Second district candidate
John Dougherty
Biographical information:
I am 39 years old. I was raised in Western New York and moved to the town of Clay after graduating from college to take a job with Lockheed Martin. I worked in Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Development group until 2000 when I left to take a similar position with SRC. I am currently employed with SRC as a principal systems engineer. In addition to my experience as an engineer, I also served several years as the deputy chairman of the town’s planning board.
My formal education consists of a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from SUNY Buffalo, a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Syracuse University and a master’s in business administration from Syracuse University.
I am married with three children.
Why are you running for office?
When I was first elected, the entire country was in the middle of the “Great Recession.” Like everywhere else, Onondaga County was struggling financially as the cost of government rose and its revenues dropped. One of the positive results of this financial crisis was that it exposed some of the waste and inefficiencies that existed in county government at the time. Since then, my colleagues and I have been very successful at cutting some of this waste and reducing the overall cost to the taxpayer. In fact, the current county property tax levy is now the lowest it has been since the 1980s. We have one of the highest bond ratings of any county in New York state, and we currently have a fund balance that allows us to weather a future financial crisis without drastic cuts or dramatic increases in taxes. I am running for office to ensure that this positive trend continues. In my next term, I am going to continue to examine the consolidation of departments and services, increase the use of technology to improve the access and the quality of county services and continue to make sure that the residents of Clay have a strong voice in the legislature.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I have worked incredibly hard over the past four years to make sure that my constituents are well-represented. As a result of this effort, I have been able to develop strong relationships with other legislators and county department heads. It has also allowed me to develop working relationships with residents, businesses, neighborhood groups and community organizations throughout the second district. In my next term, I am going to continue build these relationships to resolve the issues that are most important to everyone. This includes working to continue reducing taxes, eliminating regulations that make it more expensive to live and do business in Onondaga County and to increase the safety of the residents.
What are the major issues facing the district, and what will you do to address them?
The biggest issue facing Onondaga County is the burden placed on it by New York state through unfunded mandates. These are programs that are offered and managed by New York state but required by law to be funded by the individual counties. Although these programs are not all bad, the result of the state offering these programs without having to tax for them is similar to ordering dinner in a restaurant and leaving someone else with the tab. These programs tend to be much more expensive than they would be if either the state or the county was responsible for the content AND the cost. For the past few years, the cost of state mandated programs to Onondaga County was greater than the property taxes collected. Without having to pay for unfunded mandates, Onondaga County could fund all of its operations with sales tax revenues alone. I am very confident in Onondaga County’s ability to manage its own operations responsibly, but when there is such a large cost put on us without having any control over it, it makes the future far less certain. In my opinion, Albany should take over the costs of these programs or allow the individual counties to tailor the programs to their needs and ability to pay for them. Without one or the other, it is simply a matter of time before counties begin to collapse under the weight of these programs.
Dougherty is running unopposed.
Third district candidate
Jim Corl
Biographical information:
Wife, Amy who is a schoolteacher with the North Syracuse school district, and three children, James (age 11), Jonathan (age 9), Elizabeth (age 4)
Employer: current town of Cicero supervisor/Corl Law Office
Political affiliation/endorsements: Republican, Conservative, Independence, Onondaga County Veteran’s Party, Onondaga County Deputy Sheriffs’ Police Association, Friends of the Cicero Police, Onondaga County Chapter of Chiefs of Police.
Age: 38
Why are you running for office?
Central New York is a fantastic place to raise a family. There are many appealing attributes such as parks, natural resources and a variety of housing choices. Like all parents, my wife and I want what is best for our children and we would very much like them to choose this area we call home. We must lay a foundation for the future for our county which is one that is welcoming to families and business alike. With this in mind the next generation will have the desire and opportunity to stay in our region.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Having the background of serving the town of Cicero as supervisor and town councilor for the last ten years will certainly be beneficial when serving as a county legislator. I have seen firsthand the effects of decisions that are made at the county level and how those decisions affect local municipalities. This experience will be helpful when making decisions at the county level.
What are the major issues facing the district, and what will you do to address them?
Business growth and development is certainly a priory for our region. Attracting, keeping and supporting businesses in our community are critical for the future of the county. Over the last two years as supervisor of the town of Cicero, I have made it a priority to assist businesses. We have already seen the benefits with the development of the Loretto project, expansion of JADAK, Hoffman Sausage distribution and administration building and redevelopment of Aldi’s Plaza, to name a few ongoing projects. Although challenging we must continue to find ways to make Onondaga County attractive for businesses.
Corl is running unopposed.
Fourth district candidates
Carol Sinesi
Biographical information:
I have lived in the same neighborhood in Liverpool, town of Salina, for 44 years, having bought a house one block from where I was raised. I have been with my husband for over 20 years and have four children. After graduating from Liverpool High School, I began working at New Process Gear as a Local 624 Union member. With word of the auto plants imminent closing, I left the plant and attended Le Moyne College, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminology. I then attended Syracuse University and earned a master’s degree in social work with a concentration in community organization, policy, planning and administration (COPPA). I am currently employed as a sub-contractor with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. I am active in my church, Immaculate Heart of Mary/St. Joseph’s, both as a parishioner and as a volunteer with the youth group. Additionally, I volunteer with the Syracuse V.A. in the new Referral and Education Center and with the Chestnut Hill PTO. We are currently working to secure funds for needed improvements to the elementary school.
Why are you running for office?
I was first drawn to the Onondaga County fourth legislative district because of its history. While the fourth district used to cover the town of Salina and parts of the town of Clay, it now covers portions of the towns of Salina and Geddes, and a small portion of the north side of Syracuse — the areas surrounding Onondaga Lake. I have always been interested in the areas history. This history, dating back to the mid-1800s with the salt mines, includes the current legislative district which played a key role in the development of the city of Syracuse as we know it today.
While not everyone shares my enthusiasm for local history, what we do share is an appreciation for our community that has much to be proud of, but we also face significant challenges. We need a county legislator who will be more active and engaged in protecting our assets and tackling our problems. I am that person.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am a hard worker and always have been. This trait, along with my education and work experience in the areas of community needs assessment, program development and program evaluation, make me the best qualified for the position.
What are the major issues facing the district, and what will you do to address them?
Major issues facing the fourth district include Onondaga Lake, economic development and an increase in quality-of-life crimes.
The clean-up of Onondaga Lake is due to be completed by 2015. While I am not opposed to development around the lake, I will work to ensure that public access to the lake remains open to all. It is important that folks, including the disabled, are able to enjoy all the lake has to offer now and in the future.
Many towns in Onondaga County have benefitted from the county executive’s green initiatives. So far, the towns of Salina and Geddes are not among them, even though we have several buildings that sit empty. Current research shows that older buildings were constructed using high-quality materials, making them a perfect match for such initiatives by upgrading, instead of tearing-down and re-building. This has the potential to bring new businesses and jobs to the fourth district. I will work to bring the county executive’s initiatives to our area.
We have seen a significant increase in quality-of-life crimes, such as car/garage/shed break-ins and property damage. I am hearing quite a lot about this while going door-to-door. It is a major concern of area residents that seems to have gone unaddressed. The U.S. Census Bureau reported in September that Syracuse and Onondaga County have not yet recovered from the 2008 recession and that unemployment among teens and young adults remains high. This, coupled with parents who have to work, in some cases multiple jobs, leaves children unsupervised. This cannot continue. I will work with the county executive and sheriff’s department to develop a plan in order to meet the needs of area residents.
Finally, while the question is specific to issues at the town level, there are other areas of concern affecting Onondaga County taxpayers. These include importing trash into the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCCRA) from other counties and Interstate 81. Unfortunately, I cannot speak to my position on these issues; that is to say, make an informed decision, as the necessary data has yet to be presented. However, I will remain vigilant in compiling data as it comes in to best serve Onondaga County taxpayers.
Judy Tassone
Biographical information:
I grew up in the town of Salina with my seven sisters and brothers. I moved to the town of Clay where my sons were raised. I belonged to the Clay Republican Committee and I was on the Clay Zoning Board of Appeals. My husband Bill and I moved back to Salina 12 years ago, where we now live, and I once again got involved with the Republican Party as a committee member.
When I retired from National Grid, I decided to run in 2009 for the Fourth District County Legislature seat, which I won and have enjoyed doing since. I have the endorsement of the Republican Party and I am also endorsed by the Conservative Party, Independence Party and the Veterans Party. I have served the community volunteering at the Make-A–Wish Foundation, Meals on Wheels and the Everson Museum. In my spare time, I love spending time with my grandchildren, along with boating and golfing.
Why are you running for office?
I want to continue to dedicate my time to provide the services that I was elected to do. The people are my top priority. I am running for re-election simply to continue in the interests of my constituents that expect and deserve the best of representation.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
As a legislator, prior member of the Zoning Board of Appeals and the chairperson for the Town of Salina Bicentennial Committee, I have had many opportunities to listen to the concerns of the residents and I have been able to bring solutions to their problems. I work well with the towns and I vote on the issue, not just the party line.
I am proud of my record of cutting the county tax levy by millions, reducing the county government spending and decreasing the size of our county government.
What are the major issues facing the district, and what will you do to address them?
Taxes are the main concern. This economy is presenting very hard times in our community. Our number one issue is the unfunded mandates that are handed down to us from Albany. New York state slammed us with another $17 million in state mandates within the past few years alone. Mandate relief is an issue I have been fighting for since 2009 and I will continue to fight for this. Onondaga Lake is another issue with the cleanup work by Honeywell well underway. The vision of a trail around the lake is becoming more and more of a reality and Onondaga Lake will become the engine that powers our local economy.
Fifth district candidates
Gary Brisson
Biographical information:
Born Oct. 30, 1956 in Onondaga County
Wife: Diane Desimone Brisson; married for 38 years
Three children, five grandchildren
Employment: National Grid since May 31, 1977
Conservative , Democrat on ballot
Lifetime resident of fifth district
Why are you running for office?
My goal is to implement term limits in Onondaga County government. My opponent, Kathy Rapp, has had 16 years as an Onondaga County Legislator and a total of 22 years as an elected official. It is time for a change. The Onondaga County legislature should not be a pension-building job where the taxpayers foot the bill.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
I am hardworking and do not owe any favors to any political party or any corporate political contributor.
What is a major issue facing the county and what would you do to address it?
The most important job for an Onondaga County legislator is to keep the expenses of Onondaga County to a minimum. The legislators should look at themselves first to cut spending. This can be done by not having full-time benefits paid by Onondaga County taxpayers for their part-time work as county legislators. As a county legislator, I will try to implement term limits in order to eliminate pensions for all legislators. I will also try to classify the legislators as part-time employees who will not receive medical benefits at the expense of the county taxpayers.
Kathy Rapp
Biographical information:
I served seven years on the Salina Town Board before being appointed to the county legislature in 1998. I have been elected and re-elected seven times since. I have served as majority leader as well as chairman or member of every committee during my time of service. I currently serve as chair of the Planning and Economic Development Committee.
Since 1982, my husband Bill and I have owned and operated ACLS, Inc. a mailing, marketing and communications firm in Liverpool. We have raised our three grown children here.
In addition to work and family, I remain active in our community serving on numerous boards and commissions that give me insight into our community needs.
I am a registered Republican also endorsed by the Independence Party.
Why are you running for office?
I decided to run for office again because there are so many projects still undone. As president of the Regional Planning Board and chair of Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council, the Route 81 debate has been a key issue I’d want to be sure my constituents have a voice in. While the decision will be made in Albany, the impact of that decision will be felt here for a generation
For almost 15 years I have been a catalyst for the development of Hancock Field in Cicero. The main campus is now almost fully developed with close to 1,000 jobs that didn’t exist before. We now have the opportunity to develop the 50-plus acres covered by the abandoned base housing. I’d like to see that through.
One of the most important and fastest growing programs in county government is our Early Intervention Program for babies and young children. More and more children are enrolling, but our outcomes are not at the same levels we see in other states. I have proposed a way to revamp our programs to mirror those state whose results are at the top.
In 2010 when our census numbers came in, we were surprised to learn our county population numbers had not gone down. This was in part because of the large refugee population that has come to Syracuse. These are people who have survived atrocities we can hardly imagine. They feel blessed to be in America and have proven to be tireless workers. I am proposing a one stop shop for these ambitious new citizens to help get them assimilated and into the work force. There was a small pilot last year. Of the 13 workers who went through, all got jobs and continue to be employed. I have a proposal to pair with St. Joseph’s, CenterState CEO and our Civic Development Corp. to make this happen. I’m calling it “Color my World.” To me the best social service program is a good job that supports a family
Through the CVB where I serve on the executive board, we have secured both the Junior Delta Games for 2015 and the Senior Delta games for 2017. This is the equivalent of the Olympics for the arts. It is an international event featuring events like a choral competition, sculpture competitions and even culinary competitions. It is the first time it has been held in the US and is expected to draw 10,000 people to each for eight days. There will be a big community lift to make this event the best it can be. I’d like to be part of it.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Last term we had the largest turnover of legislators in the history of the county. Almost half of our legislators are brand new. With that turnover, my role within the legislature has evolved.
While fresh eyes on old problems has been refreshing, having historical memory and the ability to mentor new members has been critical. Working only part time, it is difficult to come up to speed on the inner workings of a $1.22 billion dollar budget, 42 separate departments and to make decisions that affect the lives of almost 4,000 workers. I believe the role I play in the makeup of this legislature would be difficult for a new member to replace. Additionally, I have proven over the years to be an effective legislature for my constituents. I continue to be excited about what I do, I continue to work hard every day and I continue to be challenged by the many ways still left to make this community the kind of place we all want to live.
What are the major issues facing the district, and what will you do to address them?
Going door to door, there are three issues I hear over and over.
Taxes. Everything I do is measured by return on investment. We can’t just keep providing services as we have, we need to improve our outcomes and find more efficient ways to deliver them … or discontinue them if they’re not working. Currently, more than 60 percent of our budget is paid for by sales tax. We need to continue to stimulate that portion of our revenue stream. Every dollar in sales tax is one less dollar we pay in property tax. It is also often paid by someone who doesn’t live in the county.
Jobs and the economy: Government doesn’t create jobs, but we do make it more difficult to succeed because of onerous regulations, lack of proper infrastructure, lack of training for available jobs and taxes. (Among other issues!) As chair of Planning and Economic Development, I could spend pages talking about proposed solutions. I spoke about a few of the ideas above. In our budget, this year I co-sponsored a brand new economic development initiative to create a $1.5 million fund to be the “last money in” for new business startups. We hope this will serve as a catalyst for a number of worthy but currently stalled projects.
Infrastructure: Not very sexy, but a core function of government. We are facing an infrastructure crisis in Onondaga County. Most of our sewer structure is more than 60 years old, some more than 100 years old. Pumping stations ate reaching capacity and pipes are broken and leaking. Towns and villages have no money to fix them. I believe over the next few years we need to look at consolidating our sewers like we did with the city, and systematically making the repairs. This will be especially helpful to the older northern suburbs.
Fourteenth District candidate
Casey Jordan
Biographical information:
Casey E. Jordan. Republican. Married with three children (25, 19 and 17). I am 52 years of age and have resided with my family at 8133 Rizzo Drive, Clay, since 1998. I am currently employed with Jordan Law Offices as a principal in that firm and have engaged in the practice of law for more than 26 years. I have also had the pleasure of representing the residents of the 14th legislative district for the Onondaga County Legislature since 2006, having initially been appointed to that position by former Onondaga County Executive Nicholas Pirro.
Why are you running for office?
I am running to remain in office in order to continue my efforts to “right-size” county government and to ensure, to the best of my ability, that county government spends sparingly and wisely, to ensure that I continue to be a voice of fiscal prudence and conservatisms in county government and to do all that I can to ensure that Onondaga County retains its AAA credit rating and remains fiscally and financially strong and healthy.
Why are you the best candidate for this office?
Since my tenure on the Legislature I have consistently been a voice, if not the loudest voice, in the county government against the unnecessary expansion of county government and the unnecessary expenditure of even a penny of tax-payer money more than is absolutely and minimally necessary. As a result of my and other members of the Onondaga County Legislature’s efforts, Onondaga County has continued to be financially strong and fiscally sound, even when presented with the recent significant economic downturn in our national, state and local economies. These efforts have resulted in an improvement in Onondaga County’s credit rating and thus a reduction in the cost to local taxpayers of operating county government, while still providing essential services to our residents. These efforts have made Onondaga County stand out as a shining example of fiscal prudence and responsibility. When other counties throughout the state have gone into the red and have exhausted their fund balances (i.e., their “rainy day funds”), Onondaga County has weathered its financial challenges relatively unscathed and fiscally and financially strong. In spite of those challenges, in fact, Onondaga County has actually been able to reduce the county real property tax rate to its lowest level in more than 50 years.
As long as I remain in the Onondaga County Legislature, I will continue to fight for my constituents and the residents of Onondaga County to ensure that the County remains fiscally and financially strong, to resist the unnecessary expansion of the size, scope and invasiveness of county government, and to minimize the financial and personal burden of county government upon the citizenry of Onondaga County.
What are the major issues facing the district, and what will you do to address them?
The main issue facing the county is the ever-increasing burden of state and federally imposed unfunded mandates. If it were not for these mandates, the residents of Onondaga County would not have to pay any real property taxes, and would likely be paying a lower sales tax rate. These mandates weigh heavily upon Onondaga County, and thereby, its citizens. We must therefore do all that we can to minimize or, if possible, eliminate these unfunded mandates.
Another issue that continues to be a problem at all levels of government is the perpetual tendency, when economic conditions improve and revenues go up, to increase spending, instead of returning the realized savings to the taxpayers in the form of reduced real property taxes. This tendency is, ironically, made more problematic by the recent passage of the New York state 2 percent real property tax cap, by virtue of the fact that the tax cap actually limits how much excess revenues counties can return to their taxpayers.
Since my time in office, I have worked tirelessly to minimize the actual cost to residents of unfunded mandates and have sponsored numerous resolutions demanding that our state and federal representatives take immediate action to eliminate, or at least significantly reduce, the burden of unfunded mandates. I have also done all that I can to ensure that any revenues which are received that exceed the county’s reasonable operating expenses are returned to the taxpayers in a fiscally responsible fashion, instead of being used to increase spending.
For as long as I remain in office, I will continue to scrutinize county operations to ensure that we spend no more that is absolutely and minimally necessary and return any excess revenues which are received to the taxpayers. I will also continue to voice my objection and revulsion to the unfunded mandates which are imposed upon us to our state and federal representatives in the hope that someday the necessary action will be taken to eliminate those mandates and reduce the financial and personal burden upon the residents of this county and state.
