Policy Priorities

#Strongertogether

Stronger neighborhoods, families, and communities...

Let's Create an onondaga county where no child, family or neighborhood is left behind

As Central New York embarks on a new era with the removal of 1.4 miles of I-81 viaduct and the groundbreaking of MICRON's $100B AI chip fabrication plant, I am excited to run for Onondaga County Legislator (D16). And I'm humbled and honored that you’re willing to stand with me.

I'm a lifelong public advocate, with a 30-year track record of fighting for the people (both law and policy). And I know that we can and will make Onondaga County greater— more inclusive, more efficient, and more equitable. Ou residents and small businesses that call Onondaga County home deserve a fighter that will advocate for them, show up in the community, pass critical policy, and demand accountability. I'm that fighter!

My campaign is the People’s Campaign.— A movement where safer neighborhoods, stronger communities and families, greater small business support, targeted economic growth, integrated mental health and public safety, and greater affordability (housing, utilities and groceries) come first!

We can reduce child and family poverty across Onondaga County through stronger workforce training, job creation, and small business support. And we can make residents and neighborhoods safer by supporting better community policing, lead reduction, and deploying resources to serve our un-housed, aging, and mentally ill populations. We can also increase our housing stock by removing the barriers that gridlock or slow down construction projects i.e., access to state, county, and city funds and permits. My four top campaign priorities include:

Public Safety-Mental Health Coordination
Strong Economy
Entrepreneurship
Housing Access/Affordability

We all deserve basic human rights! Not back-door politics, per usual, where some thrive and the masses struggle. Stand with me! Vote Charlene Tarver (Working Families Party) in the November 3rd General Election.

public safety

We know that people will work, shop, and dine in Syracuse and Onondaga county if they have gathering spaces, access to family options, and they feel safe. Prevention, partnership, care, and professionalism are critical to creating that safety. And that means greater investment in integrated mental health services/resources, community policing, and economic development in the most vulnerable neighborhoods.

strong economy

Workforce development and job creation are the foundation of a strong economy and the best strategies to reduce child poverty. Everyone deserves access to opportunity. Let's design leadership and training programs that create pathways, education, apprenticeship/training, and empowerment tools for young people and families to get ahead. And let's compliment that training with real livable wage jobs where we remove the race and gender pay gaps that keep some residents living at or below the poverty line.

entrepreneurship

Small business is the backbone of America. Let's work together to support, grow, and scale small business across Onondaga County. When small women, veteran, and minority owned businesses thrive neighborhoods grow, families are stronger, children can dream, and Onondaga County can live up to its full potential! Let's ensure our owner-operator and small businesses have access to capital and contracts that move them from growth to scale.

affordability

Onondaga County must have affordable, accessible and safe (lead-free) housing available at all levels. We must also stabilize taxes and equip our seniors with resources to age in-place. And the county must help reduce the cost of living crisis residents are facing at the gas pump and the grocery store.