Online at urbancny.com
Juanita Perez Williams Wins Democratic Nomination for Syracuse Mayor by Ken Jackson Juanita Perez Williams Wins Democratic Nomination for Syracuse Mayor, staging a dramatic upset against a seasoned veteran. The campaign getting an early start, armed with a campaign staff that was working, positioning Ms. Williams for this historic run for elected office. If elected she’ll become the first Latina mayor of one of five big cities in New York State.
convinced people that Syracuse was ready for change. It first appeared in the Spectrum Poll where the race was in a virtual dead heat.
After a comment made at a debate about police staffing, the Nicoletti commercial was unveiled accusing Williams of being light on crime. This caused some who were previously with Nicoletti to look at Williams as the alternative. An alternative candiThe Williams campaign sent the first date, that wasn’t pushing for an inpress releases, along with relentless creased police presence. This could visits to people and groups of interest have been a play for older voters who around this 25 square mile city. Unare always in favor of more police. daunted by the naysayers who placed However, given the relationship chalher initial chances at zero Williams lenges that exist between Law En-
forcement and the minority community, the move alienated what was once Nicoletti’s core constituency, the African-American Community. Juanita moved seamlessly between community groups and voters campaigning on the platform of competent leadership. Her successes in both the military and in various appointed positions convinced Syracuse voters in the primary Election that she’s going to make wholesale changes in the way this city operates. She also released a campaign document stating what she will do as Mayor of Syra(Continued on page 2)
It Was The Best of Times, It Was The Worst of Times…
Joe Nicoletti Calls for Party Unity as he Suspends Campaign and Announces Support for Juanita Perez Williams
Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company presents…A Tribute to Paul Robeson and Company
(Continued from page 1)
cuse, a bold move that appeared to be written off by her competitors. Whether it’s a Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today (TNT) meeting or a forum with dozens of people Ms. Williams, with military precision zeroed in on what many Syracuse residents have been murmuring for years. People voted for drastic change in how the city of Syracuse is run, moving forward from the Miner years
Independence Party Candidate
Votes
Percent
The general election will be a four-way race between Laura Lavine (Republican), Howie Hawkins (Green), Ben Walsh (Reform, Upstate Jobs) and the winner of the three-way Democratic primary, Juanita Perez Williams. The X-Factor in this 2017 campaign is Ben Walsh, a well-funded Independent; can he break the cycle of two major parties dominating the electoral process? With a grandfather who was Syracuse Mayor and a father who was our U.S. Congressman, will the family legacy and hefty campaign fund help people find a name far down the ballot? These questions and more will be answered on November 7th, 2017 when Syracuse elects its next Mayor. The following are unofficial results for campaigns of interest to our readers from the September 12th Primary Election. The results must be certified by the Onondaga County Board of Elections
Results in Syracuse Democratic Primary for Mayor
Votes
Percent
78
31.3%
Derrek T. Thomas
0
-
Write In
171
68.7%
James H. Cecile
0
-
Vanessa E. 0
-
Frank B. Pelosi
-
Reform Party Candidate
Votes
Percent
Benjamin R. Walsh
416
82.4%
Write In
89
0
Syracuse councilor, 4th District 17.6% Democratic Party
Syracuse city court judge (vote for 3)
Votes
Votes
Percent
Latoya Allen 943
58.4% 10.3%
Percent
Christopher Montgom- 167 ery Michael Greene
31.3%
Democratic Party Candidate
Candidate
Vanessa E. Bogan
5822
31.1%
Frank B. Pelosi
2959
15.8%
James H. Cecile
4754
25.4%
Derrek T. Thomas
5160
27.6%
506
Published monthly online by: URBAN CNY Kenneth Jackson Editor and Publisher 315-807-9022
Democratic Party Candidate
Candidate Laura B. Lavine
and yearning for the basics to work in the city as they once did.
Some attempted to cast dispersions on her by stating that she was, “hard to work with” a term usually reserved for competent women that work hard with intense passion. The voters rejected the murmurs and doubters and selected Juanita Perez Williams as their candidate for Mayor of Syracuse in the General Election.
Women's Equality Party
Votes
Percent
Juanita Perez 4204 Williams
54.4%
Joe Nicoletti 2740
35.5%
Martin D. Masterpole
10.2%
785
Walt Shepperd Senior Editor Urban CNY 105 Rann Ave. Syracuse, NY 13204 For advertising and editorial: 315-807-9022 kjackson@urbancny.com Online at urbancny.com
It Was The Best of Times, It Was The Worst of Times‌ The year is 2017, and life in Syracuse and Its relationship to the rest of New York State seems puzzlingly the best and the worst that it can be. Business activity in downtown Syracuse and around the Syracuse University campus reflects a robust real estate market with people willing to spend top dollar for an apartment or condominium. We have the largest Mall in New York State, hosting millions of visitors per year. In Onondaga County, millions have gone into the development of amenities in and around Onondaga Lake, including the Lakeview Amphitheater and soon-to-be-built marina. This money is on top of the one billion dollars state and federal agencies spent cleaning, what was once known as, the most polluted lake in America. $70 Million more dropped into the New York State Fair. Don't leave out our new state funded movie production facility. Syracuse University will invest millions on a redesign of the aging Carrier Dome. To date, SU has spent close to a billion dollars over the last decade updating their campus. The Connective Corridor between Syracuse University and downtown is like the yellow brick road in the Wizard of Oz, paved color coded bike paths (see picture above), and colorful signage, expanded hotels and millions invested in new student housing options. If I stopped at this narrative, you might actually believe it's the best of times. Leave those geographic areas of Syracuse and you're going to see poverty, decay and the accompanying urban blight. Affordable housing options are become limited as landlords increase rents. Syracuse University's spilling off the hill into what once were residential communities.
SUNY Upstate Medical University acquired a once vacant residential building built for low income residents, converted the 20 story tower into student housing for their growing medical university campus. These are the same areas that were once inhabited by the African-American community of Syracuse, before Interstate 81 and Urban Renewal. The possible removal of Interstate 81 will offer even more possibilities for development. The presence of public housing near the city's core will be reduced. The Community Grid options unlock more real estate in areas near campus and downtown, where there's high demand.
Between Destiny USA's 30 year tax deal, multiple new hotel tax deals, and the hundreds of residential units built without having to pay the once requisite taxes and fees, there's no money to do anything else. There should be a minimum that all developers have to pay. As a city we cannot afford the aid which is a form of corporate welfare, and it's time to stop. However, Onondaga County which is where the wealth resides, they can afford to give away, Mortgage Taxes and other fees.
We can't make a dent in poverty by sprinkling money over developers and developments; we need to invest in people. New York State's emulating Charlie Brown's fictitious, Great Pumpkin. With Governor Cuomo generously Drive around our once pouring funds, like bite pristine neighborhoods; prepare to sized candies into the recoil in shock as some are unrecogTrick or Treat bags of nizable. Block after block, areas look unsuccessful job creaas though the homes are held totion touting developgether by Gorilla Glue and Duct ers and state supportTape. ed initiatives. For exIf you're poor in Syracuse, It's the worst of times. ample, Startup New York spent over 23 million dollars in advertising, not many jobs created with By all measures, Syracuse has become even this state initiative. poorer, listed as the 13th poorest city in the UnitWe must invest in emergency job creation in Syed States according to information released by racuse. Just as easy as funding appeared for a the U.S. Census. In a report published in 2016, th the city was listed as 29 poorest city in America; movie studio, amphitheater, new marina, hotel the overall poverty rate is now 32.1 % forcing the tax abatement, residential tax abatement, New statistical change in listing. Of our population of York State Fair improvements, funds could ap147,000 close to 42,000 people are living below pear for some creative innovative programs dethe federal poverty line of $24,339 for a family of signed to alleviate poverty. four. Ă‚ Even more We're burdened with shocking is the statisthis; Let them eat cake tic that show African attitude of the develAmerican and Hispanopment community, ic people living in Sythe thing only missing racuse's extreme povis the character from erty neighborhoods the Charles Dickens quadrupled between book, A Tale of Two 2000 and 2015. Cities, a revolutionary, And yet, the method of attacking this economic scourge is hackneyed, worn out, stale, unimaginative and if I may add, trite.
Madame Defarge sitting by the economic guillotine of poverty, knitting, splattered with blood, waiting for another blade to drop.
Joe Nicoletti Calls for Party Unity as he Suspends Campaign and Announces Support for Juanita Perez Williams Monday, September 18, 2017, is a day of unity for Joe Nicoletti for a Better Syracuse, the Working Families Party, and Juanita for Mayor. Joe Nicoletti and Ken Warner, Upstate Region Political Director of the Working Families Party, endorse Democratic nominee Juanita Perez Williams for Mayor of the City of Syracuse. After taking a few days of reflection since the 2017 Mayoral Primary, Nicoletti said, “The voters have spoken and have chosen Juanita to carry our Democratic message forward to November. After discussions with the Working Families Party, we believe it is vital that we unite with Juanita to ensure that the Working Families Party and the Democratic Party’s values and ideals are carried into City Hall. There is only one way to accomplish this, and that is, we must
stand together as united Democrats for Syracuse. Therefore, today I call upon all those who supported me to join me in endorsing and supporting Juanita Perez Williams for Mayor. As of today, I am suspending my campaign and will work to ensure that Juanita becomes our next Mayor.” Ken Warner, Upstate Region Political Director of the Working Families Party said, “The Working Families Party has been extremely proud to stand by its support of Joe Nicoletti … a great friend and a great candidate. But today, we re-
member what John F. Kennedy once told us that: ‘Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.’ And so today, we are equally proud to stand with Joe in our endorsement of Juanita Perez Williams to be the next Mayor of this great City of Syracuse.” Juanita Perez Williams said, “I accept with gratitude the endorsement of the Working Families Party whose commitment to advocating for wellpaying jobs that sustain families is aligned with my own closely held values. I am further honored to receive the endorsement of my former opponent, Syracuse Common Councilor Joe Nicoletti. Joe has been a dedicated public servant and active citizen over his four decades in public life. He deserves our appreciation for his service and his deep dedication to the City he loves.”
Latino Victory Fund Congratulates Gonzalez and Perez Williams on Primary Wins Washington, D.C. – Latino Victory Fund today congratulated its New York candidates, Eric Gonzalez of Brooklyn and Juanita Perez Williams of Syracuse, on their primary wins. Gonzalez, who currently serves as Acting Brooklyn District Attorney, is running to officially hold the position. Without a Republican challenger, Gonzalez is set to become the borough’s and the city’s first Latino district attorney.
Perez Williams, a Navy veteran and lawyer, captured more than half of the vote in the Democratic primary for Syracuse mayor. If elected, she would become the first Latina mayor in the state of New York. Since President Donald Trump took office, Latino Victory Fund has worked to recruit, train, and support progressive Latino candidates, making important gains across the country. Four of four candidates endorsed by Latino Victory in the primaries advanced to the general election. Additionally, Latino Victory played a key role in the special election campaign of Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), who was elected in June.
“With two decades of experience and strong commitment to criminal justice reform, there’s no one better suited than Eric Gonzalez to lead Brooklyn’s top law enforcement office,” said Cristóbal J. Alex, President of Latino Victory Fund. “Latino Victory is proud to stand with Eric as he continues to uphold justice and equality in pursuit of public safety.” “Latino Victory is thrilled that Juanita Perez Williams will be the Democratic nominee for Syracuse mayor. As the daughter of working-class parents, Juanita’s fight for economic justice is deeply personal and informs her policies. We look forward to continuing to support Juanita as she makes history as the first Latina mayor in New York’s history,” he continued.
Farm Fresh Mobile Markets September 2017 Schedule The Farm Fresh Mobile Market brings fresh produce to locations where people live, work, and play! The goal of the FFMM is to increase access to healthy foods in high need area. The Farm Fresh Mobile Market offers healthy vegetables and fruits as well as education, samples, and food demonstrations at select sites.
Important News About Our Water Supply: Joint Statement from the New York State Department of Health, Onondaga County Health Department and City of Syracuse Samples tested at the state’s Wadsworth Lab in Albany returned results late Tuesday of .26 parts per billion in the finished water sample from the Village of Skaneateles “Following the reports of algal blooms on Skaneateles Lake, the New York State Department of Health, Onondaga County Health and the City of Syracuse Department of Water worked collaboratively to collect samples to determine whether there were levels of algal toxin that could impact the municipalities that use Skaneateles Lake as a public drinking water supply. “Samples tested at the state’s Wadsworth Lab in Albany returned results late today of .26 parts per billion in the finished water sample from the Village of Skaneateles. The results are below the EPA’s 10 day health advisory level of .30 parts per billion for sensitive populations, so residents can continue to drink the water while ongoing sampling continues. “After receiving today’s results, the Department of Health, County and City immediately conducted ex-
panded, confirmatory sampling throughout the distribution system and increased chlorine levels in the water system in to help decrease toxin levels. Results from the expanded sampling effort will be available Wednesday and officials from the New York State Department of Health will be in Onondaga County to help interpret results and discuss next steps for treatment as needed.” This will be updated as additional information becomes available. Syracuse is one of 50 communities
across the country that aren’t required to filter their water. As a result of Algal Blooms additional Chlorine is added to the city of Syracuse water supply.
Reps. Katko, Cummings Renew Effort to Honor Life of Harriet Tubman, Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Place Tubman on $20 Bill WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives John Katko (NY-24) and Elijah Cummings (MD-7) today renewed their bipartisan effort to honor the life of Harriet Tubman. Together, they introduced The Harriet Tubman Tribute Act, bipartisan legislation which would require the Secretary of the Treasury to place Harriet Tubman’s likeness on the $20 bill beginning in 2020.
likeness on the $20 bill, and today I’m proud to once again introduce legislation with Rep. Cummings to honor the life of Harriet Tubman and her incredible contributions to this great nation.”
"Too often, our nation does not do enough to honor the “Harriet Tubman is a hero who bravely led countless contributions Americans to freedom and opportunity, courageously of women in fought for her country, and was an outspoken advoAmerican hiscate for women’s suffrage. With the Harriet Tubman tory, especialHome in Auburn now a National Historic Park, Central ly women of New Yorkers are proud to honor her legacy and rich color," Rep. history in our community,” said Rep. John Katko. Cummings “Last week, I called on the Treasury Secretary to said. "Harriet move forward with memorializing Harriet Tubman’s Tubman was During the 114th Congress, Reps. Katko and Cummings introduced legislation to require Harriet Tubman’s likeness be placed on a federal reserve note.
called the Moses of her people, because after she escaped slavery, she courageously made 19 trips to the South to free more than 300 enslaved African Americans. Her courage, conviction and commitment to equality represent the best of America and it is long past time we recognize her place in history. I am proud to introduce this bill with Rep. Katko to honor Harriet Tubman’s role in making America a more free and more equal society."
“The Three Musketeers” brings fun for all to Syracuse Stage Rave reviews for the play currently running at Syracuse Stage… A must see! SYRACUSE, NY –Artistic director Bob Hupp makes his directorial debut as Syracuse Stage opens the 17/18 season with the swashbuckling adventure “The Three Musketeers”. This action-packed adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 classic novel opens Friday, Sept. 22 in the Archbold Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/SU Drama Complex, 820 E. Genesee St. There will be preview performances Wednesday, Sept. 20 and Thursday, Sept. 21.
“In my discussions with Bob, I began research primarily through paintings and the existing period, starting from the 1630s,” said Custer. “I discovered Baroque paintings from French painters like the Le Nain brothers that looked so rich and luxurious. Their paintings and other Baroque pieces inspired some of my sketches.”
Tickets are available at www.SyracuseStage.org, by phone at 315.443.3275 and in person at the Box Office. Special Events Sept. 22 holders)
Opening Night Party (free for ticket
“The Three Musketeers” production involves lots of Join the cast for a post-show celebration with live movement, and Custer has designed a wardrobe that music, food, drinks and live music. Adapted by Catherine Bush, playwright-in-residence not only looks beautiful, but will stay intact during the Sept. 23 New! Wine & Chocolate Night (free for at The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, and coshow’s swashbuckling fight scenes. ticket holders) produced with the Syracuse University Department of “These costumes are going to have fairly unique Drama, “The Three Musketeers” is a sweeping and Join us before the show for a complimentary tasting needs because of the amount of combat action reengaging tale featuring a cast of 18 outfitted with of wines paired with chocolates. Wine and chocolate quired in the play,” said Custer. more than 50 costumes by Marianne Custer, includat 7 p.m., curtain at 8 p.m. ing period gowns. Similar demands are placed on Meyer’s set. In addiSept. 24 Prologue at 1 p.m. (free for ticket holdHupp chose to start the season with “The Three Mus- tion to allowing for swift transition to multiple locaers) tions, he must also accommodate the fight choreogketeers” because of its wide appeal and because it is a work that inspires a creative response in artists and raphy. Wright calls the set design a wonderful gymna- An intimate, pre-show discussion with “The Three sium that will afford opportunity to showcase the audiences alike. Musketeers” director Robert Hupp one hour prior to physical skills of the cast. curtain. Bring your questions. “The show is full of adventure and romance,” said Aiding, too, in the creation of adventure and romance Hupp. “I wanted the first show to be broadly engagActor Talkback (free for ticket holders) is Ryan Rumery, who ing and include the audience as part of the fun. The classics spark our imagination and take us places we is composing original don’t ordinarily get to go to, like 17th century France.” music specifically for this production. RuDumas’ epic follows the dashing young D’Artagnan mery has been sitting and his three companions, Athos, Aramis and in on rehearsals and Porthos, as they fight for the honor of their queen. working in real time to Carefully guarded secrets, lavish swordfights and provide underscoring sweeping romances all develop as the musketeers integral to Jonathan duel their way into glory. The fights, expertly choreo- Herter’s sound design. graphed by D.C. Wright, range from large-scale brawls to one-on-one duels and embrace a variety of An historic adventure of this scale requires tones from comedic to dangerous. the coordination and In keeping with the demands of Dumas’ sprawling integration of numerand intriguing tale, Stanley A. Meyer’s set accommo- ous creative compodates almost 20 locations as the action shifts from the nents. In addition to streets of Paris to secret rooms in royal chambers. the design elements, Hupp said Syracuse Stage’s Archbold Theatre is perthe production has fect for “The Three Musketeers” because “it is large dancing staged by enough to embrace an epic yet small enough to bring Anthony Salatino and the audience right into the action.” songs coached by Rebecca Karpoff. Dumas’ work has been translated into more than 100 languages and adapted into a multitude of films. As a season opener, Bush’s task was to transform the 400-plus page novel “The Three Musketinto a new and exciting experience. eers” celebrates the expansive potential of “I like the challenge of taking a story written in a tolive performance. tally different place and time and making it accessible to our audience today,” said Bush. “Being able to take “Only theatre can dethat reflective material that an author used and con- liver a really imaginadense that to two hours of incredible theatre is amaz- tive, far-flung and ing!” shared experience,” said Hupp. The world of the play comes to striking visual life with the help of costume designer Marianne Custer. Custer has worked in costume design for 45 years and based her costume ideas on paintings and garments from the Baroque era (1600 to 1750). (Continued on page 7)
(Continued from page 6)
A Q&A session with the actors following the 7 p.m. performance. Sept. 27 Wednesday @ 1 Discussion (free for ticket holders) At 1 p.m. in the Sutton Lobby, participate in a lecture with Hobart and William Smith Colleges professor Nicola Minott-Ahl and delve deeper into Alexandre Dumas' famous work. Minott-Ahl holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature and is currently working on a book-length study, "The Architectural Novel: How William Ainsworth, Victor Hugo and Alexandre Dumas Constructed the National Identities of 19th Century England and France." Open Captioning at 2 p.m. Performance for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Sept. 28 Happy Hour at 6 p.m. (free for ticket holders) Enjoy complimentary appetizers from area restaurants and half-priced drinks at our bar.
Sept. 30 Prologue at 2 p.m. (free for ticket holders) An intimate, pre-show discussion with “The Three Musketeers” director Robert Hupp one hour prior to curtain. Bring your questions.
Open Captioning at 8 p.m. Performance for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Oct. 8 Open Captioning at 2 p.m. Performance for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
ASL Interpreted Performance at 3 p.m. for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Oct. 4 Dinner & Show ($50, includes dinner and show admission) Enjoy a buffet dinner with fellow theatre lovers in the Sutton Pavilion. Seasonal fare prepared by Phoebe’s Restaurant followed by great theatre. Oct. 5 Prologue at 6:30 p.m. (free for ticket holders) An intimate, pre-show discussion with “The Three Musketeers” director Robert Hupp one hour prior to curtain. Bring your questions. Oct. 7 Audio Described Performance at 3 p.m. for patrons who are blind or visually impaired.
Paul Robeson Performing Arts Company presents…A Tribute to Paul Robeson and An evening of “edu-tainment” in celebration of Robe- A Tribute to Paul Robeson and Company son, powerful international performer and couraSaturday, October 7, 2017 - 7:00 p.m. geous champion of civil rights. Featured performance Bellegrove Missionary Baptist Church partners include PRPAC alums, Syracuse Community 219 W. Castle St./MLK West Choir and Dance Theater of Syracuse, many of the Syracuse, NY 13205 community’s finest vocalists, actors, dancers and musicians. Contact: Founded in 1982, our company bears the Paul Robewww.theprpac.org iifo@theprpac.org son name in honor of his artistic excellence and un315/313-5203 compromising courage. We ask for YOUR continued Contact to Volunteer-Donate-Share Your Talents… support as we celebrate our 35th Anniversary. Graphic credit: Karen Kerney, Watercolor, SCW Tickets: General $25; Seniors and College students w/ www.theprpac.org ID $15; Children under 18 FREE info@theprpac.org Purchase through PayPal or at the door. 315.313.5203
SCSD Ends Summer on a High Note: Summer Commencement and Summer Summit
Kickoff Event for Partnership Between OCC and Syracuse Elementary School On Thursday, September 14 at 10:30 a.m. the Syracuse City School District and Onondaga Community College held a brief ceremony celebrating a new partnership with Meachem Elementary School. OCC President Dr. Casey Crabill and Syracuse City School District The goal of the partnership is to help students start thinking about career opportunities and
higher education. Throughout the academic year, College representatives will visit the school and assist students in a variety of ways by working on arts and creative activities, conducting STEM demonstrations and engaging students in leadership activities. There will also be field trips to the OCC campus for students to enjoy and learn from. The pilot program was started last year at McKinley-Brighton Elementary. During this academic year Meachem Elementary and Roberts School are joining the partnership.
Community Remembers Milagros M. Escalera “Milly” Milagros Maria Escalara, 63 of Syracuse passed away Friday September 1st. Born in New York, New York, she attended high school in Brooklyn New York. Milagros went on to receive her Bachelor’s Degree from Syracuse University and her Master’s Degree from SUNY Oswego. In 2014, after 28
years, she retired as a Principle in the Syracuse City School District. Milagros was predeceased by her father, Vincent Escalara. She is survived by her mother, Francisca Escalera; two sisters, Nitza Milargros Escalara and Frances (Mario) Quintanilla; one brother, Modesto “Papo” Acevedo; three nieces, Marielena, Marcela, and Francisca; and many dear friends whom she considered family. Dozens of fFriends and family including the Superintendent of Syracuse City Schools Jaime Alecia came to pay their respects to a woman who
touched so many lives. On Thursday evening a candle light vigil was held in her honor by members of the community. Milly was the first Latina administrator in the Syracuse City School District becoming a role model for those who followed. Today’s services were held at Farone & Son Funeral Home. People from all walks of life, came to pay their last respects to a woman who would light up a room with her smile. Upbeat and positive and was always willing to give of herself to help others. Pastor Harry Patterson presided over the service.
Syracuse Primary Day Election Guide: Knowing Your Local Government Do you know who your Syracuse Common Council Representative is? We’re at the end of our traditional summer, signaled by the arrival of the New York State Fair, Labor Day and thousands of college students. Soon we’ll be swept away in the political frenzy leading up to the Primary Day September 12th when Syracuse democratic voters decide who’s going to be their candidate in November. Primary Voter turnout in past years has been anemic, leaving the decision on who’ll run the city of Syracuse to a relatively small number of participants. There are those who proudly proclaim, “I only vote in presidential elections”, this primary guide is for them. As many don’t know the function of local government; Common Council Members, the Mayor or the designated positions that are regularly up for review. This is the year for review, the local Elections. Hopefully, by reading this and using the associated links you will know what kind of government we have in Syracuse. What does a Common Councilor do? What are the Mayor’s duties? Have you ever seen the City Charter? Where is my Election District? Who represents “me”? Syracuse Common Council City-Wide Map Our roads, schools, neighborhoods, the Police and Fire departments, economic development mission, are all vested within the aforementioned representatives. Together, they operate the city of Syracuse. Through a variety of federal and New York State funds the city is provided different tools in the form of funding to spur economic growth, reduce urban blight and create job opportunities especially to low-skilled workers. Also, controlling development agencies that provide local tax incentives to lure businesses here with the promise to create or sustain current levels of employment. Who makes those decisions is up to you because they’re all up for election or re-election. President Trump can’t pick up your garbage, plow your street or bestow generous tax incentives to local businesses. This is about how to take control of your city, your community, your neighborhood, and your home. As Tip O’Neill, the late Speaker of the House of Representatives, once said, “All politics are local.”
Therefore, as you make you decisions on who you want to represent you, find out more about your Election District, where you live. Are you happy, unhappy? Do want change? This is your opportunity.
Joseph A. Nicoletti, Syracuse Common Councilor At-Large
Steven P. Thompson, Syracuse Common Councilor At-Large – Majority Leader
Joseph G. Carni, Syracuse Common Councilor District 1 – Minority Leader
Chad Ryan, Syracuse Common Councilor District 2
Susan C. Boyle, Syracuse Common Councilor District 3
Khalid Bey, Syracuse Common Councilor District 4
Nader P. Maroun, Syracuse Common Councilor District 5
Current Syracuse Common Council Representatives
Van B. Robinson, President - Syracuse Common Council
Jean Kessner, Syracuse Common Councilor At-Large
Helen Hudson, Syracuse Common Councilor, At-Large – President Pro-Tempore
Protest You Can But‌..City Issues Updated Guidelines for Permit Applications SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The city of Syracuse today issued updated guidelines for permit applications. The guidelines aim to ensure increased efficiency at public gatherings and enhance public safety. All applications will continue to be processed through the Central Permit Office. All event participants consent to random searches by the Syracuse Police Department. Those who do not consent to searches will be prohibited from participating in events. The following items will be banned from parades and public assemblies: Any and all firearms, swords, cane swords, knives of any type, baseball bats, flag poles, clubs or any item that may be used as a club, metal knuckles, plastic knuckles, fighting gloves or any gloves designed for the purpose of striking, chukka sticks, billy, blackjack, sand bag, sand club, sling shot, wrist brace type sling shot, shirken or " kung fu star," glass bottles, any bottles or containers containing urine or other noxious liquid, mace, pepper spray, any containers containing a noxious liquid or spray, shields or any sign of such size and material that it may be utilized as a shield, any weapon or any unlawful use of an object as defined in Articles 265 and 270 of the Penal Law of New York. The new permit can be downloaded here: http://bit.ly/2wrTz1u
Notice to Bidders-Town of Salina Richfield Park Restroom Alterations & New Shelter Sealed bids will be received by the Town of Salina at 201 School Road, Liverpool, New York 13088 until 10 a.m. (local time), on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, at which time they will be publicly opened and read.
placed on the official Plan Holders List, receive Addenda, and other Bid correspondThe work site is located within the Town of Salina lim- ence. Bids reits with work to be performed at Richfield Park, locat- ceived from Coned between Richfield Boulevard and Brookfield Road tractors other than in Mattydale, New York, Onondaga County. those on the official Plan Holders list may not be accepted. The work includes providing all labor, materials, machinery, tools, equipment and other means of conAll bids must be made on the official Bid Form or an struction necessary and incidental to the completion exact copy by reproduction thereof and enclosed in a the work shown on the Drawings and described in sealed envelope. This is a LUMP SUM bid as described these Specifications including, but not necessarily in the Instructions to Bidders. No Bidder may withlimited to, the following: Renovations to the existing draw his bid within forty five calendar days after the restrooms, including removal, relocation and replace- actual date of the opening thereof. Each bid must be ment of plumbing fixtures, new bathroom accessories accompanied by a bid security in the amount of five and partitions, new countertops, new light fixtures, percent of the base bid in accordance with the Innew signage, epoxy flooring, and paint, and the instal- structions to Bidders. lation of a 20’ x 30’ gable end shelter. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish conDrawings and Specifications may be examined at the struction performance and payment bonds in the full Town of Salina, 201 School Road, Liverpool, New York amount of the contract price. 13088 and at the office of CHA Consulting, Inc., One Park Place, 300 South State Street Suite 600, Syracuse, The successful bidder will be required to comply with New York 13202. The contract specifications and all provisions of the Federal Government Equal Emdrawings may also be examined free of charge at the ployment Opportunity clauses issued by the Secretary Onondaga County Community Development Office, of Labor on May 21, 1968 and published in the Feder1100 Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street, Syracuse, al Register (41CFR Part 60-1, 33 F.2 7804). New York, 13202. This project is funded (in part) by a grant from the Onondaga County Community Development Division. Complete sets of the Drawings, Specifications, and Bid Approximately $50,000.00 of the project cost will be Forms may be obtained from the Town of Salina Town financed with federal money. Bidders will be required Clerk, Ms. Jeannie Ventre, at the Town of Salina offic- to commit themselves to a goal for minority business es located at 201 School Road, Liverpool, New York, participation in the contracts. 13088, in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Contract Documents will be provided electronically on A prebid conference will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Mona compact disc (CD) in PDF format and may be obday, September 25, 2017 at the Richfield Park Bathtained at no cost. Contractors that obtain Contract room Building, Richfield Boulevard, Mattydale, NY. Documents from a source other than the Issuing The bidding documents may be examined at the folOffice must notify the Issuing Office in order to be lowing address:
Town of Salina (Issuing Office) 201 School Road Liverpool, New York 13088 (315) 457-2710
Public Service Commission OKs $13 Million Charter Communications Settlement
To ensure the company keeps its promise, Charter will forfeit its right to earn back up to $1 million each time it misses a six-month build-out target. The actual amount forfeited will vary, depending upon the percentage of the target missed and whether or not Charter can demonstrate it has timely performed specific tasks.
provides television, internet and voice services, using strengthened review standards signed into law by Governor Cuomo. To obtain approval, Charter agreed to a number of conditions required by the Commission, including delivering broadband speed upgrades ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Comto 100 Mbps statewide by the end of 2018, and 300 mission (Commission) today announced approval of a Mbps by the end of 2019, and building out its net$13 million settlement agreement work to pass an additional 145,000 with Charter Communications Inc. un-served or under-served homes after the cable company failed to and businesses within four years of build-out its cable network as rethe closing of the transaction in quired in last year’s approval of four equal phases of 36,250 premCharter’s acquisition of Time ises per year. Warner Cable Inc. The $13 million While Charter has reportsettlement is the largest cable company financial settlement of its kind in state histo- ed that it completed the first speed upgrade ahead of schedule, as of May 18, 2017, it had ry and possibly the largest in the nation’s. only extended its network to pass 15,164 of “In its approval of the merger, the Commission rethe 36,250 premises it was required to pass quired Charter to undertake several types of investin the first year. Under the revised agreements and other activities,” said Commission Chair ment, Charter commits to completing its build-out John B. Rhodes. requirement of 145,000 new passings in 21,646 increments over six periods through May 18, 2020. On Jan. 8, 2016, the Commission approved Charter’s acquisition of Time Warner Cable Inc., a company that
CHA Consulting, Inc. One Park Place 300 South State Street Suite 600 Syracuse, New York 13202 (315) 471-3920 Onondaga County Community Development Division 1100 Civic Center, 421 Montgomery Street Syracuse, New York 13202 (315) 435-3558 Syracuse Builders Exchange 6543 Ridings Road Syracuse, NY 13204 Owner reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, to waive any and all informalities and the right to disregard all nonconforming, non-responsive or Conditional Bids. OWNER: Town of Salina 201 School Road Liverpool, New York 13088 Phone: (315) 457-2710 Fax: (315) 457-4317 Attn: Supervisor Mark Nicotra ENGINEER: CHA Consulting, Inc. One Park Place 300 South State Street Suite 600 Syracuse, New York 13202 Phone: (315) 471-3920 Fax: (315) 471-3569 Attn: Laura C. Cassalia, P.E.
As part of the settlement agreement, Charter developed a website (www.bldlkup.com) to inform homeowners and businesses whether their address is included in Charter’s broadband expansion plan. The company provides cable television, Internet and telephone service in the major metropolitan areas of the State: Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany and the boroughs of Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens and parts of Brooklyn. The Commission’s decision may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 15-M-0388 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number".