Monday's Syracuse Common Council meeting will include a new member…but he’s no stranger to the council or city hall. Veteran politician Joe Nicoletti returns as a city lawmaker for the first time in nearly 25 years. Hiss storied political career began in the 1970’s when he won his first election.
"I joined the council in 1977. I was the young guy then."
He served for 14 years, leaving in 1991 for a brief stint in the state assembly. Now 68, and after four unsuccessful bids for mayor, Nicoletti finds himself back where it all started. He says he’s stayed in touch with city hall and the issues facing residents…especially minorities.
"They are participating in maybe a miniscule amount of economic growth. We need to provide opportunities for everybody, for all families to survive. There's no question that the fight against poverty begins with trying to find jobs and job training for unskilled or unemployed workers."
Nicoletti’s return to the council wasn’t without controversy. Three councilors opposed his sudden nomination, mainly because the majority chose to ignore a previously agreed upon, more deliberate selection process. Councilor Khalid Bey was perhaps the most vocal at the meeting two weeks ago when Nicoletti’s name came up for a vote…here’s a sample of his remarks.
"This is not about the name that was nominated. Quite frankly, we probably need him to replace a number of these councilors up here." "I wish we had an election tomorrow to change some of the faces we have up here right now." "To be that deceptive, to be that disrespectful to the process, to be disrespectful to the taxpayers, you ought to be ashamed of yourselves."
Nicoletti didn’t take it personally.
"It's been nothing. I think often times, it's exploded into political rhetoric. But I look forward to working with all members of the council."
He says he’s spoken to those who supported him and those who didn’t. And, he’s ready to move on.
"I hope with my historical knowledge, wisdom, and patience, coupled with new ideas, that we're going to be able to move this city forward. We don't have a choice. We must move forward together."
In the end, Nicoletti says he’s just honored to have the chance to come back and serve the city.
"I love this community. We've been here for five generations now, including my grandchildren. We are here as a family who made a commitment. I've had opportunities to leave, but I wanted to stay here and be involved. I think this is the perfect opportunity to do so."
Nicoletti replaces former Councilor-at-large Pam Hunter, who was recently elected to fill a vacancy in the state assembly.
