Onondaga County Legislator Mark Olson is running to keep his seat in the legislature’s 10th district.
Olson is finishing up his first term on the legislature and faces Democrat Carrie Ingersoll-Wood in his re-election bid.
He has also spent two decades as the mayor of Fayetteville. If he wins re-election as a legislator, Olson will have to give up his role as mayor because of a recent change in the county ethics law.
Do you think deputy Rosello acted properly by shooting and killing two teens, why/why not?
This incident is a tragedy, plain and simple. None of us were on the scene at the moment in time when Deputy Rosello made his decision, so it truly is not our place to make a judgment. I have confidence in the Attorney General’s office to ensure that all of the facts will be brought to light and the right people will be held accountable for what happened and how it unfolded.
Does the sheriff’s office have enough accountability mechanisms in place?
The Attorney General’s office will have recommendations for the Sheriff’s Office, but it is not the place of our Legislative body to step in and make policy for the department. As a Legislature, we are an oversight branch of the local government. Sheriff Toby Shelley is a duly elected official and setting policy for his office is his responsibility. I do hope that the recommendations from the AG’s office will be thoroughly reviewed by the sheriff and his chiefs.
What would you change in this regard?
I would ask that the sheriff meet with the county executive and the legislature to start the process of using the new enhanced AXON agreement that the City of Syracuse has started using. It is an upgraded body camera system that will protect officers and residents alike.
Should Jamesville be closed? What changes should be made at the downtown jail?
I voted against the resolution to close Jamesville Penitentiary. I wanted to give the Sheriff more time to make his recommendation before making a final decision. Since there is ongoing legal action, I do not feel comfortable commenting any further on this at the time.
Does Onondaga County have enough housing? How will you propose to build more?
I was recently appointed to the County Executive’s Development Committee. We have begun the process of a housing study. Housing Onondaga is coordinating this study as part of our “Plan Onondaga” initiative, and the same firm that performed the study for the City of Syracuse is performing our countywide study. I also know that the State is doing a study at the same time.
When the information from this study becomes available, it will be important for all members of our committee to dig into the data and put together a comprehensive action plan that addresses current and future needs. Housing needs to be addressed for the long-term viability of any community, especially Onondaga County with the impending population growth coming with Micron and the development that will come up around it. Working across all levels of government to form one cohesive team is the right way to address Housing in Onondaga County.
What does smart development around Micron look like to you?
The number one priority should be planning. The success and long-term viability of our community relies on well-planned and thoughtful infrastructure development. We must consider quality of life for county residents first and foremost, not just the bottom line. I will work to make sure the communities surrounding Micron aren’t burdened with constant development and construction for the next ten years. We have the tools in place to make sure we are looking to the future while protecting today’s residents. Local companies should be able to thrive when national and international business investments are made here.
What solutions will you propose to fight sprawl?
At this point, it’s too early to give any ideas. We are beginning a housing study and I am looking forward to learning from the report and taking advice from the experts.
How can the county facilitate better public transportation inside/outside of the city?
The county can and will continue to invest in our Centro bus lines. Each year more and more is done for public transportation, and with the continued rise of our gig economy, people are seeing continued opportunity for sustainable income with ride-share companies like Uber and Lyft.
What more can the county do to fight Syracuse’s lead crisis?
Onondaga County has invested heavily in lead abatement, and our investments have grown each year. We can lead the efforts to create more training and opportunity for entrepreneurial individuals to open new businesses that provide this much needed service. There is no shortage of need, but there is a shortage of service providers. The County has invested in Main Street grants, which have been a great success. I would explore the possibility of grants and training for new lead remediation businesses. Our underserved communities are hit hardest by the epidemic of lead. It’s time to step up and give those communities the help they need.
