Syracuse residents that watched the State of the City address heard Mayor Ben Walsh describe progress on several fronts all, as Walsh repeated, “despite the Pandemic.” One of the first areas he spoke about was police reform. He recalled days of protests and long meetings hashing out, among other issues, the treatment of people of color by police.
“It was a tense and uncomfortable time, and I expect more such times because we are not done. But that’s what comes with making things better. Every day since my executive order my administration has worked to implement actions, and we have met every commitment made to this community. Updates are posted proactively and transparently on our progress web portal.”
He singled out the Right to Know law, revised use of force policy, and training of officers to de-escalate volatile situations with someone emotionally or mentally challenged, as part of 16 pledges made on police reform. Walsh says progress will be forthcoming on his signature Syracuse Surge. The Steam School component has pledges of support by the state and Chase bank.
“We pushed this project forward so our kids would have access to progressive STEAM education in a state of the art, downtown school. We are on track to begin work this year. … The global bank (Chase) picked Syracuse because, first our plan focuses on creating opportunity for those who have been left behind by the tech revolution. 32 Syracuse tech companies have joined the effort, committing to diversifying their workforces with no incentive other than doing the right thing.”
(WATCH ENTIRE STATE OF CITY ADDRESS BELOW)
Walsh brought up the removal of the I-81 aqueduct and said work continues to ensure people in the footprint of the project aren’t displaced, and local labor can benefit.
“With support from Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Schumer, and the new Biden-Harris administration, we can make this $2 billion opportunity the biggest public works project in the history of Syracuse. The Governor’s plan to break ground in 2022 is welcome news. I will do everything I can to be sure it benefits local people.”
There was also touting completion of the replacement of LED lights in all streelights, which also allow for smart city technology such as snow detection and free wi-fi near community centers. Walsh noted Syracuse City Schools graduation rates were up to 70% in the most recent data, the highest it's reached in recent years And projects in the works didn't stop because of the pandemic.
"Many neighborhood projects were finished in 2020: the Salina Plaza next to Perseverence Park downtown; completion of the Southside Onondaga Creekwalk extension; The new Lake Lounge at the Northern terminus of the Creekwalk on Onondaga Lake; and the Empire State Trail along Erie Boulevard."
As for new initiatives, Walsh says he’ll support creating rapid transit bus lines to help people get to work more efficiently; a new ‘Syracuse Serves’ program to help veterans; and expanded street re-paving, again despite the pandemic. The COVID crisis will make funds tight. But help from a federal stimulus bill could help the Mayor deliver on his ideas in the coming year , one in which Walsh will be running for re-election.
Note: Democrats Michael Greene and Khalid Bey have already announced their campaigns to challenge Walsh in the 2021 election.
