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Syracuse Common Council approves "Ban the Box" legislation

Ellen Abbott
/
WRVO
Supporters of Syracuse's proposed "Ban the Box" measure await a decision by the city's common council.

The city of Syracuse has joined Rochester and Buffalo in approving "Ban the Box" legislation. This was the third attempt by city common councilors to pass the legislation.

The new ordinance would prevent the city, and any contractors doing business with the city, from asking a job applicant about criminal convictions unless that person has received a job offer.

Supporter Langston McKinney, a former city judge, says getting rid of the criminal conviction box from job applications is more than a fairness and justice consideration.

"The more people in our community who are working, and capable of working, the better off our community is," McKinney said. "It’s a workforce development thing.”

He says these types of questions on job applications currently create a road block for people trying to pull themselves out of poverty.

“A number of times, especially in treatment court, you see people who involve themselves in a downward spiral because of inopportunity," McKinney explained. "And it’s only fair that the state and the city take the steps to remove barriers to opportunities that aren’t necessary.”

McKinney says he believes this change can help pull people out of poverty one life at a time.

“If one person can be given a position, or consideration for a position than before, that’s one more person who can enjoy greater benefits of living in this community and contributing to the community, instead of taking something from the community in order to exist,” McKinney said.

Councilor Chad Ryan cast the only no vote. He’s worried the legislation will become city-wide and could ultimately drive some businesses out.

"Any reasons you can give people or businesses not to move or be in the city, are not good things,” Ryan said.

Local business groups strongly opposed the last iteration of the legislation, which would have forced all businesses in the city to ban the box. Lead sponsor Jean Kessner admits the goal is to create a citywide policy, but she’d like the state to take the lead.

“This proposal is out there in the state and has a number of people who are co-sponsoring it," Kessner explained. "And that would solve the problem. One thing about doing it city by city, is that it gives the state impetus to take action.”

Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner has to sign the legislation before it can take effect. A spokesman says she is reviewing the ordinance.

Ellen produces news reports and features related to events that occur in the greater Syracuse area and throughout Onondaga County. Her reports are heard regularly in regional updates in Morning Edition and All Things Considered.