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'Get the Lead Out Block Party' Rallies New York Politicians to Lower Syracuse Lead Levels

Natalie Maier/WAER News

Lead poisoning from old paint in homes continues to be a serious health threat for many residents in the city of Syracuse, especially children.  A ‘Get the Lead Out Block Party’ was held over the weekend on Salina Street to raise awareness.

Organizers say the problem remains a major concern because the city has one of the highest rates of lead poisoning in the entire country. Jaime Howley, one of the organizers of the party, says the number one source of lead in Syracuse has not changed in decades.

“90 percent of the houses in Syracuse were built before 1978, 90 percent have lead paint in them,” Howley said.

When paint begins to deteriorate, it chips or turns to dust. Young children often accidently consume the paint chips or inhale the dust. When the lead enters their bloodstream, it can cause learning disabilities, hearing impairments, and other chronic illnesses.

New York City Council member Jumanne Williams came all the way from Brooklyn to attend Saturday’s event. Williams has already worked to pass lead legislation in his district, but he is particularly concerned about Syracuse.

Credit Rachel May for Senate Facebook Page
State Senate Candidate Rachel May has some fun with Lieutenant Governor Candidate Jumanee Williams.

“The lead rate here is worse than Flint (Michigan)," Williams said. "It’s the worst in the country. The Governor has had nothing to say about it, and the Lieutenant Governor has been silent as well.”

Williams is turning his concern into action by running for Lieutenant Governor this fall.  He, along with State Senate Candidate Rachel May stopped by Saturday's event to meet residents and endorse one another. The two democrats agree on many issues and want to create a sense of collaborative campaigning with other emerging candidates.

“‘Any blue just won’t do’ we don’t just need to elect democrats, we need to elect the right democrats because this state could be a leader on so many issues, and right now it’s not that leader,” Williams said.

Both May and Williams say they are disappointed with the corruption problems that have surrounded Governor Andrew Cuomo. Through November’s Gubernatorial election, they hope to see change in Albany.

May is challenging Senator Dave Valesky.  Williams is running with Gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon.  For resources in Onondaga County on how to protect yourself and your kids from lead poisoning or how to address lead paint concerns, click here.

John Smith has been waking up WAER listeners for a long time as our Local Co-Host of Morning Edition with timely news and information, working alongside student Sportscasters from the Newhouse School.