Seven incumbent Republicans will fight to keep their jobs in the Onondaga County Legislature. They are running on the positive aspects they say are part of the county’s upswing.
The chairman of the Republican dominated legislature, Ryan McMahon is being challenged by political newcomer, Democrat Tim Rudd. McMahon said he is running on the investments the county is making in infrastructure, Onondaga Lake and the Greater Syracuse Land Bank.
“I think the county is moving in the right direction,” McMahon said. “We still have work to do but when you look at what we’re doing as far as creating an environment where businesses want to come here, we’re cutting property taxes. From a regulations standpoint, we’re doing what we need to do to be competitive.”
McMahon is also touting the creation of a business climate that makes companies want to come to the county.
“We put together economic packages for some of these companies but government doesn’t create these jobs, the private sector does,” McMahon said. “We just need to stay out of the way sometimes so these folks can do what they’re good at.”
Democrats and Republicans agree that the elections in the 3rd District between incumbent Republican Tim Burtis and Democrat Ed Szczeniak and in the 7th District between incumbent Republican Danny Liedka and Democrat Lorene Dadey are ones to watch.
An election that was moved from next year to this year to fill a vacancy is for county clerk. Democrat Kerin Rigney and Republican Lisa Dell will face off for that spot.
