SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — On June 23, primaries will be held throughout New York state to determine party candidates ahead of November. Among the candidates who will be on the ballot are Moise Laub, Helen Hudson, and Cjala Surratt, all of whom are running for a councilor at-large seat on Syracuse’s Common Council.
All three are Democrats, and no Republican is running for the seat. Currently, the entire Common Council is composed of Democrats.
At an event hosted by CNY Solidarity, the candidates came together to engage with citizens on key issues facing the city. Among the most discussed topics were housing, lead abatement, and the Micron semiconductor plant.
Laub, Hudson, and Surratt all support Good Cause Eviction, a policy designed to protect renters from unfair evictions. The three also shared an emphasis on ensuring Syracuse has the proper infrastructure in place to handle various improvements around the city.
Hudson is a veteran of the council, having served 12 years already. She’s now running to maintain her seat, which she was appointed to fill a temporary vacancy. Hudson believes that her experience is her greatest strength.
“I have historical knowledge when it comes to City Hall… And I know that when you’re talking about moving projects along, a lot of this legislation… we look at, we actually go back a couple years to amend these different pieces of legislation that I’m familiar with,” said Hudson.
Both of Hudson’s opponents are first-time candidates. Moise Laub has experience working in the federal government, though not as an elected official. “I feel like I have a lot of lessons learned about how federal government can impact work in New York,” said Laub.
“I’m an immigrant and a veteran… I think these experiences help me connect to a wide range of people” said Laub.
Syracuse native and owner of Black Citizens Brigade Vintage Co. Cjala Surratt has been endorsed by both the Onondaga County Democratic Committee and the Working Families Party.
At Sunday’s forum, she highlighted topical concerns she has for local government.
“I’m very focused on things like generative AI and thinking about how do we have more robust guardrails around integrating that into our government,” said Surratt.
At one point, Surratt critiqued the current Citizen Review Board, the body tasked with holding the Syracuse Police Department accountable following reported grievances.
“The onus is on the individual to make sure that people are showing up, that business can be done,” said Surratt.
Democrats in Onondaga County can check for polling sites in their area at the Onondaga Board of Elections website.
Republicans are on the ballot for the June primary in Onondaga County in Pompey’s District Six. There are also Republican primaries in Oswego, Cortland, Madison and Cayuga Counties. To find voting information specific to you, visit the New York State Board of Elections website.
TRANSCRIPT: Democratic candidates prepare ahead of June primary election for Syracuse Common Councilor At-Large
Augie Walters: While the general election may not be until November, some voters in Central New York will be heading to the polls in a few weeks to vote in primary elections.
Megan Acker: On June 23, Syracuse democrats will be voting on a candidate for the race for Councilor At-Large. I met the candidates to learn more about what sets each of them apart.
Even though Cjala Surratt, Helen Hudson and Moise Laub are running against each other, you’ll find they agree on a lot.
All of them support Good Cause Eviction, look to tackle longtime Syracuse problems like lead pipes and I-81, and are zeroing in on housing access as a key issue. Rather than their plans for the road ahead, it seems as though what separates each of these candidates is how they got here.
Helen Hudson has spent twelve years on Syracuse’s common council and is running to keep control of the seat. She says her experience is her strength.
Helen Hudson: I have historical knowledge when it comes to city hall… and I know that when you’re talking about moving projects along, a lot of this legislation… we look at, we actually go back a couple years to amend these different pieces of legislation that I’m familiar with.
Megan Acker: It’s a contrast to her opponents, both of whom are first-time candidates. Coincidentally, veteran Moise Laub also believes his new perspective is exactly what Syracuse needs.
Moise Laub: I used to work for the federal government… I feel like I have a lot of lessons learned about how federal government can impact work in New York. In what sort of services that the government can provide, and what role it is gonna play in our lives.
Megan Acker: Syracuse native and small business owner Cjala Surratt hasn’t worked for government before, but has worked in advisory positions for community organizations that fund artists throughout New York state.
Cjala Surratt: I had the opportunity to work on artist employment and guaranteed income in which I brought over 2 million dollars of support to Syracuse, New York. I also think that I’m very focused on things like generative AI and thinking about how do we have more robust guardrails around integrating that into our government.
Megan Acker: Large can check for polling sites in their area at onondaga.gov. No Republicans are currently running for Councilor At-Large, but some Republicans will be on the ballot for other races in Central New York. Visit your county’s Board of Elections website for more details on how to vote on June 23.