This is the first in a series of profiles of selected local races in Onondaga County ahead of the Nov. 3rd election.
Republican Dave Barrette and Democrat Susan Boyle bring ample yet different experience to the table. The 64-year-old Barette recently retired as first deputy chief after 41 years with the Syracuse Police Department, while the 44-year-old Boyle is a mother of four, Strathmore community activist, parent-teacher organization president, and small business owner. Barrette says his years on the force give him a unique understanding of the needs of the community
"I've worked every neighborhood in the city, from the poorest to the most affluent, interacted with thousands of people. You really develop a feeling of empathy for people, and want to help them and the city. And I think over time, just by nature of the job police do, you become part of the fabric of the community, and that's the way I feel; I feel I have a big stake in Syracuse”
Barrette says while he never saw himself running for office, incumbent councilor Bob Dougherty’s decision not to run presented an opportunity to serve the city in a different way.
Susan Boyle says despite her political inexperience, she feels she’s ready to contribute to the common council with creative initiatives.
"I didn't get into this to be the new guy. I have done my homework. In my history as a community organizer, I've had my hands in a lot of pots. I've worked to promote the arts, I've worked on economic development projects, I've worked on school projects. I have a long history of coming up with creative initiatives, and I foresee being able to present these original concepts in the future”
Both candidates say the issue they hear most about when they go door to door is the city school district.
"If I knocked on a door, and the person told me they were a teacher, I planned on being there for about 15 minutes because they would just unload on me that the situation in the schools is pretty tough," Barrette said.
"Everybody wants to talk about the schools," said Boyle. "The schools are huge issue right now in the city of Syracuse."
