Video Transcript: Local election race has voters intrigued in Central New York
Luciano Calvosa: The polls are opened at the crack of dawn in central New York. Locals are aiming to have their voices heard in this election in Clay. Buckley Road Baptist Church is one of the polling places in the area. Citizens are voicing their own opinions in local official races even though it’s not a presidential election. Stacie Jenkins, who works at Upstate University, explains her biggest concern that wants to be recognized.
Stacie Jenkins: Racism. Yep. I uh those things worry me because it seems to be um rampant.
Calvosa: Some of the main issues in the area are racism, public safety, and the cost of living. Jim Snyder of Lockheed Martin said those who are elected must remember who they represent.
Jim Synder: Uh and let the people know that are working on your behalf that uh you they matter to you and you matter to them.
Calvosa: Even though it’s an off election year, still many citizens all around the Central New York area are exercising their right to vote. Luciano Cavosa, NCC News.
CLAY, N.Y. (NCC News) – The polls opened before sunrise in Clay, and while it isn’t a presidential election year, plenty of Central New Yorkers still showed up with purpose — coffee in hand and issues on their minds.
At Buckley Road Baptist Church, voters filed in steadily, saying they’re not sitting this one out just because it’s an off-year.
Stacie Jenkins, who works at Upstate University Hospital, says one issue tops her list.
“Racism. That’s my biggest concern. Those things worry me because it’s coming more rampant,” Jenkins said.
Others echoed concerns about public safety and the growing cost of living — everyday struggles that hit close to home.
Jim Snyder, project manager at Lockheed Martin, said whoever wins needs to stay connected with the people who put them there.
“They have to let the people know that they’re working on your behalf. That they matter to you and you matter to them,” Snyder said.
Voters say they’re also paying close attention to the long-term future of the region — including infrastructure, public transit, and environmental impacts from major development projects.
