SYRACUSE — New York State Assemblymember William Magnarelli is running for re-election. Magnarelli, who was first elected to the 129th district in 1998, is running unopposed on the Democratic line for a two-year term in the 129th Assembly District.
The 129th District includes the Northside, Westside, Eastwood, Strathmore and Valley areas of the city of Syracuse, as well as the towns of Geddes and Van Buren.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Early voting began Saturday, Oct. 29. Visit ongov.net/elections/early-voting.html for more information or contact the Onondaga County Board of Elections at 315-435-8683.
How will your professional and personal experiences serve you in government?
As a member of the Assembly for 24 years, I have the knowledge and experience to continue delivering for my constituents. As chair of the NYS Assembly Transportation Committee, I will be in a key position to assist the district as major transportation and economic development projects get under way.
What are the top concerns or issues constituents have expressed to you? How do you plan to address these issues?
The economy, education and public safety. Over the next two years, I will continue to support state budgets that will build on the economic growth coming from the Micron project and provide the needed funding for the public transportation and infrastructure to support it. The last state budget provided record funding for education. My goal is to continue that funding into 2023 and support smart workforce development that leads to employment. Finally, I will continue to review and support common sense policies to reduce crime while still providing due process to those in the criminal justice system.
With large companies such as Micron and Amazon investing in Central New York, what is your plan to encourage smart development, preserve CNY’s natural resources and protect homeowners from high real property taxes?
I believe significant investment in public transportation is a must to encourage smart growth in CNY. As Transportation Chair, I have been advocating for significant investments in our public transit companies, including Centro. We must have reliable public transit options to reach these new employers. This will make it easier for employees to get to work and encourage newcomers to settle throughout the region, including the city of Syracuse. This will reduce unnecessary sprawl.
The pandemic has deeply impacted students’ academic performance and mental health. What is your plan to help address these issues?
The state must continue to invest in mental health care and social services for students. I believe the county should be taking the lead with state financial support in getting services to children and families that need them. For almost a decade, I have gotten funding in the state budget for the “Promise Zone” program in Onondaga County that provides direct services to students in need. I believe programs such as this should be expanded.
When it comes to issues such as bail reform and gun ownership laws, what can New York State do to balance individual rights with public safety?
NYS must continue to use background checks and have common sense restrictions on firearms. I believe people have a right to own firearms. However, there is little justification for people to have “weapons of war.”
On bail, I believe we made significant changes to the original bail law to give judges and DAs the tools they need to keep dangerous offenders in jail prior to trial. However, I am willing to look at additional changes that still respect the rights of persons who are innocent until proven guilty. Someone should not remain incarcerated pending trial simply because they’re poor.
