The Greater Syracuse Progressive Coalition has released responses from the six mayoral candidates to its “Progressive Platform for the New Mayor. The information is available to the public on the Coalition’s Web site: peacecouncil.net/mayor, in the September issue of the Syracuse Peace Council’s Peace Newsletter (available for free pickup at over 150 locations in the Syracuse area) or by calling 472-5478. The Progressive Platform was developed by representatives of over 20 community organizations and thousands of individuals committed to making Syracuse a more just, sustainable, inclusive and peaceful community. It includes over 90 specific issues addressing: building democracy/electoral reform, criminal justice and policing, economic development/jobs, education/youth development, environment/sustainability, housing/community development, racial justice, social/economic justice and transportation/infrastructure. One example of the concerns raised in the platform is cited by Aggie Lane of the Partnership for Onondaga Creek, “As federal and state grants fund green initiatives, like weatherization and lead abatement, other cities like Buffalo and Rochester have found a ways to ‘level’ the bidding field. What will our next mayor do to ensure that some of this green work coming into the city flows to small urban contractors?” The Coalition is cosponsoring two upcoming forums that complement the survey:
Mayoral Forum on Racial & Social Justice, Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 7p.m. at Hopps Memorial CME Church, 1110 S. State St., and Mayoral Forum on Education, Thursday, Sept. 10, 6:30 pm at Nottingham High School, 3100 E. Genesee St. Contact Andy Mager at 472-5478.
AFFILIATE ORGANIZATIONS
Caribbean & Latin American Coalition * Center for Community Alternatives * CNY National Organization for Women Mental Patients Liberation Alliance * The Partnership for Onondaga Creek * Planned Parenthood of the Rochester/Syracuse Region Service Employees International Union Local 200 United * SEIU 1199 Upstate * Syracuse Cultural Workers * Syracuse Greens Syracuse Peace Council * Syracuse United Neighbors