Josh Davis is running on the People First Party line for the 7th district seat on the Onondaga County Legislature.
Davis, who had previously received the Republican designation for the race, faces Dan Romeo, who is running as a Democrat.
Davis works as a Verizon field technician and is part of the Communication Workers of America local 1143 union. He also runs catering services for the Palace Theater in Eastwood and rehabs homes in Syracuse.
Do you think deputy Rosello acted properly by shooting and killing two teens, why/why not? Does the sheriff’s office have enough accountability mechanisms in place, what would you change in this regard?
I trust the office of the New York State Attorney General to conduct proper oversight of this terrible incident. Until then, I do not believe it is fair to anyone involved to offer political commentary on what occurred.
As far as accountability mechanisms, I believe the best way to foster two-way trust for our great police officers is to support body cameras.
Should Jamesville be closed, what changes should be made at the downtown jail?
As a new legislator coming into the new year of 2024, it will not be my job to decide whether or not we will close the Jamesville prison. It will be my job, however, to make sure that this is as successful of a transition as possible. I am willing to support the investments necessary to make the downtown jail ready for this change.
Does Onondaga County have enough housing? How will you propose to build more?
We do not have enough housing in Onondaga County to accommodate the influx of residents we are expected to experience as Micron breaks ground! But this challenge creates a tremendous opportunity for our community to meet the housing needs of the future while restoring relics of our rust belt past. Onondaga County should expand their grants for new housing unit construction to also incentivize (heavily) the restoration of vacant and blighted housing. This will incentivize not just development that lowers the cost of housing, but development that revitalizes our city center!
What does smart development around Micron look like to you? What solutions will you propose to fight sprawl?
PlanOnondaga is an example of proactive and smart leadership as we look to become a community of the future. I support two types of smart development in our community: both urban and suburban. First, we need to invest in our city center big time. I also understand that as our community grows, we need to support the development of walkable centers all around Central New York. These are the types of modern communities that the next generation of residents want to see!
How can the county facilitate better public transportation inside/outside of the city?
Transportation is a vital barrier to economic opportunity for so many central New Yorkers. Once Micron reaches further stages in their development up in Clay, I believe we need to have serious dialogue as a community about several forms of public transportation (specifically for our urban center) to and from economic opportunities in the suburbs.
What more can the county do to fight Syracuse’s lead crisis?
I am happy to see our local leaders investing more and more to combat the local lead crisis. As legislator, I will support these funds and any efforts to grow workforce development in lead abatement until we make lead-related issues a concern of the past in Central New York.
What topic would receive more attention if you were elected?
I am a huge proponent of the Main Street revitalization dollars our county has invested. As your legislator, it will be a top priority of mine to support further investment into this program and see to it that those dollars reach our community. Major centers like the James Street corridor are due for this type of investment and I will build the relationships necessary on both sides of the aisle to secure these funds.
