Editorial : Local elections affect students, despite minimal intrigue

General elections are just a few weeks away. This election season, they are primarily local but attract limited student interest. Local politics directly affect Syracuse University and its students, so while the races heat up in the coming weeks, students should take a moment to become acquainted with the candidates.

Local elections are particularly important for students living off campus in the East neighborhood, where town-gown relations become the fuel for local legislation, such as the consolidation of student housing in the East neighborhood that has taken place in the past year.

Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner has worked to alleviate the frustrations of permanent residents in the East neighborhood. Miner highlighted residents’ concerns during her campaign, which played a part in the demise of the MayFest block party on Euclid Avenue in fall 2009.

Miner and the Common Council also play a major role in supporting SU’s initiatives, such as the Connective Corridor. The businesses on Marshall Street, the occasional water main break around campus, snow removal — all these relate to local politics. Local political bodies also have considerable control over the local arts venues and festivals, which they have a large role in funding.

Here are the local candidates whose districts include the Hill and its students:

• Khalid Bey, a Democrat running for District 4 of the Common Council

• Howie Hawkins, a Green Party member running for District 4 of the Common Council

• Joanie Mahoney, an incumbent Republican and only candidate running for county executive

• Linda Ervin, an incumbent Democrat running for District 17 of the Onondaga County Legislature, which includes the Euclid Avenue and Marshall Street areas

• Mark Stanczyk, an incumbent Democrat running for District 9 of the Onondaga County Legislature, which includes the campus and the New York State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry

• Bob Andrews, a Republican running for District 9 of the Onondaga County Legislature