Inspires Some SU Students On War & Change
Student supporters of Sen. Barack Obama have been campaigning persistently on Syracuse University’s campus ahead of New York primary election Tuesday, riding a wave of youth support for Obama across the nation. “The student vote is resonating with Sen. Obama,” … Continue reading
Education Gets Attention from Voters & Candidates
As a graduate student at Syracuse University, Terri Neal will choose her presidential candidate with a keen eye to a big issue: the high cost of college. “I’m concerned that the price of tuition keeps jumping every year by six … Continue reading
Opinion Polls a Poor Guide for How to Vote
Don’t trust opinion polls in deciding how to vote on Tuesday. That’s the advice from political scientists and pollsters alike: The polls can be wrong. “It’s a teaser, it’s titillating. We all like to try to predict the future, but … Continue reading
Gas Prices On Voters’ Minds for Tuesday’s Primary; Front-runners Focus on Energy Plans
The rising price of gasoline is a driving force in the presidential primary Tuesday. “The prices are too, too high,” said Margaret Asaju of Syracuse’s east side. She, like many other voters in Onondaga County, sees the effect of the … Continue reading
Health Care Plans from Clinton & Obama
Getting health care is a costly crisis for a growing number of Americans. And that has made health care a major issue as voters cast their ballots in Tuesday’s presidential primaries. Consider these health care statistics: The families of 61.6 … Continue reading
Meet the New Hampshire Class of ’08
In a decades-old tradition, 13 Newhouse students covered the New Hampshire primaries for 2008. For the first time, the primaries were outside of the usual semester time-frame. So the students did what journalists do: They gave up holidays and rest … Continue reading
Supporters Celebrate Clinton Win in NH
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 8)—Hillary Clinton supporters had something to celebrate Tuesday night with an unexpected win in the New Hampshire Democrat primary. Clinton, a New York state senator won the primary with 39 percent of the vote, after a tight … Continue reading
Kids Vote Too in NH
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 8) – At a polling booth in Manchester, Nicky Lito exercised his voting right by choosing the former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee as the Republican presidential nominee. Nicky is 8 years old. “I voted for Mike Huckabee,” … Continue reading
Scenes from NH Primary Day
Concord New Hampshire West Congressional Church (Ward 2) 9:00 AM It’s game time. The polls are open and voters have started casting their ballots bright and early in New Hampshire on Tuesday. In Concord, Abigail Lange, a homemaker and community … Continue reading
Peace Bus Is on the Road Again…& Again…& Again
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Beth5-PeaceBus-Story.mp3] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.7) INTRO: For 50,000 miles, the Peace Bus has been on the road. WATD News reporter Beth Croughan tells us about the Peace Bus and its journey in New Hampshire. Jim Goodnow is a Texas resident and … Continue reading
Voices from NH Primary Week ’08
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Primary-SOT-Wrapup.mp3] For the week of the New Hampshire primaries, three Newhouse broadcast journalism students — Shelly Schwartz, Beth Croughan and Joyce Ogirri — covered the election for WATD Radio in Marshfield, Mass. This is is a final report — a … Continue reading
Clinton Defies Polls in NH
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Beth6-ClintonWins.mp3] NASHUA, NH (Jan, 8th) INTRO: The polls aren’t always right. Senator Hillary Clinton upset Senator Barack Obama in New Hampshire. WATD News reporter Beth Croughan tells us why the unexpected winner was the Senator from New York. After coming … Continue reading
Promise of ‘Change’ Not Enough for Obama
NASHUA, N.H. (Jan.8) — His vibrant call for “change” wasn’t enough for voters to give Sen. Barack Obama the Democratic presidential nomination in the New Hampshire Primary on Tuesday. Obama, senator from Illinois, finished second in a duel with Hillary … Continue reading
Romney Takes ‘Silver’ in NH Race
BEDFORD, N.H. (Jan. 8) Republican Mitt Romney has lost the New Hampshire presidential primary. He conceded defeat with images of Olympic medals for first and second place. He took second — the silver medal. [“There have been three races. So … Continue reading
One New Yorker Wins in NH; the Other Loses
CONCORD N.H. (Jan. 8) —Democratic Sen. Hillary Clinton of New York staged a comeback in New Hampshire by defeating Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., in a tight race Tuesday night. “I felt like we all spoke from our hearts and I … Continue reading
McCain Heads to Michigan a Winner
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Shelly-NH6-Election-night-McCain-Wins-MP3.mp3] NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 9) [“Mac is back” for now. Arizona Senator John McCain clinched first place in New Hampshire’s primary last night after a fourth place finish in Iowa just last week. WATD’s Election 2008 Reporter Shelly Schwartz tells … Continue reading
Two “Comeback” Kids in this NH Primary: McCain & Clinton Win
NASHUA, N.H. — Republican John McCain, senator from Arizona, and Democrat Hillary Clinton, senator from New York, won their parties’ nominations for president in the New Hampshire primaries on Tuesday. “Tonight,” McCain told a cheering crowd, “we sure showed them … Continue reading
Clinton and McCain Winners in NH
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 8) — In an extremely tight race, Sen. Hillary Clinton has a slim victory over Sen. Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. At 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday, the projected results for the Democratic race had Clinton … Continue reading
Mac is Back: McCain Wins in NH
NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 8) — John McCain blew away his competitors Tuesday night as he won the New Hampshire Republican presidential primary. “Tonight we sure showed them what a comeback looks like,” McCain, a senator from Arizona, said. In the … Continue reading
Edwards Pledges to Stay in Race
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 8) — After a third-place finish in Tuesday’s primary here, John Edwards vowed he would soldier on in his quest to win the Democratic nomination for president. “I want to be clear to the 99 percent of … Continue reading
Clinton Keeps Hope Alive Against Obama
ANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan 8) — The race between Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama remained tight late Tuesday night, with Clinton in the lead. As of 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, The Associated Press had called the race as a win for … Continue reading
Edwards Hangs in Race at 3rd Place
MANCHESTER, N.H. – Spirits remained high at Democrat John Edwards’ primary night party, in spite of a third-place finish. “I am in this race until we have actually restored the American dream,” Edwards said on Tuesday night in his concession … Continue reading
Another Man from Hope
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Richard-7-Hope2.mp3] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.8) — Mike Huckabee is spending his last day in New Hampshire visiting polling stations and thanking voters. Richard Zussman was with Huckabee most of today and say Huckabee is campaigning hard to be the second U.S. … Continue reading
Huckabee Learns Politics Arkansas-Style
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Richard-8-Arkansas2.mp3] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.8) — Voters are heading to cast their ballots today in New Hampshire. Richard Zussman tells us that Mike Huckabee’s Arkansas experience has prepared him for tonight and onwards. NAT SOUND Mike Huckabee is spending his last … Continue reading
Independent Streak Alive & Well
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.8)—Vote for the person, not the party. That’s the sense Scott Daniels gets from the voters of New Hampshire. “They take it seriously. They like to be independent and not be influenced by anything other than what they … Continue reading
Finally, Voters Get Their Say
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan.8)- Outside of the Brookside Congregational Church, John Knieriem and Bob Conway don’t mind standing in the icy parking lot to chat. The topic: today’s election for the presidential candidates from both parties in New Hampshire. “Who do … Continue reading
Groups Share Limelight with Candidates
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 7) – In the election excitement, groups with a special cause try to be heard. “We are not trying to support any particular candidate,” Emily Adler said. She represented Appalachian Voice at Republican Sen. John McCain’s rally … Continue reading
RI Duo Get NH Political Spirit
ROCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 8) — With voters at the polls today, Robert Tingle of Westerly, R.I., and Scott Bill Hirst of Ashaway, R.I., are seeing the results of their hard work. “We’re up here to do whatever we can to … Continue reading
Teens Gain Their Political Voices
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Joyce-NH3-Teen-Voters.mp3] Concord, N.H. (Jan. 7) Katie Perry began her journey into politics when her mother took her to the voting booths at the age of 7. Now at the age of 20, she is a volunteer with the non-partisan New … Continue reading
For $400, Candidates Get Groomed for a Good Cause
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Shelly-NH5-haircut.mp3] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 7) [Remember that 400 hundred dollar haircut for John Edwards? Well, now a lot of the candidates are paying the same price. WATD’s Election 2008 Reporter Shelly Schwartz tells us how Hair Biz Salon in Concord … Continue reading
Republicans on the March to Primary Day
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 6) – With primary day looming, the leading Republicancandidates for president scrambled to gather last-minute converts. “My friends, I’m asking for your vote,” Republican John McCain, senator of Arizona, said at one of his rallies on Monday. … Continue reading
Clinton Stakes Claim on Ability to Change Politics
OVER N.H. (Jan. 7) — With only hours until voting starts, New York Democrat Hillary Clinton intensified her self-portrait on Monday as the change agent who also has experience. “I have what I believe to be the advantage of years … Continue reading
Edwards in Marathon to Primary Day
NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 7) — A relentless John Edwards made his final plea to New Hampshire voters with a 36-hour bus marathon leading up to Tuesday’s primary. “While everybody else goes to high-glamour events and goes to bed tonight, I’m … Continue reading
Campaigns Push Themes: Change or Experience?
CONCORD, NH (Jan. 7)- Change? Or experience? Those are the choices that the presidential candidates from both parties are pitching to New Hampshire voters in the closing hours before the primaries on Tuesday. “I think it’s time for change, but … Continue reading
A Challenge to Arkansas: Make a Better Burger?
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Richard-6-Huckaburger2.mp3] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.7) — This morning the Barley House became home to a new culinary creation—The Huckaburger. Richard Zussman lays out the recipe. The Barley House in Concord, New Hampshire, calls itself the home of America’s best hamburgers. Governor … Continue reading
Two Spouses on War & Health Care: Kucinich & Gravel
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 5) — For Elizabeth Kucinich and Whitney Stewart Gravel, health care and the Iraq war gave chances to support their husbands Saturday. “I am so happy I married a man who believes in universal healthcare,” said Elizabeth … Continue reading
Arkansas Travelers in New Home After Fire
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Richard-5-Fire2.mp3] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.6) — Some Arkansas Travelers are in new living quarters after a hotel fire in Nashua, New Hampshire. Richard Zussman tells us these Hillary Clinton supporters are still in good spirits even after the fire. Tim Giattina … Continue reading
Ron Paul, for the Independent-Minded
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 6) — Kevin Whitbeck’s car is covered in stickers supporting Republican presidential nomination candidate Ron Paul, a congressman from Texas. “This is my first presidential election and I feel I need to make a stand,” said Whitbeck, … Continue reading
McCain Draws Protestors
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Shelly-NH4-McCain-Protest.mp3] SALEM, N.H. (Jan. 7) [Where presidential candidates go, protestors follow in a final effort to sway voters. WATD’s Election 2008 Reporter Shelly Schwartz tells us how a town hall meeting with Republican presidential candidate John McCain turned into a … Continue reading
Romney: Mr. Fixit for Washington
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Beth4-Romney-fixit.mp3] NASHUA, N.H. (Jan.7) INTRO: With the clock ticking down to Primary Day, presidential candidates are promising big change to New Hampshire voters, WATD News reporter Beth Croughan tells us about Mitt Romney’s final campaign efforts. Change is a common … Continue reading
‘Huckaburger’ Makes the Menu in NH
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 7) — Try the Huckaburger. That’s the latest political entrée at The Barley House, a restaurant right across from the state capitol and famous for its gourmet hamburgers. This one is named for Republican presidential candidate Mike … Continue reading
From Lowell, “Grunts” Do Their Political Duty
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 6) — Some answered phones. Some knocked on doors. Others hoisted signs on snowy street corners. And some made sure the campaign bus was stocked with extra doughnuts. “We’re really all grunts here,” as Richard Beinecke so … Continue reading
McCain Promises Help for Vets
SALEM N.H. (Jan. 6) — With a six-point lead in the latest Concord Monitor poll, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., sought to boost his presidential bid on Sunday by links to veterans and talk of military experience. “My first priority is … Continue reading
Clinton Stresses Change — With Experience
NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 6) — With two days left until the primary, Democrat Hillary Clinton is working to sell herself as the candidate both of change and of experience. “We want a president who can go to work on the … Continue reading
Obama Takes Advantage of Iowa “Bounce”
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 4): He has the “bounce” of Iowa. Democrat Barack Obama goes into Tuesday’s primary already benefiting from his first-place victory in the Iowa caucuses. Independent and undecided New Hampshire voters already felt more comfortable settling on Obama … Continue reading
NH Residents Take Primary Chaos in Stride
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 6) — The double-parking. The street traffic. The fliers. The “Honk 4 Huckabee” signs. None of it bothers local residents all that much. “Most people are pretty respectful,” said Jim Lupien, “except when you get 10 fliers” … Continue reading
Clinton Makes Grand Entry to NH
NASHUA, N.H.(Jan. 4) — The airport-hangar welcome for Sen. Hillary Clinton was a portrait of patriotism: Giant American flags adorned the white-washed walls and shiny windows. More giant American flags sparkled on Clinton’s campaign bus.Smaller American flags wafted back and … Continue reading
Edwards Rallies Troops As He Arrives in NH
Manchester, N.H. (Jan. 4) [“We want Elizabeth! We want John! We want to see them! On the White House lawn!”] (Sound of supporters) With fiery chants, supporters welcomed Democrat John Edwards to New Hampshire’s presidential race on Friday. Steelworkers. Shipyard … Continue reading
And Now Come the Protestors
SALEM, N.H. (Jan. 6) — Power to the people. In a surprising twist, protestors lined the walkway outside Woodbury School in Salem, Sunday afternoon. Sen. John McCain of Arizona, held a town hall meeting in New Hampshire, where he has … Continue reading
Indian-Americans Attract Presidential Candidates
NASHUA, N.H. (Jan. 5) — Presidential candidates court the votes of Americans of Indian origin. “If you don’t vote for me on Tuesday — shame on you!” former Alaska Sen. Mike Gravel, a Democratic candidate for presidency told a gathering … Continue reading
Edwards & Obama Team Up Against Clinton
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 6) — John Edwards and Barack Obama joined forces Saturday night, pouncing on Hillary Clinton and marketing themselves as the only two “agents of change” in the Democratic campaign. In a heated debate, Edwards and Obama remained … Continue reading
Global Warming Activists Show Off for Candidates
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 5) — Santa Claus. A polar bear. The Statue of Liberty. Oh, and then there’s the snowman. Their cause? Stopping global warming. “It doesn’t just go away,” said Zo Tobi, a volunteer with the Carbon Coalition who … Continue reading
Republicans Spar Over Immigration
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/immigration-debate-mp3.mp3] MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 6) [Immigration was one of the hot topics among Republican presidential candidates in last night’s debate in Manchester. The debates were sponsored by Facebook, ABC News and WMUR at Saint Anselm College. WATD’s Primary 2008 Reporter … Continue reading
College President Pitches Huckabee’s Education Plan
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Richard-4-Education2.mp3] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.5) — Mike Huckabee is getting reinforcement in New Hampshire from a friend and former colleague from Arkansas. Richard Zussman tells us about an education expert who will be helping the former governor in the Granite State. … Continue reading
Huckabee’s Press Secretary On the Road
[audio: https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/Richard-3.mp3] CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.4) — Mike Huckabee has launched his New Hampshire campaign a day after his victory in the Iowa caucuses. Richard Zussman tells us Huckabee comes into New Hampshire with help from his home state. Little Rock … Continue reading
Catching the Spin at the Debates
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Joyce-NH3-Spin-Doctors.mp3] MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 6) Spin room. Spin Doctors. Spin the images. It’s a tradition at debates like the ones here at St. Anselm College Saturday night. After the candidates leave the stage, their spinmeisters take over to paint the … Continue reading
Democrats All Lay Claim to Change In New Hampshire Debate
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Democratic-Debate-Beth-Nh3.mp3] MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 6) Intro – Democrats tangled over who can bring the most change to America in their debate in Manchester on Saturday night. WATD News reporter Beth Croughan tells us how the debate went at Saint Anselm … Continue reading
Dems Welcome Rallies Show Contrasts of Styles
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.4) — The top three Democratic presidential contenders blew into cold weather and warm welcomes in New Hampshire on Friday for the next round of campaigning. Just hours earlier in Iowa, Barack Obama had bested fellow Democrats John … Continue reading
Huckabee & Norris, the NH Rock Stars
LONDONDERRY, N.H. (Jan. 5) — An event for local Londonderry charities Saturday morning turned into a rock concert and media frenzy when former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) took the stage. But in an unusual twist, Huckabee didn’t campaign for … Continue reading
Wanted: Young Voters
CONCORD, N.H (Jan. 5) — This election, the presidential contenders are looking for action from a special group of voters: the young. “I feel like it’s more power to us,” said Joshua Sawyer, an 18-year-old from Northfield, N.H. “We’re the … Continue reading
They’re Voiceless in NH Debates
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 5) — Do not pay attention to these presidential candidates. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas. Former Sen. Mike Gravel, D-Alaska. Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif. They do not have a chance of winning their party’s … Continue reading
Edwards Casts Himself as Underdog in NH
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan.5) — Presidential hopeful John Edwards has been storming through New Hampshire since his arrival Friday, pleading his case as an underdog ready to lead the nation. “I was an underdog in Iowa, you saw what happened there,” … Continue reading
Chicago Students Get an Education In New Hampshire Politics
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 5) From Chicago, 60 students from 12 high schools come to New Hampshire to volunteer on all the presidential campaigns. Sharhonda Dawson runs the extracurricular program called “Elections and Actions.” [“Elections and Actions is basically a philosophy … Continue reading
Dodd Closes Shop in New Hampshire
MANCHESTER, N.H. (Jan. 4) — The door was locked. The office was deserted. The lights were out. Welcome to the headquarters of the now-abandoned presidential campaign of Sen. Christopher Dodd, D-Conn. He dropped out of the race for the Democratic … Continue reading
Candidates Arrive in Style
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 4) — The Democratic presidential candidates landed in New Hampshire Friday morning with personal flair. Front-runners John Edwards, Hillary Clinton and Iowa caucus winner Barack Obama each organized rallies, letting supporters know they are prepared to battle … Continue reading
Democratic Contenders Launch NH Bid
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 4) — The Democrats are here. With Iowa behind them, candidates for the Democratic presidential nomination arrived in New Hampshire on Friday for the last few days of campaigning leading up to the state’s primary on Tuesday, … Continue reading
Clinton to “Clean Up” After Bush
[audio: https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/HillaryRally.mp3] [In New Hampshire, presidential candidates are arriving from Iowa following last night’s caucuses. Senator Hillary Clinton finished a close third in Iowa, and she arrived in New Hampshire this morning looking for victory. WATD’s Primary 2008 Reporter Shelly … Continue reading
Arkansans on the Road for Hillary
[audio: https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Richard2-audio.mp3] CONCORD, N.H. — Senator Hillary Clinton is getting some help from one of her old home states. Richard Zussman tells us Arkansans are traveling across the country to New Hampshire to help the former first lady. State Representative Gregg … Continue reading
Obama Gets Warm Welcome
[audio: https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Barack-Obama-Story-2.mp3] INTRO: After last night’s win in Iowa, Democratic candidate Senator Barack Obama came to New Hampshire to begin his campaign for the January 8th primary. WATD reporter Beth Croughan tells us about the welcome he received in the … Continue reading
The Big 3 Dems Come to Town
CONCORD, N. H. –Now for Round 2. John Edwards, America’s newest middleman, is fighting for the middle class. “I am not the candidate of glitz. I am not the candidate of glamour. I am the candidate of the people’s America,” … Continue reading
Scenes from the NH Campaign Trail
CONCORD, N.H. — Get personal. That’s the message to the presidential candidates from New Hampshire voters. The rest of the country settles for seeing candidates on the television screen. But here in Concord’s coffee shops — yep, presidential contenders still … Continue reading
How to Make NH Political Statements
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/NewTrends-in-New-Hampshire2.mp3] Political fashions are everywhere. The State House in Concord has the famous “Button Wall.” While at The Barley House tavern, the fad is autographed barstools. Let’s start with those buttons. Virginia Drew runs the Visitors’ Center at the State … Continue reading
Iowa vs. New Hampshire: Two States of Mind & Politics
CONCORD, N.H. — The regulars at the Brown Bag Deli drank their coffee huddled in a tight corner on Thursday morning. The rest of the small sandwich shop, which can comfortably hold 15, was packed with about 50 John McCain … Continue reading
From Connecticut’s Lieberman to Arizona’s McCain: Support in New Hampshire
CONCORD, N.H. – Forget Chris Dodd. The other Connecticut Senator — the one who’s not running for president — is campaigning for someone else. Sen. Joe Lieberman, once a Democrat and now an Independent Democrat, has crossed state and party … Continue reading
Unions Push for Edwards in NH
CONCORD, N.H. (Jan. 4) — Health care is bringing scores of union workers to New Hampshire to campaign for Democrat John Edwards. The main union support comes from the Service Employees International Union. About 30 members packed a hotel meeting … Continue reading
Worcester Volunteers Head for NH
CONCORD, N.H. — They’re packing their bags with extra sweaters. They’re bringing along students. They’re making a family event out of politics. They’re the political volunteers from Worcester County volunteers heading here for the nation’s first presidential primary on Jan. … Continue reading
Ron Paul: Loud & Clear in NH
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Paul-Supporters.mp3] From the sights and sounds in Concord, New Hampshire, Ron Paul supporters are overpowering other campaigns. [“Ron Paul Revolution.” “ Give us back our constitution.” “ Ron Paul Revolution.! “Give us back our constitution”] Sound of drumbeats Led by … Continue reading
Now It’s New Hampshire’s Turn
CONCORD, N.H. — Forget Iowa. The real excitement starts here today, as New Hampshire voters take their turn in the national spotlight. Take, for example, Cy Wheeler of Concord. He was expecting his candidate — Democrat Barack Obama, senator from … Continue reading
Undecided Voters Hold Key to NH Primary
CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — As the presidential election moves here today, many New Hampshire voters remain undecided about the candidates. “I am a registered Democrat, and I will vote a Democrat,” Maura Willing said, who is a homemaker. “But I … Continue reading
From Rochester to New Hampshire: Politics on the Road
CONCORD, N.H. — For Scott Cathy, the move from Churchville-Chili to New Hampshire has one big consolation: Primary week. “It’s what I enjoy about living in New Hampshire. Regardless of your political beliefs, you get everything,” Cathy said in a … Continue reading
Coffee and Politics: Perfect Match in New Hampshire
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/COFFEE-SHOP.mp3] [“I’ll have a small peppermint mocha.”] Beep beep beep. Ching Ching. (Sound of Cash Register) Along with the caffeine at New Hampshire coffee shops, customers also get a big helping of politics. Take for example, Daniel Lord. He lives … Continue reading
Volunteers Lay New Hampshire Groundwork for Huckabee
[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/Richard-1-Volunteer2.mp3] Former Governor Mike Huckabee’s campaign office in New Hampshire is getting prepared for Huckabee’s arrival here tomorrow. Richard Zussman tells us Huckabee volunteers in New Hampshire are excited for the primary to get under way. NAT SOUND. One by … Continue reading
Immigration Remains Volatile Issue in ’08 Campaign
Immigration is a volatile political issue for the 2008 presidential contenders. Controversy surrounds immigration: Illegal immigrants, for example, face accusations that they unfairly take jobs away from Americans. They can be exploited by employers and have no protections. And the … Continue reading
Money Problems Means Some Chilren ARE Left Behind
Not enough money. That’s a big problem for the big goals of the No Child Left Behind legislation. The federal government passed the No Child Left Behind Act in 2001 to fight inequality in education. The law set a national … Continue reading
Fear for the Uninsured Fuels Political Debate
Fear of illness. Fear of injury. Fear of debt Those fears are all too familiar to the 47 million Americans and more than 50,000 Onondaga County residents without medical insurance. Consider these statistics: Nationally, 15 percent of Americans — about … Continue reading
Wanted: More Doctors; And Some Solutions Offered
Some pregnant women in Central New York are having a harder time finding a doctor to deliver their babies. It’s part of the national physician shortage. Here’s a closer look at how the shortage will affect local physicians and patients: … Continue reading
Lightcap Loses 12th District But Relished the Race
Democratic candidate Victoria Lightcap is the unofficial loser for the 12th District seat in the Onondaga County Legislature on Tuesday. She lost to Republican Bob DeMore, but Lightcap called the race a good sign for her. “I think that he … Continue reading
Joy Returns as Common Councilor at-Large
Democrat Kathleen Joy is celebrating her re-election to the Syracuse Common Council. She was second in the unofficial vote totals behind fellow Democrat Bill Ryan — but that still puts her back in City Hall as a councilor-at-large. She’s okay … Continue reading
Heagerty Takes First District for Dems
In the race for the Common Council seat from the First District, Democrat Michael Heagerty has won. He defeated Republican Albert Julian and Conservative candidate Kurt Schmelling. According to WTVH-TV, with 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Heagerty received 67 … Continue reading
Magnarelli Loses County Exec Race; Returns to State Assembly
Democrat Bill Magnarelli conceded his loss in the race for Onondaga County executive Tuesday night. With 100 percent of the vote in, the unofficial tally was 68,183 votes for his opponent Republican Joanie Mahoney and 42,144 votes for Magnarelli, according … Continue reading
Hawkins Loses No. 14 But He’s Not Blue for the Greens
Howie Hawkins has run and lost campaigns for public office 13 times in the past 14 years. His losing streak continued Tuesday, when he failed to win a seat on the Syracuse Common Council as an at-large councilor. But he … Continue reading
Mahoney Wins County Executive
In a landslide victory, Republican Joanie Mahoney became the new Onondaga County executive Tuesday night. “I’m humbled and honored to be standing here tonight as your next county executive,” Mahoney told a raucous, chanting crowd at the Republicans’ election-night party … Continue reading
Buckel Wins 7th District
After an aggressive campaign, Democrat Tom Buckel will join the Onondaga County legislature from District 7. “We did an awful lot of campaigning,” Buckel said in a phone interview from his car enroute to Democratic headquarters Tuesday evening. “We think … Continue reading
Ryan Wins Councilor-at-Large Seat
In what is shaping up to be a large victory for the Democrats, Bill Ryan is headed back to the Syracuse Common Council as an at-large councilor. With 100 percent of the vote counted, Ryan and fellow Democrat Kathleen Joy … Continue reading
Julian Loses 1st District Common Council Seat
In a rare open contest for the Common Council, the Republican candidate Al Julian has lost his campaign for the First District seat. The unofficial winner, according to Channel 5, is Democrat Michael Heagerty. Shortly after 11 p.m., Julian offered … Continue reading
DiBlasi Loses 7th District Seat
Republican incumbent Jim DiBlasi has lost to Democrat Tom Buckel for the 7th District seat in the Onondaga County Legislature. DiBlasi has represented District 7 since 1999. “I wasn’t expecting this. I thought this year with the way races were … Continue reading
DeMore Wins 12th District
Republican Bob DeMore has won the 12th District seat in the Onondaga County Legislature. “I feel really good. I worked really hard. I went to over 3,000 homes and I enjoyed the experience. I look forward to being in the … Continue reading
Mahoney Calls for Consolidation To End Government Waste
Onondaga County has 177 drainage districts, 188 street-lighting districts, 35 fire- protection districts and 20 garbage districts. That’s too much government repetition, says Joanie Mahoney, the Republican candidate for Onondaga County executive. She joins a long-standing but so far unsuccessful … Continue reading
Mahoney’s Fundraising for County Exec
For her political money, Republican Joanie Mahoney is tapping local donors, some businesses and her own bank account. Mahoney is running for Onondaga County executive against Democrat Bill Magnarelli in the Nov. 6 election. The two hope to succeed Nick … Continue reading