Democrats in Onondaga County have nominated the candidates they want to see on the ballot in 2015. Toby Shelley, a former Onondaga County sheriff's deputy, will run for county executive against Republican incumbent Joanie Mahoney. Last year, Shelley ran and lost the race for Onondaga County Sheriff.
Onondaga County Democratic Committee Chairman Mark English says Democrats made a hard push to get candidates to run for 12 positions in the Onondaga County Legislature this year.
Helen Hudson and Steve Thompson were nominated for Syracuse Common Councilor-at-large. Hudson says Democrats need to reengage their constituents and residents need to reengage with the Democratic party.
“We sat down and we had a $700 million budget, we had a budget hearing for the $700 million. We had seven constituents show up," said Hudson. "So you know what? We need folks to come in and hold us accountable for our work for the city.”
In other races around the city of Syracuse, Nader Maroun won the nomination for Syracuse city councilor in the 5th District. Katie Sojewicz, Mark Muhammad, Max Ruckdeschel and Daniel Romeo were nominated for Syracuse Commissioner of Education.
English says the key to success in November's election will be determined by voter turnout.
“When we have a low turnout we suffer," said English. "An off-year impacts on that. We've been in get-out-the-vote planning for quite some time and we'll see what happens.”
Candidates wishing to challenge those nominated could force a primary in September.
