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Mayor Miner remarks continue to be criticized

Ellen Abbott
/
WRVO

Republicans continue to be angry with Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner's comment at a Democrat rally last week where she called the GOP a "party of hatred."  Among those criticizing Miner's choice of words, New York State GOP party chair Ed Cox, and Republican Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle.  

Now, the head of the Republican party in Onondaga County is taking it one step further.Onondaga County Republican Party Chairman Tom Dadey says Miner, who is also the co-chair of New York State Democratic party has a choice to make -- be mayor of the city of Syracuse, or be a party leader in New York state.  He says the two jobs are at odds.

"She is an elected leader in our community.  She needs the help of the other side of the aisle for the city of Syracuse.  I'm a city resident. And for her to say what she said, is disappointing."

Dadey also says Miner owes the 12,000 Republicans in Syracuse an apology.  At last week's Onondaga County Demcorat Party rally to get the party energized for the Democratic National Convention, she reportedly said the Republican Party "wraps up their hatred in clever 30-second sound bites."

"She can't be both a party leader and rally the troops and then say offensive remarks, and then say, 'by the way John Defrancisco, you're chair of the [state] Senate finance committee, could you help me out with the city of Syraucse and give me eight million dollars?' because that's what she needs.  Can't do both, can't do both."

Miner is in Charlotte, North Carolina this week for the Democratic National Convention. In a statement released through the Onondaga County Democratic Committee, Miner says local and state Republican leaders continue to talk about words and rhetoric, while Democrats talk about substance. She said the response from local and state Republican leaders is nothing new.

Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle called Miner's original remarks inappropriate and intentionally incendiary.

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.