Copyright syracuse.com
Syracuse, N.Y. — With just days left before voters head to the polls, Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Syracuse on Saturday to endorse Democratic mayoral candidate Sharron Owens, calling her a “fighter” and a “true champion” for the city. Hochul, a 1980 graduate of Syracuse University, told a large crowd gathered at the 1199 SEIU union hall in downtown Syracuse that she was right where she needed to be. “I’m proud to be able to return here today as governor and to witness history in the making,” Hochul said. The governor’s visit was part of a statewide tour ahead of Tuesday’s election, with stops earlier in the day in Buffalo and Rochester and more planned Sunday in Albany, Westchester and New York City. Hochul praised Owens, who has served as deputy mayor under outgoing Mayor Ben Walsh, for her focus on affordable housing, job creation and education. She pointed to the upcoming transformation of the I-81 corridor as an opportunity to reconnect neighborhoods and expand housing options. Hochul said affordability is a key issue driving both her and Owens’ priorities. She said she plans to work with Owens on I-81 redevelopment, rental housing, homeownership and efforts to keep the community connected. “Taking down I-81 is going to create not just this connectivity that the community has missed, but also more housing and opportunity,” Hochul said. Owens, who joined Hochul on stage, spoke about continuing the city’s partnerships with state agencies to move Syracuse forward. “Syracuse is in the position to lead the charge for economic inclusivity, for housing that’s affordable, for a transformational city when that viaduct comes down,” Owens said. Several other local Democratic leaders also spoke, including state Sen. Rachel May, Onondaga County Democratic Committee Chair Max Ruckdeschel and Kevin Lockhart, Central New York area vice president for 1199 SEIU. May praised Owens’ campaign, calling it one of the best she’s ever seen. “You’ve shown people why you’re the best choice for mayor,” May said. “You’ve shown grace, grit and compassion for every single person in this city.” Owens urged supporters to stay energized heading into Tuesday’s election. “My campaign has been about not trashing other people but speaking about my vision,” Owens said. “I’m here for the people of Syracuse. I’m so excited about what’s in our future.”
