By Ryan Morden
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wrvo/local-wrvo-924409.mp3
Syracuse, NY – The luncheon included mayors from Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, and Binghamton. Stephanie Miner, mayor of Syracuse, says it makes sense for the officials to try to bond together to solve common problems.
"Personnel costs. Pension costs. Cuts in aids to municipalities. Dealing with trying to make our education system stronger and better. Vacant properties. You name it, we have it," said Miner.
Much of the discussion focused on Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy, He s running alongside Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo.
Duffy says he could be a conduit for mandate relief for upstate cities, and could aid with revitalization by working to make use of vacant properties, improving education, and reducing pension costs.
Miner says she anticipates the mayors coming together for meetings like this more frequently.