East Syracuse Mayor Danny Liedka announced last week he is running for a seat on the Onondaga County Legislature. Election Day is Tuesday Nov. 8.
The two-term mayor wants to represent residents of the newly redrawn seventh district, which covers parts of DeWitt, Eastwood, Sedgewick and East Syracuse, as well as one election district in the city’s 17th Ward. Currently, no incumbent resides in this district.
Last year, Liedka unsuccessfully vied for a seat in the state Senate 49th District against incumbent Democrat David Valesky. He lost the Republican line in the primary election against challenger Andrew Russo, who later lost in the general election to Valesky.
In the following Eagle Bulletin Q&A with Editor Tami S. Zimmerman, Liedka says he’s ready for bigger challenges and explains why residents should elect him as their legislator.
What have been some of your achievements as East Syracuse mayor over the last four years?
I have passed four straight balanced budgets without a single tax increase, all the time keeping services to village residents at a high level. We’ve done it by streamlining our operations, from top to bottom. We’ve also significantly cut crime and eradicated our gang problem. We’ve also had notable successes in fostering private sector economic development, such as the construction of the Beacon Federal Bank headquarters on Bridge Street. In fact, over the course of my years of service, we have added more than $12 million of new properties to our village tax rolls. I have had tremendous success lobbying for grant money. In fact, I have captured more than $2 million in grant money during my tenure.
How do you relate to your current constituents?
I’ve lived in East Syracuse all my life. Kim and I are raising our son Luke here. So, I have a personal relationship with a great number of my constituents. The people of East Syracuse know they can call me any time, for any reason. My home number’s in the phone book.
Why have you decided to run for County Legislature?
My years in village government have taught me that government can be run efficiently and effectively, cutting spending while still delivering vital services. It’s time to take my ideas on streamlining government to a bigger stage. I see this as an opportunity to do that.
What issues will you focus on during your campaign and why?
I will focus on lowering taxes, cutting spending and fostering private sector job development. These are the issues on the minds of Onondaga County residents, whether they live in the city or the suburbs. I have a proven track record of delivering on all three of those issues. I will ask people to use my past achievements as a promise of future efforts. Others may talk the talk, but I have walked the walk.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently when you campaigned against Sen. David Valesky? If yes, what?
Running for the state Senate was a worthwhile experience. I met a lot of great people. In terms of my personal effort, or the issues I raised, I wouldn’t change anything. I probably should have taken a closer look at the amount of money I needed to raise to run a competitive race. Raising money is tough when you come from a blue-collar background like mine.
Why do you believe you’re the right person for the job?
I have strong record in local government. I relate well to the people I serve. And, I have specific ideas for improving our community.
What is your all-time motto, particularly when faced with challenges?
Always tell the truth, don’t grandstand and, above all, never forget you work for the taxpayers.
Some press reports have called this the “Liedka District,” and claimed that it was drawn specifically for you. How do you respond to that?
First of all, I had no input into the redistricting process. None. Second, if they did draw the district for me, they could have done a better job of it. There are 20 percent more Democrats in it than Republicans. I expect a hard-fought campaign.
Do you have a website for people to visit?
Yes. It’s Liedka.com.
In addition to his part-time mayoral duties, Liedka, 42, currently serves as a sales executive with the Hilton Corporation. He is also an on-air sports announcer for Time Warner Cable Sports. He, his wife Kim and their young son Luke live on McCool Avenue in East Syracuse.
