in local elections can diversify legislators

County. In the June election, two candidates of color are running — Maurice “Mo” Brown and Nodesia Hernandez.

For residents living in the city, the 15th district is important to focus on, especially after rezoning included more area outside the city in the district. It starts from within the city and extends all the way to the western border of the city, touching on the border of the town of Onondaga. Currently there are two candidates running for county legislature representing the 15th district — Brown and Tim Rudd.

“It is important to run for county legislature because Syracuse does not live in a silo,” Brown said. “Our county’s inaction has cost us lives.”

Brown perceives current decisions made by the county as choosing profit over the community. He referenced Van Duyn, a nursing care facility in the county, which privatized in 2013 and subsequently deteriorated in conditions.

Residents in the city have also seen officials prioritizing profit over the community recently regarding the county’s new $85 million aquarium project. Local residents protested the approval to use the county’s budget surpluses to build the aquarium instead of using the money towards dealing with the current housing crisis and ongoing child poverty in Syracuse.

Brown sees residents face these issues first hand as a success coach at Onondaga Community College. “They don’t struggle with algebra, or biology, they struggle with childcare. They struggle with housing insecurity and the subpar transportation system,” he said.

“Now that we have a $85 million aquarium, how will our youth from working families and impoverished families be able to enjoy it?” Hernandez said.

It is clear the community wants change to better the conditions of those living in poverty and housing. There is a want and a need for city and county officials to become more proactive rather than reactive by using funds to ease the hurdles that city locals currently face in Syracuse and improve social conditions.

Participation in local voting systems are then key to have those we elect to represent us and hear our communities needs. Local elections can be swept under the rug, but arguably have the most immediate impact on individuals.

Hernandez, who is running to represent the 17th district, echoed the same beliefs regarding the county legislators’ current spending. Like Brown and city residents, she’s confused on why money is not going towards bettering the life of families within the city.

According to the 2021 US Census, child poverty in Syracuse has improved, but is still among the highest in the country at 41%. As of 2019, 31% of Syracuse is living below the poverty line, meaning that individuals are making less than $27,000 annually on average.

An overwhelming majority of locals have passion towards issues regarding poverty in the city and political leaders should show support to resolve that issue. Local politicians are those with power to impact people’s lives immediately. They are in reach to be contacted and held accountable. The leaders elected in these local elections are a representation of the communities voices and needs, but that only works when locals cast their vote and stay involved.

“Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. If we don’t come to the table, we will be on the menu. Our money is spent by local leaders and we should have a say on how it is spent.” Brown said.

Sarhia Rahim is a sophomore policy studies major. Her column appears bi-weekly. She can be reached at slrahim@syr.edu.