SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — The Syracuse Housing Authority Board of Commissioners elected Rickey Brown as vice chair Thursday, as commissioners honored departing board member Christopher Montgomery for his years of service.
Commissioners voted Brown into the role with a 6-1 vote.
Montgomery had served on the board since 2017 and resigned to join the City Planning Commission. The organization presented him with a certificate of appreciation recognizing his service and support to the SHA.
“Someone commented on one of the news articles and said Chris Montgomery is going to be mayor one day, and I think he should be,” SHA President Ryan Benz said. “So, for me personally, thank you for your service, your dedication, and friendship.”
Several board members commented on Montgomery’s impact on the board. Patricia McBride, city clerk, said he is a “stand-up” type of guy and that he’ll be missed.
“I know that you know the choice you need to take, and the reason you need to take it,” McBride said.
She added that he loves the housing authority and the people who live in this area.
“I’m proud of you, brother,” McBride said.
Monica Williams introduced herself Thursday at her first meeting with the SHA after being appointed to the board by Mayor Sharon Owens Wednesday.
“I’m not going to say I can fill Chris’ shoes. It’s a hard pair of shoes to fill,” Williams said. “But I’ll do my best Chris and I’m excited to be here.”
Williams will serve as a commissioner on the board.
Bonita Siegel, facilitator for the Housing Justice Task Force of the Alliance of Communities Transforming Syracuse, or (ACTS), said she’s pleased with how the board has been running.
“We’ve seen a few changes over recent times, but in general, it seems the board is responding more positively and there have been some noticeable improvements in their reception of the public.”
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: SHA board elects new vice chair
Leah Masi, reporter: SHA board members officially say goodbye to their former vice chair Christopher Montgomery honoring him at the meeting this afternoon. He was awarded a certificate of appreciation for his service and support to the community.
Ryan Benz: Someone commented on one of the news articles, and said Chris Montgomery is going to be mayor one day, and I think he should be. So, for me personally, thank you for your service, your dedication, for friendship.
Patricia McBride: And I know that you, you know, that’s the choice you need to take when the reason you need to take it.
Masi: Monica Williams was appointed to the board by Mayor Owens yesterday.
Monica Williams: I’m not going to say I can fill Chris’ shoes; it’s a hard pair of shoes to fill. But I’ll do my best, Chris. But I’m excited to be here.
Masi: Williams will not be vice chair; she will be commissioner. Rickey Brown is now the vice chair, replacing Montgomery, winning in a 6 to 1 vote. Bonita Siegel of Clay says she’s pleased with how the board has been running.
Bonita Siegal: We’ve seen a few changes over recent times, but, in general, it seems that the board is responding, more positively and that there have been noticeable improvements in their reception of the public and interaction with the public.