Syracuse Common Councilor Michael Greene is ready to move his mayoral campaign forward after what he called an essential boost from fellow democrats. Greene said the endorsement from the Onondaga County Democratic Committee won’t change how he campaigns.
“For me, it’s always going to be a policy-focused campaign, and therefore whether it’s a primary (or) a general election, it won’t change anything for me strategically,” Greene said.“It’s going to be talking about how we can change policy at City Hall to make lives better in the city of Syracuse.”
Greene feels what set him apart from the others vying for the party’s designation was his 14-step policy proposal called “A City For All of Us”.
“I think having that specific policy discrepancy between what I’m proposing and what the current administration has is something that really appealed to a lot of committee members,” Greene said. “...They were able to envision what could change and how we can make the city better.”
If elected, Greene says he would focus on expanding neighborhood business corridors in areas like Grant Boulevard and South Salina Street, as well as improving public transportation.
“25% of the population of Southside doesn't have access to a car, so they don’t have access to opportunities,” Greene said.“So I’m proposing a top priority be implementing bus rapid transit, which is a program that would greatly enhance Centro’s existing service to connect our residents to job opportunities.”
Greene’s most pressing challenger for the democratic designation was fellow councilmember Khalid Bey. In a statement, Bey indicated he would stay in the race, and plans to earn a democratic endorsement following the primary. Bey is scheduled to make a formal announcement at Clinton Square Friday morning.