It’s a busy time of year for Central New Yorkers now that the holiday season is well underway. But it’s especially chaotic for longtime Onondaga County Democratic Legislator Chris Ryan. The father of four is preparing to leave his minority leader post at month’s end for his new role representing the State Senate’s 50th district. Ryan says he’s confident in the five remaining democrats on the county legislature.
“I anticipate some good policies. I anticipate some good laws coming from the Democratic caucus," Ryan said. "They have issues that are very important to them. Last minute budget amendments you could see at the end there. Obviously housing is a big part of it and just trying to do what they can do for their constituents.”
Four of the five lawmakers were just elected last year. Ryan wraps up 13 years on the county legislature, which included failed attempts to advance stronger ethics standards and create an independent commission to draw district lines. Conversely, he says he’s proud of his work as public safety committee chair to improve operations at the sheriff’s office, emergency management, and district attorney's office. Now, he looks forward to taking his state senate seat at the start of the new year.
“I have the good fortune of having 20 years experience in government, but then Albany is all different thing [from] local, county politics," Ryan said. "So we're just getting ready, putting a team in place, we're going to make sure that we hit the ground running first day with constituents.”
Ryan says he’s had plenty of support from his outgoing predecessor, senator John Mannion, who’s preparing to take his seat in Congress. He says other veteran state lawmakers like Rachel May, Pam Hunter, and Bill Magnarelli are also helping.
As for Ryan’s vacant legislature seat, County Executive Ryan McMahon will appoint a replacement for the remainder of the term and will have to run for election next fall in order to keep it. Ryan is also leaving his job as president of Communications Workers of America Local 1123.
Hear the interview with Chris Ryan by clicking the listen bubble above.
