This is the second in a series of profiles of selected local races in Onondaga County ahead of the Nov. 3rd election.
Ask Republican John Sharon, Conservative David Stott, and Democrat Pam Hunter what they hear most from voters on the campaign trail…and each of them says jobs. Here’s current Syracuse Common Councilor Pam Hunter:
"They want to make sure they have jobs to go to; they want to make sure the educational system is where it needs to be so people have adequate education to meet the job requirements; and want make sure the economy is boosted. Boosting the economy equals great roads and bridges and water mains and sewers."
But lawyer John Sharon says infrastructure should come first.
"What company is going to want to come here, move their business here, invest in this community when crime is rampant as it is. The infrastructure of this town is just a disaster..only because of age, not because of maintenance. You have to have an infrastructure that supports business and makes it attractive."
Former county legislator David Stott says the state needs to change its mindset about economic development to stimulate job growth.
"We definitely have to look at those small and medium sized businesses that are already in the community to see if we can also help them with programs to help them grow. It's very difficult to do business in this state for a small business owner. People are not rich just because they own a pizza shop or a couple of apartment buildings. They're not."
Stott is urging voters to research the candidates before simply voting the party line. In his fourth run for the seat, Sharon hopes the democrat-leaning city voters know he’s a republican who cares. For her part, Hunter says she’s tried to reach unaffiliated voters. Next year, there’s a good chance voters in the 128th district will see some of the same names and faces as they seek a full term for the assembly seat.
