Where is the Onondaga County Legislature's 15th district?
The 15th district includes portions of Syracuse's Eastside, University, Outer Comstock, Valley, Elmwood, Strathmore, Southwest and Near West Side neighborhoods.
Mo Moodie is running for the open seat in the county legislature’s 15th district on the People First Party.
Moodie, who initially received the Republican party’s designation, said he’s running as an independent because he intends to stay neutral and work between the two parties if elected.
Moodie will face Maurice Mo Brown who is running on the Democratic and Working Families Party lines.
He is running for public office for the first time and said he got involved in politics after noticing inconsistencies within the Syracuse City School District from participating in the Parent Teacher Organization. He said he decided to run for office in order to make an impact on his children’s lives.
Moodie said he’d like to implement a tax credit initiative that would give money to constituents through tax credits and a business corridor program to get county funding to create a business incubator program to help entrepreneurs.
Do you think deputy John Rosello acted properly by shooting and killing two teens, why/why not?
The tragic incident involving Deputy Rosello and the two teenagers is a matter of great importance. However, it is essential that we respect the ongoing investigation and due process. We must allow the facts to come to light before passing judgment.
Does the sheriff’s office have enough accountability mechanisms in place, what would you change in this regard?
Accountability mechanisms within the Sheriff’s office are indeed critical. If elected, I will advocate for a thorough review of these mechanisms to ensure transparency and accountability.
Should Jamesville be closed, what changes should be made at the downtown jail?
Regarding Jamesville and the downtown jail, I believe that these are complex issues that require careful consideration. We must explore alternatives to the current system and work toward solutions that prioritize both public safety and rehabilitation. Despite the merge already being in progress, my concern has shifted towards ensuring the success of this transition.
Does Onondaga County have enough housing? How will you propose to build more?
As for housing, we need a comprehensive strategy that addresses the housing needs of our community. I will propose measures to increase affordable housing options and encourage responsible development. In addition, I am committed to supporting and enhancing our local land bank. This organization plays a vital role in addressing housing issues by acquiring, managing, and repurposing vacant properties. By working in collaboration with the land bank, we can revitalize neighborhoods, create more affordable housing opportunities and improve our community’s overall quality of life.
What does smart development around Micron look like to you? What solutions will you propose to fight sprawl?
Smart development around Micron should focus on sustainability, efficient land use, and community engagement. To combat sprawl, we should incentivize growth in existing urban areas. Partnering with construction unions and working across the aisle and with agencies will be the key to achieving this vision of sustainable development. By fostering these partnerships, we can ensure that construction projects align with community needs and environmental goals.
How can the county facilitate better public transportation inside/outside of the city?
Improving public transportation is crucial to connect communities and reduce traffic congestion. I have already initiated talks with Centro, the county’s bus provider, and the Syracuse Metropolitan Transportation Council, the leading authority on transportation in the area. Together, we are tackling the root of our problem — the shortage of bus drivers. We are in discussions about creating a training facility/incubator to increase the number of bus drivers, not just for the county, but for the entire state of New York.
What more can the county do to fight Syracuse’s lead crisis?
Syracuse’s lead crisis is a significant public health concern. In addition to creating safe halfway homes and collaborating with Home HeadQuarters on lead remediation grants, I will push for additional resources and programs to eliminate lead exposure in our community. I will place a strong emphasis on building cross-sector alliances to address this crisis effectively.
What topic would receive more attention if you were elected?
If elected, my top priority is addressing the issues of economic development and job creation, while also ensuring the successful merger of Jamesville Correctional Facility and the downtown jail. By fostering a thriving local economy, collaborating with various organizations and actively seeking funds from external sources, we can make these essential changes and create the vibrant, inclusive community we all desire.
