2007 Endorsements

Syracuse Tomorrow is the political action committee of the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce.  Our mission is to identify and support pro-business, pro-growth, pro-jobs candidates running for offices at the local and state levels of government. 

This year’s endorsement process included candidate questionnaires, more than twenty personal interviews, voting records with particular attention to which candidates had business experience, all focusing on which candidates were the most pro-business, pro jobs in each race.   In several races no endorsements were made for two reasons, either the determination of the board members was that the candidates did not reflect pro-business positions or did not return Syracuse Tomorrow’s candidate questionnaires.  

Syracuse Tomorrow notices and supports those candidates who own and/or run a business in our community.  Clearly these individuals have the best understanding of what it takes to start and grow a business, make payroll, and work for the privilege of employing individuals in our community.   They understand the impact of the business climate on our community’s future.  

Syracuse Tomorrow congratulates all candidates for their dedication and commitment in running for office this year.  We applaud both political parties for running more candidates and reducing the number of unopposed races. We take particular note in the healthy trend that this year’s races show the fewest number of uncontested races in years. We also commend the first time candidates, many of whom are young professionals, who are now vested in raising their families here in Onondaga County and/or the city of Syracuse.

In all cases Syracuse Tomorrow pledges to work with any and all candidates who take office on January l, 2008.  Failure to win an endorsement this year in no way indicates whether or not a candidate will or will not receive an endorsement in future races.

Be sure to vote on November 6th!

Onondaga County voters face a once in a generation opportunity for new leadership.  The 21st century economy requires public policy vision and leadership appropriate to the new economy.  Onondaga County needs energetic, optimistic and passionate leadership... view full text

Mr. Lesniak shares our concern for local high property taxes, high energy costs and becoming more business friendly.  We are encouraged by his idea of a campaign to increase community pride.  We recommend a return to his seat on the County Legislature... view full text

Mr. MacLaughlin’s response indicates his support for attracting high technology and green technology businesses to our community, support for strategic government consolidation, less government, and willingness to work with the Chamber... view full text

Mr. Meyer has done a fine job as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.   We are encouraged by his efforts advocating for the Polaris system for the Onondaga County Library System, support for investing in our local economy... view full text

James Farrell, a business owner, understands the challenges of growing a business in Central New York.   He has been an active, visible advocate for our community with both Syracuse 20/20 and the Chamber to take a serious look at ways to modernize... view full text

In her previous terms at the Legislature, Kathy Rapp has clearly distinguished herself as a truly outstanding representative and advocate for her district and all of Onondaga County.  Her work in the areas of economic development... view full text

Karen Hanford has a long history of community involvement.  Her sincere interest in implementing ways to attract and keep college students in our community is one the Chamber and other business organizations share... view full text

James DeBlasi has been a consistent supporter of pro-business, pro-growth legislation, supporting tourism, CNY Works, the Syracuse Technology Garden and economic development incentives.  He specifically references continuous improvement... view full text

James Corbett has again earned Syracuse Tomorrow’s endorsement for a return to the Onondaga County Legislature.  He has demonstrated open communication, and an open-minded and balanced style to his work on the Legislature... view full text

As a business owner, Mark Stanczyk has a good grasp of how public policy can enhance or hinder the local economy.  We appreciate the open and candid communications we have enjoyed with him in the past and look forward to that continuing... view full text

Patrick Kilmartin (R)
Onondaga County Legislature, 11th District

The 11th District is characterized as the location of two significant county facilities: Onondaga Community College and Van Duyn Home and Hospital.  Patrick Kilmartin’s professional experience as a lawyer and developer... view full text

As president of the Onondaga County Supervisors, Robert De More has exercised his leadership at the town level.  His business offices are located in the district, giving him additional insights into the needs of the district... view full text

Casey Jordan is one of a number of young professionals who has decided to live in our community and step up to public service.  His affection for the area, belief in our ability to grow our community, support tourism... view full text

Syracuse Tomorrow is again endorsing Bill Kinne for this district.  He is well known in the district and is now in business for himself.  He has long been connected with the many... view full text

Mr. Kuehner’s response to us listed his impressive grasp of key public policy challenges and what it will take to address them effectively.  His comments also showed a distinct clarity of focus.  His already remarkable community dedication... view full text

As a business owner and former member of the Syracuse Common Council, we believe Marty Masterpole will contribute significantly to the Onondaga County Legislature.  His previous public service showed him to be business friendly... view full text

Ms. Moynihan demonstrated a balanced, comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the 19th legislative district, from both the residential and commercial side.  We are encouraged by her perspective that the county is in a position... view full text

Like the Onondaga County Executive race, the position of County Comptroller has not been an open seat in many years.  With the changes and challenges facing county and local governments, the position of county comptroller... view full text

Al Julian demonstrated passion and commitment to lower taxes and assist small businesses in his district and the entire city.  He is one of the class of young families who have chosen to stay in Syracuse and make a difference... view full text

We are pleased to endorse again this year Mr. Hogan’s return to the Syracuse Common Council.  He uniquely bridges both political aisles and has been an active friend to... view full text

Councilor McMahon has distinguished himself in his term on the Council with his experience and understanding of the local economy and economic development.  He has been a visible champion for a number of efforts to improve the business climate... view full text

Syracuse Tomorrow endorses Mr. Denno’s uncontested, first run at a seat on the Common Council.  We look forward to working with him and communicating... view full text

Phil LaTessa continues to demonstrate expertise, professionalism and independent leadership in his continuing tenure as Syracuse’s City Auditor.  We are pleased to... view full text

Town Supervisors
We express support and appreciation for the four town supervisors running this year each of whom did return our questionnaires and provide their perspective on how each of them are working to grow the private sector economy in their towns.  We are very interested in the critical role that town supervisors can play in government modernization.  We support the election of: 

Town of Cicero: Chet Dudzinski, Jr. (R)

Town of Clay: James Rowley, (R)

Town of LaFayette: Greg Scammell (R)

Town of Tully: William Lund, Jr. (R)

Be sure to vote on November 6th!

572 S. Salina St. • Syracuse, NY 13202
(315) 470-1800