Where do candidates stand on Arts funding? Sandra Trop's questions (Post-Standard 7/2/01) raises an important point. Cultural activities are the lifeblood of a community. Judy and I are season ticket holders at Syracuse Stage. As Mayor, I would be committed to supporting arts activities. I would promote arts for our youth.
I also support the development of a cultural corridor in the downtown. It would run from the Canal Museum to the Everson.
And I will be a champion of funding for arts activities. But that goal must be part of a new urban government.
In the past, City government provided direct funding for the arts. In those days, most of our resources were located within the City.
Today, County government is the major government. As a mayoral candidate, I recognize that fact. Over the years, we evolved a two-tiered metropolitan government. County government performs most regional functions. Local governments, the City and towns, are providing local services.
A few steps remain to be taken to complete this evolutionary process. We should transfer the airport, the downtown parking garages, other economic development functions to the County. Responsibility for many human and social services should be given back to city government. Other local services like housing, education, and public safety are also city work.
We must complete this change. Syracuse-Onondaga County metro government will bring efficiencies. The business community has been promoting this for years. We will free up resources. Then we can use them more efficiently to support vital activities.
As Mayor, I will work with the County Executive to complete the process of reshaping government in our community.