Syracuse Common Council

In this week's episode of CNY Decides WAER's Bob Beck reviews with Central Current reporter Eddie Velazquez the three candidates running for Syracuse's at large common council seats. Also, in this week's Civics 101 edition, WAER's Maya Stone looks at the pitfalls of using AI for election research.

Businesses are prohibited from gathering unique physiological data such as facial features and fingerprints.

The Syracuse Common Council approved a city budget that relies slightly less on reserves, trims spending in some areas, but invest more into parks and housing. Mayor Sharon Owens praised the agreement.

Mayor Sharon Owens presented the spending plan to councilors Wednesday, though her administration has been meeting with councilors regularly over the past several weeks.

The city ended its contract with Flock Group over concerns the company was sharing information with federal immigration officials.

Community members can submit feedback on the draft plan through April 21 before leaders revise it and send it to the Common Council.

A coalition of groups want councilors to adopt a resolution prohibiting contracts with companies that profit from federal immigration enforcement.

Former Common Councilor President Helen Hudson is filling a seat after being approved in a six to two vote.

Several people were trying to sway councilors to vote against a contract to purchase license plate readers.

President Helen Hudson, 2nd district councilor Pat Hogan, and councilor-at-large Amir Gethers aren't returning next year.