Another Democrat has announced she will seek the party’s nomination to run against Rep. John Katko's (R-Camillus) 24th Congressional District seat next year. Dana Balter, a Syracuse University professor, said she was compelled to run after the results of the 2016 election. Balter said she feels like the country, its people and its values are all being threatened in the wake of last year’s election.
“I need to stand up and fight for the things that are important to this community," Balter said. "Those include health care for everybody, quality education for every child, equal treatment under the law, protection of natural resources. We need a representative that is going to stand up and do what is right, not what is easy.”
Balter criticized Katko’s voting record and the televised town hall he held earlier this year. She said it was a highly controlled environment with a limited number of questions and too many restrictions.
“I think the reason why we see so much dissatisfaction in our government is that far too many people feel like they are being left out of the decision making process and their needs are being ignored,” Balter said.
Suzanne Williams of Syracuse is one of Balter’s supporters and said she has known the candidate for more than 15 years.
"She's a dedicated person," Williams said. "She's one of the most upstanding people I have ever met in my entire life. She's hard working. I believe in her."
Anne Messenger is another Democrat who announced a campaign against Katko in July. Balter said they are still getting to know each other. Balter teaches citizenship and policy at the Maxwell School. The 24th Congressional District includes the cities of Syracuse, Auburn and Oswego.
