Syracuse residents have a rare opportunity to ask questions of all four mayoral candidates as part of a live town hall-style event Monday. The gathering is organized by Syracuse University students who are making an intentional effort to include the broader community.
Co-moderator Luke Radel said they’re hoping for a strong turnout.
“We are taking a bet. We're taking a risk on the folks at Syracuse being civically engaged, and I think that's going to pay off,” he said.
They have 700 seats to fill at the National Veterans Resource Center, and some will be SU students. But Radel said they’re most interested in the interaction between residents and the candidates.
“'I'm asking you for your vote,' and in exchange for that, they subject themselves to scrutiny from members of the media, but also subject themselves to scrutiny from voters.”
Co-moderator Anjana Dasam said the residents know what issues matter most to them.
“Holding the candidates accountable, being face to face with someone of the community, is something you don't see a lot."
Desam said they’ll touch upon the major issues facing Syracuse, which she’s been following closely during her senior year.
“I-81, Micron, our housing crisis, Syracuse is very high in its child poverty and its lead poisoning, so we have these very prominent issues in Syracuse that our residents are facing every day," she said.
Co-moderator Luke Radel said he hopes residents get engaged with SU beyond cheering on their favorite sports teams.
“I think there's an opportunity for this university that prides itself on its communications program, on its citizenship school," he said. "It prides itself on being involved in the community and studying the issues. It's time for us to step up a little bit more and welcome the community to campus," Radel said,
Alfonso Davis, Tim Rudd, Tom Babilon, and Sharon Owens will be on stage at the National Veterans Resource Center on Waverly Ave. Monday at 6:30 pm. Doors open at 6:00. Parking is free in the Waverly Garage across the street.
