League of Women Voters

17th District

Linda Ervin

Democratic, Working Families, Veterans 6331 Danbury Drive, Jamesville 13078 ervinforcountyleg@gmail. com Profession: Retired Education: BA, Syracuse University

Continuing advocating for relief in Medicaid and unfunded mandates. Continue consolidation efforts with the city, town and village governments to achieve efficiency in spending, like the purchasing department and the joint location of county and city economic development offices. Continue to grow tourism and other businesses to locate in the county to generate revenue. Continue to ask all departments to look critically at spending, to be creative with staffing, to seek grants to offset expense where ever possible.

Commissioner of Education

With a new system in place to evaluate public school teachers, the Committee on Open Government has stated that the results of the teacher ratings should be made public. Do you agree or disagree and why?

Delilah Fiumara 

Republican 107 Summit Ave., Syracuse 13207 delfiumara@mac.com Profession: Retired Education: MS, Education

We will have to comply with whatever legislation or policy is put into place. With that said, I do not agree that this action will have the desired effect of raising student achievement levels. These ratings should be used by districts as information to improve staff evaluation systems and tools. Reevaluating and/or reforming tenure laws might raise the quality of teachers in the classroom.

Michelle Mignano

Democratic 1517 Westmoreland Ave., Syracuse 13210 commoncents4schools@gmail.com; www.commoncentsforschools.com Profession: Public health compliance officer Education: MPA, Syracuse University; BA, Columbia University

Disagree. There is a difference between supporting consistent, meaningful and measurable performance

indicators to help inform and improve the professional development of teachers (and ultimately student outcomes) and recommending that a yet-to-be articulated, let alone perfected, system of evaluation be immediately released to the public. Parents have a right to know about teacher performance, and schools should make teacher evaluations available to key stakeholders, but in context and with the goal of constructive dialogue.

Stephen Swift

Democratic 121 Crawford Ave., Syracuse 13210 stephen.swift@verizon.net; www.steveswift.net Profession: Business owner Education: BS, SUNY Buffalo

I have serious concerns about public release of teacher evaluations in their current form. The evaluation process is fundamentally flawed and needs to be completely revamped. There needs to be a collaborative effort to construct a viable evaluation tool. Care needs to be taken to assure the data used to judge teachers, which among other things needs to be considered the demographics of the various school districts, is fair and equitable. In the present form this tainted information will only further isolate our teachers and prevent the collaborative effort within our communities so needed to solve our problems.

Edward J. McLaughlin

Republican 460 N. Franklin St., Syracuse 13204 emclaug3@twcny.rr.com. Profession: Retired; currently a part-time bus driver, Westhill Central School District Education: High school graduate

The results of the public school teachers’ evaluations is public information. With some effort anyone can get it if they want it. The issue is whether it should be broadcast publicly in the media. A concern that I have is that just evaluations without any background as to who the evaluators are and how the evaluation process worked procedurally leaves statistics devoid of any meaning.

Consider the evaluation having pilot status, at least for the first year. Look at the negatives and positives. Improve the evaluation process and then make a decision if making the evaluation public is warranted. Then there is the cost factor/no state or federal funds, grants, etc. In essence this will become another bloated subdivision in the state Education Department.

Max Ruckdeschel

Democratic, Working Families 1615 Euclid Ave, Syracuse 13224 max.ruckdeschel@gmail.com; www.maxforourschools.org Profession: Geographer Education: MA, George Washington University; BS, University of Idaho

A transparent government, and by extension school district, should always be our goal. That being said, this is a new and unproven evaluation system and until we are sure that these scores accurately reflect a teacher’s performance then releasing them may be counterproductive. I would support releasing the scores once we are sure that they are truly representative of teacher performance or we are mandated to by the state.

William H. Bullen

Democratic 239 Scottholm Terrace, Syracuse 13224 billbullen@gmail.com; www.billbullen.com Profession: Sales and marketing executive Education: BS, Krannert School of Management, Purdue University

Publishing limited assessments for broad purposes such as teacher ratings is irresponsible. The state Education Department assessment is not an accurate measure of teacher performance. Publishing the new composite assessments before we can ensure equity and prior to a thorough peer review (i.e. multiple years of data) is a flawed process and may undermine our efforts to create a positive and collaborative culture that prepares our students for the future.

Sarah Gilbert

Did not respond.

City Court Judge

What would (or do) you bring to the bench that sets you apart from other City Court judicial candidates?

Rory A. McMahon

Democratic, Republican and Working Families 117 Richard Road, Syracuse 13215 rorymc@twcny.rr.com Profession: City Court Judge Education: JD, Syracuse University College of Law; BA, SUNY Plattsburgh

Perspective and experience. I am the only candidate who has been a judge, a prosecutor and a defense attorney. As a result, I recognize the importance of balancing justice with fairness and compassion. As a lifelong resident of the city of Syracuse, I also understand the uniqueness of this community. As the father of three young children, I want to do whatever I can to ensure that Syracuse remains a wonderful place to live.

Karen M. Uplinger

Democratic, Working Families, Independence, Veterans P.O. Box 369, East Syracuse 13057 nj@twcny.rr.com Profession: Judge. Education: JD, College of William and Mary, Marshall Wythe School of Law; BA, University of Kansas

Experience. I am the only candidate who has served 10 years on the bench. I practiced law in Syracuse for 25 years, criminal and civil, the same cases that come before the court each day. Further, as a common councilor for eight years, I dealt with the Syracuse Housing Code and helped to write our local laws.

Romana Lavalas

Republican, Conservative and Veterans118 Remington Ave. Apt. K, Syracuse 13210 rlavalas@lavalasforcitycourtjudge.com; www.lavalasforcitycourtjudge.com Profession: Onondaga County Assistant District Attorney Education: JD, Syracuse University College of Law; BA, SUNY Albany

I believe my 12 years of prosecuting thousands of cases involving diverse groups of people, coupled with my personal background as a black and Hispanic female, affords me a unique perspective that would aid me in the thoughtful adjudication of the matters that would come before me as a City Court judge. As a prosecutor, I have been thoughtful, deliberate, firm but fair. I will continue to exhibit these qualities as judge. I have firsthand experience with making decisions that affect people’s lives in a tangible and significant way. I aspire to have an even greater impact as a Syracuse City Court judge.

City Auditor

In recent years there has been friction between the mayor and city auditor. What would you do to improve this relationship?

Martin D. Masterpole

Democratic, Working Families 344 Coleridge Ave., Syracuse 13204 marty@masterpolemurphy. com; www.masterpoleforauditor. com Profession: Partner, Masterpole-Murphy Agency Education: BS, SUNY Oswego; AAS, Onondaga Community College

I have already been accused of being too close to the mayor and therefore this question might be moot. However, having served on the Common Council with Mayor Stephanie Miner, we already have had numerous occasions where we have disagreed on various issues yet remained respectful of each other’s opinions and advanced good government.

As city auditor, I will remain an independent entity providing a check-and-balance on the City Council, School Board and mayor. When I believe that the taxpayers of the city of Syracuse are at risk, I will use the powers given to me by the Charter of the City of Syracuse to communicate to the citizenry that said “friction” is coming at a cost to the taxpayers.

Steve Kimatian

Republican, Independence,

Conservative, Veterans 318 Sedgwick Drive, Syracuse 13203 stevek@steveforsyracuse.com; www.steveforsyracuse.com Profession: Lawyer and Media Consultant Education: BA, Princeton University; JD, Cornell University Law School

To improve the auditor/mayor relationship, I would initiate an open dialogue on all issues of importance to the city with the mayor. Before issues became matters of public discord, I would seek to proactively resolve them with the mayor.

Syracuse Common Council

Controversy over Mayor Stephanie Miner’s decision to close the Ida Benderson Center has drawn concern from both senior citizens and Common Councilors. What do you think is the solution to provide these services for needy citizens in the city?

Kathleen Joy

Democratic, Working Families, Veterans 2225 James St., Syracuse 13206 kathleenjoy2011@gmail.com; www.kathleenjoy.org Profession: Attorney Education: JD, Capital University Law School; BS, Allegheny College

This center should not have closed. I proposed an alternative: renegotiate the rent and apply the savings toward senior programs. We called for a needs assessment. Seniors simply wanted a social center to gather with friends. They never demanded additional services. I recognize that difficult fiscal decisions must be made, but services must match the need. Society is judged by how we treat our most vulnerable. I will fight to keep other senior centers open.

Helen Hudson

Democratic, Working Family Party 241 Hall Ave, Syracuse 13205 voteforhelen@gmail.com; www.helenforsyracuse.com Profession: Labor liaison, United Way of Central New York Education: Industrial Labor Relations Certificate, Cornell University

It is difficult to make an informed opinion without knowing all the specific details and inside information around the closing of the Ida Benderson Center. I do know how vital services are to our community because of my years working with populations in need and I believe accessibility is key. Collaboration between the Common Council, Office of Aging and nonprofits would offer the best solution to guarantee needy citizens have access to these services

Joseph Rotondo

Republican, Independence, Conservative, Veterans 165 Chatham Road, Syracuse 13203 jrotondo@twcny.rr.com Profession: Business owner, JD Rotondo Accounting Services Education: BA, Syracuse University

The mayor and the Common Council should work together to create more transparency. Then the council and the administration of the Ida Benderson Center would have known in June of the mayor’s agenda, not one month prior to the closing of the facility. They could have all worked together to explore alternate funding to keep the center open and not force the seniors to go to the Salvation Army.

Kurt Schmeling

Conservative, Republican 614 Carbon St., Syracuse 13207 kurtschmeling@earthlink.net; www.abettersyracuse.com Profession: HVAC technician, instructor Education: AAS Equivalent

I believe the money issue in this instance is bogus. The mayor has passed up many occasions to save money for the city taxpayers. I was the only voice that spoke out against the inclusion of $6 million in overtime at the last budget hearing. She, along with Bill Ryan, gave a Christmas present to the Chamber of Commerce of $250,000, and $60,000 for the senior citizens is a problem?

1st District

Matthew J. Rayo

Republican, Independence, Conservative 15 Brattle Road, Syracuse 13203 mjrayo3@gmail.com; www.mattrayo.com Profession: Partner in a biodiesel firm, property management/maintenance, restaurant worker Education: BS, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

The mayor and the Salvation Army did not discuss the decision to close Ida Benderson with the Common Council, the seniors or the public until after the decision was announced. If everyone had been involved from the beginning, it is possible that the stakeholders may have come to the same conclusion as the mayor,

or may have been able to come up with an alternative solution. Because the decision to close Ida had already been made, however, the council should have held a vote on providing funding to the Salvation Army to support the transition.

Jake Barrett

Democratic, Working Families, Veterans 238 Brattle Road, Syracuse 13203 jakeb@twcny.rr.com Profession: Program manager, Catholic Charities of Onondaga County Education: BS/BA, Georgetown University

Populations served at the Ida Benderson Center have a sound and appealing alternative. The Salvation Army has a history of providing high-quality care.

As the substitute, their Adult Day Services program is located just four blocks south. In terms of pure logistical advantages, the replacement Salvation Army site is far closer in proximity for the pending Centro bus depot. This new hub for the Centro’s fixed bus routes will serve senior riders far better.

2nd District

Patrick Hogan

Democratic, Independence and Working Families 212 Bryant Ave., Syracuse 13204 oldstodg@hotmail.com Profession: Teaching Assistant, School Based Intervention Team Education: AAS, Onondaga Community College

The mayor’s decision was made without consultation with the Common Council. The entire council opposed it and offered alternative solutions that were rejected by the administration. The council is fully aware of the financial crisis that faces the city and imperils its future. While services and programs may have to be cut to keep the city solvent I will work to make sure the cuts don’t fall unduly on the residents that can least afford it: the poor and elderly. In addition, in realizing that the federal and state governments will in all probability have to cut aid to the city, it is incumbent on us to find ways to grow city tax revenue. This is the reason we have proposed the change in the city charter to give

the Common Council more control in zoning decisions. Decisions in the past have in many cases been consistently and persistently obstructionist to new businesses. Businesses that are unfettered by arcane rules and regulations will expand our tax base and give us both additional property tax revenue and sales tax allowing us to grow as a city.

3rd District

Bob Dougherty

Democratic, Working Families, Veterans 120 Edna Road, Syracuse 13205 bobdougherty2011@gmail. com Profession: Retired Education: BA, Texas Christian University

My response to the Ida Benderson Center situation is not going to be popular, but unfortunately these tough economic times will call for many unpopular decisions. I have had personal experience with both the Ida Benderson Center and the Adult Day Services at the Salvation Army. I have found the comprehensive services at the Salvation Army to be excellent and far superior to the drop-in nature of Ida Benderson. With the Centro hub being relocated, it makes sense for this service to be closer to the bus lines. I understand that change is hard and believe that as much as possible should be done to ease this transition. Although I believe the city’s solution was correct, I believe this situation could have been handled more expeditiously with better communication.

Jim Stelter

Republican, Independence 207 Edna Road, Syracuse 13205 jstelter36@aol.com Profession: Retired

Where we have a situation having multiple needs where a single solution is required, I have found that by canvassing other communities within this state and utilizing their knowledge on how best they have satisfied their seniors’ needs and concerns, we can develop a long-term plan. I would then set up a small committee of seniors to build a plan, hopefully with one or two alternates. Once this has been accomplished, funding and location will have to be determined. I believe by addressing this need in this manner, we will accomplish a long-term solution.

4th District

Khalid Bey

Democratic, Working Families 217 W. Kennedy St., Syracuse 13205

khalid@khalidforsyracuse. com; www.khalidforsyracuse.com Profession: Small business owner; author; public speaker Education: BS, Virginia State University

Once finance became a major issue, moving the program to “its own” location should have been considered (if it hadn’t). I agree that $120,000 annually is too much for the space the center occupied, especially considering the state of the economy, but I do believe remedy can (still) be provided by considering the aforementioned. Government has to be willing to compromise in an effort to reduce “casualties,” assuring that constituent services are ever No. 1 on its list.

Howie Hawkins

Green P.O. Box 562, Syracuse hhawkins@igc.org

Reinstate funding for the Ida Benderson Center to help meet the needs of our growing population of seniors. It is a matter of priorities. The city didn’t need to spend $377,000 bailing out the Chamber of Commerce’s delinquent National Grid bill. The city’s fiscal crisis is not due to spending on needed public services. It is due to tax cuts for the rich. Progressive tax reform and revenue sharing, state and local can resolve the fiscal crisis.

5th District

Nader Maroun

Democratic, Working Families, Veterans 1702 Euclid Ave., Syracuse 13224 nadermaroun@gmail.com Education; MS, Rochester Institute of Technology; BA, SUNY Oswego

Encourage my fellow colleagues to be proactive and create a public/private ad hoc task force of volunteers to partner with the Community of Caring Coalition to:

1. Determine the need of all needy citizens
2. What are the costs associated?
3. Set a timeline for a report to be drafted/completed.

W. Bruce McDaniels
Did not respond.