Mayor Ben Walsh is finishing out his first term … but will be able to continue plans and vision – much of which was stalled by the pandemic - now that he’s been re-elected to a second.
In an exclusive interview you can hear here, Walsh tells WAER News Director Chris Bolt about the message he takes from the election’s wide margin, as well and a number of priorities that include work to finish and new ground on which to make progress.
To begin, Walsh wants to continue with the development s under Syracuse Surge, the STEAM school, and progress on police reform, while also addressing a rising tide of violent crime. He’s also laid out a plan for the use of ARPA recovery funds that has already invested in public safety, neighborhoods and job opportunities, while shoring up the city’s financial stability. Ahead, for the second half of $123 Million that came from Washington are plans for arts organization support, money directly to homeowners to improve existing housing, and development of neighborhood business districts.
Walsh finishes the interview talking about working, as an independent, with an all-democrat Common Council and a Republican County Executive. He stresses ongoing relationships with both that will allow him to work with people who, in his words, are passionate abo the city and aren’t as concerned about politics.
