The Syracuse Common Council is shifting some leadership duties in the temporary absence of President Helen Hudson. The long-time council leader is suffering an extended illness.
Hudson rarely misses a meeting, so her occasional absence in recent months is noticeable. But her condition became clear a couple weeks ago when Hudson, speaking very softly, left her post midway through a voting session.
At Monday’s meeting, councilors approved a measure to shift some duties to Councilor-at-Large Rasheada Caldwell.
"I'd like to entertain a motion to fill the vacancy of majority leader," councilor Chol Majok said as acting president.
"Thank you," Councilor Amir Gethers said. "I'd like to make a motion to elect councilor Caldwell to fill the vacant majority leader position."
The vote was unanimous.
Councilor Chol Majok says the council is trying to conduct business as usual in Hudson's absence.
"Everyone that lives in this community know that no one can fill Helen Hudson shoes, so we are holding on as much as we can and we are praying hard for her to come back," Majok said. "We want her to come back. We need her to come back.”
Meanwhile, councilor Corey Williams says Hudson wants to ensure that the council stays engaged.
“She asked to assign a different Majority Leader. Councilor Caldwell was nominated for that. And so she will sit in leadership, which is when the council meets with the mayor's administration.”
The ceremonial proceedings such as running council meetings will fall to president pro-tem Pat Hogan.
