Syracuse common councilor Khalid Bey is seeking to primary fellow councilor and Democratic party designee Michael Greene in the city’s mayoral race. While he may have lost this week’s committee vote, Bey still believes he is the right person for the seat.
“I have no doubt that I am the more experienced, the more dynamic candidate. I believe I will be the greater opponent for the incumbent and if it is truly an effort that we return our city, certainly my effort, to principles that are indeed democratic then I believe I am the right candidate for the job.” said Bey.
Bey criticized current mayor Ben Walsh for choosing “aesthetics” over legislation that will improve quality of life for those in Syracuse. He says he wants to create a city government that puts “the people first.” Bey argues his plan is based in action, not just ideas.
“We have a lot of work to do. My effort as mayor would be to continue in efforts to improve job creation, to improve our housing stock, as a result improve our tax base, to make people safer in their homes, and assuring that we restore quality of life in our city. It takes the right type of action and determination to bring about the type of results that we would need.” said Bey.
Before the primary, Bey will need to collect signatures to get himself on the ballot. Once he clears that hurdle, the city’s Democrats will choose between the two councilors?Khalid Bey and Michael Greene?on June 22nd.
