Hasahn Bloodworth is vying for the Syracuse Common Council’s 4th district seat on his self-created Rebirth SYR party line.
Bloodworth created the party after not earning the Democrats’ designation.
The race for 4th district councilor is Bloodworth’s first political race. Bloodworth will face Patrona Jones-Rowser who is running on the Democratic Party line.
Bloodworth said he was at a crossroads in 2018 after his sister’s death during childbirth. He found direction in trying to address the inequality experienced in his community, he said.
Bloodworth became involved in politics through community organizing efforts and the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death. He hopes to advocate for mental health and public safety, issues he believes are most crucial for the development of the 4th district.
How do you think the city can up its housing capacity? How would you persuade the county and state to solve this problem?
I suggest that the city look at apartments that are presently in disrepair such as the apartments on upper East Fayette Street. Several apartments in those buildings are vacant or in need of repair. Just as the city did with Skyline, either demand the owners to comply and or use its jurisdiction to close them down and sell to an owner that will renovate the properties. At the same time that we renovate old apartment complexes, we need to restore the wellbeing of the people. Provide family care classes, back to basics (cooking classes, sewing, basic car repair that would be done off site of the property of course) so that people develop a greater sense of worth and wellbeing. Additionally I would recommend that the city take a look at old pre-existing buildings and see what can be done to restore them to their former glory and enhance the neighborhoods — such as the property on the corner of South Salina and Warner Avenue, or even the old Sears building. We cannot let these major spaces sit while we have people homeless, housing compromised and/or sleeping in cars putting themselves and their loved ones in danger.
Do you think Safer Streets and other anti-violence programs are adequate? How would you tackle juvenile crime and gun violence?
Safer Streets is not enough alone! There has to be a program of economic development within the urban core that is as aggressive as what is being done for Micron and Interstate 81. It is proven that poverty and hunger are major drivers of violence and crime. If we create an economic development program for small/micro businesses to operate with strong business plans, and provide goods and services that will benefit those that live within that community and surround it with housing that is sound and secure, we will see a reduction in crime.
Don’t take away guns and not put anything in its place. That will only cause those involved in crime to find another way to continue in their criminal behavior. We have to involve our young people in business, education, and self-esteem development from kindergarten and through Head Start programming. They need to see who they can become and hear about it as soon as possible. It will reduce the influence of media and social media. Let them see success all around them and they will continue to replicate what they see instead of what they view online!
How important do you think the lack of reliable transportation is in the Southside? How would you fix that?
The same studies that are being done to address transportation for those that will be living in the new and improved 15th ward when it is completed, we need to consider the people that are living there now. There are mothers that struggle to get their children to Salvation Army Daycare on Salina, then get to the Centro Hub and get up to Loretto to start their shift all by 7:30 am now. There should be Southside Cares Van Service sites, and other centralized locations that would only take people to work and pick them up to get their children when the day is done. We can do this! It does not require studies and money! Use the money that is for the study for those that are coming to the 15th ward to help those that are there right now.
How will you ensure that the outcomes from the I-81 and Blueprint 15 projects are fair and equitable?
The only way that can happen is to be at the table of discussion and decision. There has to be a voice at the table that has not only a seat but the ability to help make the decisions so that the same things that happened in the past don’t happen again. You have to be willing to be an advocate for those that are going to be directly impacted by what is going to be done. This is major! We have to make sure that what comes from this is according to each and every promise that has been made. I will go through that list of promises with a group of people and we will make that list public. We will then start to check off the list once there is measurable action attached to each and every single promise that has been made. Making things public and visible will ensure that those making the statements will follow through.
What are the strengths of the 4th district community? How would you use them as district councilor?
The strength of the mighty 4th district are many, but to name a few: resilient, determined, caring, compassionate, resourceful, determined, faith-filled, God fearing and not afraid are some that I will share in this setting. The 4th district has shown that no matter what is said, done and or thought about the people, the neighborhoods; the mean spirited things that are said from people that hide behind their keyboards and post on social media or following an incident that occurs; subpar housing, lack of business opportunities and yes a high crime and violent rate; the greatest and most powerful strength in the 4th district would be the people.
People that are determined to show that we are going to see our area thrive, become the example for others to follow. We will again have safe neighborhoods, low crime rates, neighborhoods with businesses, transportation, parks and places for our children and families to play and gather and that we are mighty and we are strong! We are the mighty 4th district!
Why do you think Syracuse’s lead problem persists? How would you help fight it?
Well I am not a scientist but it seems to me if we are taking out the lead paint, dealing with lead in the apartments and homes, and using products that are lead free and children are still showing high levels of lead in our system, then it has to be something that is being used or our children and families are coming into contact with on a regular basis.
I think we need to check the water system, meaning the pipes. The area of the city where the lead levels are highest are some of the oldest areas of the city. The pipes underground in the past were made with lead in most instances. We need to see if the water is passing through piping that has lead in its makeup. If there is lead piping in any way, we need to remove it and replace it with another substance that is lead free. Some may think it is costly, but look what it has cost us thus far. If we are addressing everything we can see in regards to lead and the numbers are climbing then it has to be in something we cannot see. I think we need to do that study sooner than later.
