The OD featured questions and answers from Bruce Brodsky and Shannon Scott, who will face off Tuesday in a Democratic primary for the Oneida County Board of Legislators District 22 seat. Howard Welch also is running for the seat in November on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines.
Of interest is Bruce Brodsky's mention of the lack of cooperation, and he mentions the nonprofit sector. He offers an interesting solution of a community leadership team. This lack of partnerships and collaboration has been a topic of discussion before. Do you think a community leadership team could help the nonprofit sector?
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position you seek?
Brodsky: I am the proven reform candidate with the professional qualifications to take action and not just talk about it. Playing politics and arguing without a realistic alternative is a waste of time. Real, cost-effective solutions make the difference. I will work with anyone to move my district, city and county forward on key issues, and will be part of the solution. I know the legislative process, will listen to my constituents, ask for advice from experts and continue to learn best practices of other communities. I will insist that results are measurable and public. I have gained experience that comes from family, work, volunteering and public service and have a record of success plus a level of enthusiasm unmatched in this campaign.
Scott: I am more qualified than my opponent because I have been in the legislature for the past two years, helping to reform the way business has been done for too long. My opponent served years ago and has already indicated that he is at odds with the way the minority has challenged the long-standing power brokers in the county. I have sponsored legislation to stop elected officials from receiving mid-term pay raises. I also wrote a local law to prohibit legislators from receiving appointments by the county executive during their term until two years after they left office. I want to protect the public from having their tax dollars wasted as it has been for too long.
What are the 2 main issues facing your community/district, and how would you go about addressing them?
Brodsky: The number one issue is the loss in homeowners in Utica. We must help people living in apartments who want to own their own home, provide incentives for new home development, and encourage owners of multi-family housing to live right in their own buildings. Many buildings are owned by out-of-state landlords. That's very bad for our community and this out-of-state owner trend must be reversed.
The second issue is our inability to work together. In Utica, there are city, county, state and federal elected representatives, a school board, many public authorities and dozens of community service groups and nonprofits whose purpose is community improvement. We must meet as a “community leadership team” several times a year and agree to work together. I propose an “anchor priority.” In an area of new development (i.e. new housing or business) the “community leadership team” could marshal resources of government, utilities and community services to extend the improvement area by at least one block in all directions around the new “anchor.” Read more here.
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