Good afternoon.

This is Mayor Ben Walsh sitting in for Bob Lonsbury.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

Bob's taking a few days off.

I'm sitting in, happy to be with you all for the next three hours.

Quick preview of the interviews.

We are stacked with interviews for all three hours.

We are going to start out with my good friend County Executive Ryan McMahon, followed by Center State CEO president Rob Simpson, Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecil, actor, comedian, and my cousin Tom Kenny, otherwise known as the voice of SpongeBob and many more.

Four o'clock hour, we are going to talk to the principal of the new Steam School and a new uh student as well.

Then we're going to open up the phone line.

So bring it.

Then we're going to talk to SU Women's Basketball coach Legget Jack and hear about the season coming up and uh what we can be excited about cheering on SU Women's Basketball.

And uh we're going to finish up the hour with more open phone lines.

So again, bring it.

5 p.m.

Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens is stopping in.

We're going to talk to uh two guys, uh Chairman Tim O'Donnell uh of the Syracuse Pond Hockey Classic and uh our other friend Joe Friscello who uh is involved with as well.

And then uh we're gonna hear from Common Counselor Rita Paniagua, who is running for common council president.

So again, uh lots of guests coming up.

I want to give a shout out to our producer Kyla, who's joining me in studio as well as Anna McGau uh from our communications team.

And also joining me in studio is our first guest, County Executive Ryan McMahon.

County exec, how are you?

I'm great.

Thanks, Mayor.

Appreciate being here.

How am I doing so far?

You're doing good.

And also I'm honored to share the microphone with the great Tim O'Donnell.

Yeah, well, you know, he's kind of a big deal, as you know.

So uh let's get into it.

Um, you know, you often say that we in this region in Syracuse, Central New York, Onadaga County.

Uh, we're in a moment.

I think you feel it.

I certainly feel it.

Hopefully, our constituents feel it.

Um, how would you describe this moment for our region?

Well, I think overall, right now we've experienced uh a period of time where you've had an alignment of leadership, as we've talked a lot about a lot.

Definitely.

And that makes it easier for investment.

It makes it easier to do big projects, and it also sends a signal to other partners at federal levels of government, state levels of government that they want to participate.

And so I think we've had a good run with that.

Obviously, we have this historic mega project happening right now.

Um, and that is driving um a tremendous amount of interest from around the globe to look at our community.

It's like kind of really interesting.

Like how did Syracuse, New York, Onattaga County, Central New York win this project against these other communities that are branded and brand name communities.

And um certainly uh as we we move forward, um, the supply chain companies, the other manufacturing companies, um, the housing opportunities that will be here.

Um, we're going to see billions and billions of dollars of investment, um, which represents opportunity for people across the board, across the community throughout central New York.

Yeah, it's really exciting.

And you know, you and I grew up here uh as uh many of our listeners did.

We've seen uh the downtimes.

I think we've all certainly earned the good times that are coming.

But I think for those of us that have been around for a while, you know, some people are naturally skeptical.

Um, you know, we're the term I like to use is we're um you know economically traumatized.

We've gone through some tough times as a community.

So, you know, for those that that may not be true believers yet, uh maybe just a quick update on on where we are with uh with Micron.

Yeah, so right now we're finishing up the environmental review.

Um, that review, which is the driver to get permits to start construction, um, will be complete in the next few weeks.

Right.

Um that sets a timeline after a 30-day review period from the federal government, which is also doing a review to give the decision of record.

That decision of record should be essentially uh ready in the second to third week of December.

So we should be breaking round uh really that third week of December with schedules permitting for it for a ceremony.

Um, but that really what that means is that unlocks the first phase of construction, a billion dollars essentially to clear the site, to prepare roads, to get the site ready to build a rail spur so that they can bring Phil into the site and away from the site.

But just yesterday, our county IDA had uh an agenda, and there was a 51 point five billion dollar item for Micron to build two Fabs, phase one, uh uh a small $50 million item for the rail spur.

There's also a $50 million housing project too in the town of Camillas, which was cool, but that got overshadowed by certainly the $51.5 billion item.

Um, I I don't know if an IDA agenda across the country is seen something like that.

That's wild.

I know that the projects that we're taking for granted now because the bar has just been raised so much.

But uh one other project I wanted to touch on with the couple minutes we have left is the aquarium.

Uh we're sitting here in Franklin, beautiful Franklin Square overlooking Onadoga Creek.

And uh just a couple blocks down the road, of course, we have the inner harbor, which is slowly but surely developing.

And uh to see that crane over the harbor is really cool.

And again, for those that might have been skeptical uh about the project, it is very much underway.

Can you give us a quick update on that?

Yeah, yeah.

Hopefully, people are starting to warm to the project.

If you drive by it, it looks awesome.

It just looks awesome.

Um, we think it's gonna be a catalyst to help drive more density in the neighborhood.

Um, the project will be complete essentially June, July of next year.

So we'll be having a opening to the public um next summer.

Um, but we're we're ecstatic.

The project's going well on budget.

Um, we're raising the private funds um necessary to complete the construction of it.

We're having a lot of success.

Uh, and you're gonna start seeing more economic partnerships with the aquarium, more research partnerships.

Um, and you're gonna start seeing it marketing in 2026 uh as a coming attraction.

That's great.

Now, I remember when the cleanup of Onadoga Lake was celebrated.

Uh you did a pretty famous or infamous cannonball in Onodoga Lake.

Can we expect a repeat at the aquarium?

Are you are you going in the tank?

You think?

Listen, I don't know if I'll go in the tank, I'll go back in the lake.

Okay.

We'll look to see what the uh I might get pushed into one of the shark tanks, maybe.

Who knows?

But the uh overall, I think uh we're really excited.

Uh I I know um we've talked about this.

I think with all the different opportunities for development in the community, um, the inner harbor is probably the greatest one we have to do something special.

And so I think overall we've uh the city and the county have worked really closely together.

The county has a real moral obligation to that lakefront.

Um, and we own a lot of the uh land around Onadoga Lake, almost all of it.

Um so overall, super excited about the project and the future of the inner harbor.

Me too.

Well, uh, we are up against it, but just want to thank you for uh all of your great work, certainly on the projects that we talked about, but so much more.

We have worked really well to go together over the past years, much longer than that, actually, but it's been a pleasure working with you.

Thanks for uh um all your efforts in Syracuse and beyond.

Well, thanks, Mary.

And uh you'll hear this again before you're almost done, but you've done a great job and you've been a great partner.

Thanks, my friend.

Thanks.

Good to see you, Bob.

Okay, we are uh done with our first uh our first guest.

We're gonna go to break.

Uh you are listening to the Bob Blondsbury show on 570 WSYR.

Good afternoon, folks.

Ben Walsh here hosting for Bob Lonsbury, who's taking a few days off.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 WSYR.

Had a good conversation with county executive Ryan McMahon, bringing in another good friend of mine in studio, Rob Simpson, president and CEO of Center State CEO.

Rob, thanks for joining us.

Mayor, it's great to be here.

So, Rob, you and I go back a long way.

Uh, worked together back in the Metropolitan Development Association.

Um, we've seen this region uh in the city change a lot over the past 20 plus years.

Um, but we're not done.

We're in some ways we're just getting warmed up.

There's a lot of exciting projects.

We talked to the county executive about some.

One that I want to talk about with you uh is the Inspire Innovation Hub.

So most folks are probably familiar with the Syracuse Tech Garden.

They may not be familiar yet with uh that uh the name Inspire Innovation Hub.

Can you tell us what that's all about?

Yeah, you know, when uh when I moved back here in 2003, the one of the big challenges that we had was that we just weren't creating companies as fast as we were losing them.

And I think we saw the byproduct of that in our regional economy with losing jobs and uh and losing our competitive position.

Thanks, this entire community rallied around the innovation and entrepreneurship uh strategy for our economy, and the tech garden was born.

And at that time, we were planting seeds for new companies, trying to rebuild a part of our economic development strategy that have been left for dead.

Uh here we are 20 years later, and I don't think we're planting seeds anymore.

This region's generated $3 billion startups uh from our ecosystem.

We have world-class startup companies that are coming out of Syracuse and Central New York.

And uh at Center State CEO, we felt like our region's entrepreneurs needed and deserved a space that was reflective of the level of vitality and energy that we see coming out of that part of our economy.

The Inspire Innovation Hub is actually the largest uh business incubator and accelerator in New York State, almost 90,000 square feet under roof.

Uh right now we've got 38 companies that are part of that building on the footprint where the former tech garden used to be.

We built two floors up on top, completely remade the image of the building.

And now, right in the heart of our convention center district between the hotel Syracuse and our convention center, we have a hub of innovation with hundreds of entrepreneurs and uh great talent that are operating in that building.

It is a beautiful facility.

Congratulations to you and your team for pulling it off.

Uh, it is um it's just so impressive to see the amount of talent that we have here in the region and how much it's changed uh just in, you know, uh since we've been around.

Uh so really excited about that.

Um, you are never one to rest on your laurels.

So just when that project was uh was finishing up, uh you took on another big one uh in the uh uh Governor Hochel's on-ramp program, which uh uh uh is going to be uh located here in Syracuse, the hub.

Um can you talk about uh on ramp uh in our closing uh seconds here?

Yeah, on ramp is is a program that is really designed to help train individuals for the careers that are coming next in Central New York.

And you just heard the county executive talk about Micron and all the exciting investments happening in our microelectronics industry.

Uh on ramp very specifically is a uh is a uh facility and set of training programs for people in advanced manufacturing and construction careers.

We have both in droves right now in central New York.

And um, and in addition to the programming, uh working with the trades, working with our academic institutions, working with our workforce development partners, we're gonna use uh the opportunity to redevelop an iconic piece of real estate in Central New York, what most people will know is the former Sears building, 1300 South Salina Street, and take uh a part of our community and neighborhood fabric that uh frankly I think epitomized disinvestment in one of our most important and historic neighborhoods, right?

Uh and bring that piece of property back to life and make it something that Syracuse and Central New Yorkers can be proud of again.

Yeah, it's so exciting you think about between the Inspire Innovation Hub, um moving south.

We just opened up the new Steam School, uh SUNY Educational Opportunity Center is expanding.

You of course have JMA as you go further south and uh and to and to see the Sears building come back to life is gonna be special.

So um thank you for all your great work, Rob.

It has been a pleasure working with you.

I uh expect we'll continue to work together in in different ways.

But um the Syracuse and Onodaga County in Central New York is lucky to have you.

Keep up the great work, my friend.

Thank you, my friend.

Thanks.

Okay, folks, interview number two is in the books.

We are going to uh be right back again.

Thank you for joining us.

Uh, this is the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570, WSYR.

Whoa, whoa.

Good afternoon.

It is in fact not Bob Lonsbury, it's Mayor Ben Walsh sitting in for Bob Lonsbury who's taken a few well-deserved days off.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

So we're keeping the guests rolling.

And I have in a guest that I had the the last time I was on the show.

Uh, and I suspect, at least in our current roles, this will be the last time we'll get to do this.

Um, I have our Syracuse Police Chief Joe Cecil.

Welcome, Chief.

How are you?

Good, good.

Thanks for having me, Mayor.

You got it.

So before we uh we talk about uh what's next, uh as we always do, we start with the data and the numbers, and you know, we certainly hear about it when uh when the numbers are bad.

Um the numbers are looking pretty good.

I just pulled up the weekly CompStat report, which anyone can download on our website.

Um just looking at some highlights.

Uh overall part one crime down 26.4%, uh property crimes down 27.4%, violent crime down 21.2%, homicides down 40%, stolen vehicles down 45.5%.

So literally every category is down.

Um I know uh we are not ones to celebrate because we got a lot of challenges ahead of us, but why don't you we let's talk about um you know what has contributed to the numbers heading in this positive direction?

Yeah, it's just good police work.

We have officers out there, you know, we have the 10 hour schedule now, and so they're out there for longer periods of time, overlapping.

Sometimes we have power days where numerous officers are on the shift, and it's just helps to get them out of the cars.

They're getting out of the cars and interacting.

Of course, our homicide squad and other detectives are great at what they do.

And you're right, the numbers are all down.

You know, one number that a lot of people don't look at is is 15% down in the number of victims shot or killed, injured or killed.

And that's a large number for us because it's not just a number, it's attached to people.

Right.

And that's down as well.

Yeah.

Yeah, it's it's great.

And and appreciate you giving a uh credit where it's due, as you always do to our officers who uh just never cease to amaze me with both their their talent and skill at whether it's solving crimes uh or making arrests, uh, their bravery.

We just have um uh we're so blessed to have such an amazing police department.

And um, you know, you mentioned it.

I don't think people fully understand and appreciate how significant that the shift change is in and how we deploy our resources.

Um we know that you know, uh post-2020, uh departments across the country have struggled to uh attract and retain police officers.

We've certainly done our part, right?

12 police classes uh in the past eight years.

But you know, numbers, numbers are down despite our best efforts.

And you know, between the the shift uh uh change and uh again, just uh really dedicated officers.

Um, you know, we're making good strides.

So we'll hope that that continues.

Yeah.

Um so uh looking forward, uh, as I mentioned, you know, this is uh my last couple months as mayor.

It's your last couple months as chief.

Uh maybe before we talk about what's next.

Um, any career highlights.

You've been at this now for what, 40 over 40 years.

Yeah.

Um, you know, some maybe highlights and low lights.

What are the things that stick out as you look over those 40 years um and and reflect on your time serving the city?

Well, so the lowlights is is clear.

It's Jensen and Hussack.

Yeah.

Uh the death of those two heroes is clearly the low light to my career.

But uh something the chief never wants to experience.

Right.

Um, or the families either.

Um but the highlights are just technology moving forward, and officers, young officers embracing it and and using this technology, whether it's cops cameras, body cams, drones, all types of uh uh technology, using them to solve crimes.

And that's one of the reasons we're doing so well as well.

Also, is because everyone's embraced technology and talk technology is here to stay.

I mean, right, we're moving forward now with a with a first responder drone program that's gonna go out there and take a look at the the situation before the officers even arrive.

And it's just those are the highlights, I think is what you're gonna see in the future is just it's just gonna go be just gonna keep increasing.

Technology's gonna keep taking over.

It will never replace the cop on the street.

Right.

But it's gonna it's gonna help us do our job.

As you say, it's a force multiplier, and uh to your credit, it you know, it starts at the top, and you have embraced technology, certainly during your time as chief, but as first deputy chief and deputy chief as well.

I mean, I was around back in the previous administration when we first uh introduced cops cameras in the neighborhoods, and and a lot of people freaked out uh about Big Brother, and again, not to take it lightly, surveillance is uh is a legitimate concern, but you look at how people reacted to it then versus now when literally every neighborhood and every business district uh wants a cops camera.

It is, it's it's finding that right balance between embracing technology um uh but doing it in a responsible way.

And I think you and your team at SPD have done just that.

So uh well done.

Um with that said, um, last couple months.

Uh any any plans uh real quick as we close out here uh for what happens after January 1.

Yeah, absolutely.

We're gonna buy a giant uh 28, 30 foot RV, and we're gonna travel around the country with our four 200 pound English mastiffs in the back.

And I know you have a large dog, Mayor.

You're welcome to come, but some of your family might have to ride on top.

Yeah, yeah.

No, maybe just me and Ollie.

Ali uh is uh only 130 pounds, so uh you might be a little intimidated.

But uh that sounds great.

You have certainly uh earned it, and it is well deserved.

So, chief, uh, thank you for your time.

Thank you for your service and look forward to serving out the next couple months with you.

Yeah, thanks very much, Mayor.

All right.

Thanks again.

So with that, we will go to break.

You are listening to the Bob Longsbury show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

Good afternoon, everyone.

Ben Walsh here sitting in for Bob Lonsbury.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

Well, rookie mistake by me.

We are running behind.

So unfortunately, I only have a couple minutes with uh my friend, my cousin, uh, and Syracuse's own Tom Kenny, who's joining us on the phone from Los Angeles, presumably.

Tom, how are you?

Hey, his honor the mayor, how are you?

Yes, it is Los Angeles.

Uh Studio City to be more specific.

How are you?

Yeah, you know, I've played a mayor too, the mayor of Townsville.

I'm the power blow girl.

Yay.

I I r I do remember the the girls uh watched that and they thought it was pretty cool that their cousin Tom was uh was was the voice of so many characters.

Of course, everybody knows SpongeBob, but uh there's a lot that uh that people don't know.

I think one of the things that people here in Syracuse would like to know, you know, having you having grown up here, went to Bishop Grimes High School.

Um, how did you get into this crazy business that you're in?

Yeah, well, Syracuse was a great place to grow up.

I had a great family and kind of our families merged when my uh when my cousin married your dad all those many years ago.

And uh yeah, Syracuse was an amazing uh uh uh uh place to to kind of bake in the oven.

Uh I was always interested in in comedy and and performing and definitely always wanted to be a voiceover guy.

And my high school uh or grammar school, grade school uh friend, Bob Cat Goldwaite and I had a mutual interest in that stuff.

And right when we started high school, which was 1976, this brand new show called Saturday Night Live, uh hit the airwaves, another show called FC TV that we liked even better than FNL and punk rock was happening too.

The sex pistols, the Ramones, Andy Kaufman was doing his groundbreaking weird stand-up stuff, and uh Steve Martin was king.

And we were just it was just uh it just excited us so much, all of that, the combination of all of that, that we wanted to do all of it.

And since there was no real established scene in Syracuse, that turned out to be fortunate for us because we were able to just go and make stuff happen.

We took over, you know, we we started a night at the Lost Horizon where we did sketch comedy uh as a group called the generic comics, and uh one thing led to another, and uh yeah, uh uh you know uh my family are all still in the area, all my siblings, and and uh I I go back to Syracuse at least two, three times a year.

Very cool.

Well, we we love it when you come visit, and hopefully you will uh again soon.

Um again, you've done a you've done a lot, um, but you're still you're you're still working.

You got uh a lot on your plate.

Just as we close out here, can you give folks uh uh any updates on what what's keeping you busy, what we might be able to where we might be able to find you?

Oh wow.

Well, uh let's see, I'm I'm I'm doing a few hours of SpongeBob directing because I'm also the voice director on the show in just uh in about an hour, but very excited.

Uh there's a there's a SpongeBob feature film, SpongeBob 4, uh uh of the search for square pants, and that is opening in theaters on December 19th, also known as my wife Jill's birthday, who plays Karen the Computer on the show.

So December 19th, that's in theaters, but this Sunday it's having its world premiere at uh AFI Fest, American Film Institute Fest here in Los Angeles.

So there's going to be a big red carpet screening, and uh myself and uh my co-star Mark Hamill, Luke Skywalker, and Bill Foggerbaky, uh who plays Patrick Starr, uh are all gonna be there hanging out and having a great time.

And then uh let's see, uh Rick and Morty still going on and and uh adventure time, uh where I where I play the ice king is uh is still uh is still a going concern as well.

So lots to do.

I like being busy.

Yeah, yeah.

And don't forget about uh Tom Kenny and the high seas, your amazing band that I got to see perform down in Homer.

But um Kenny and the High Seas, we are playing all over the place.

We're doing uh November 22nd.

We are at the Whiskey of Gogo here in Los Angeles, and on New Year's Eve, we are at the Roxy here in Los Angeles.

Awesome.

So uh if you're in this area, come on out and see us.

But I hope to play in Syracuse uh again real soon, Ben.

We'd love to have you.

Well, again, listen, wish we had more time, but you mentioned Jill, please give her my love.

Uh and uh again, come back and see us soon.

We're so proud of you out there, Tom, and uh wish you the best of luck.

Nice night.

Thanks for calling in.

Best to your wonderful uh fabulous family.

Thanks so much, Tom.

Take care.

All right, folks.

This is Ben Walsh, mayor of the city of Syracuse, sitting in for Bob Lonsbury on News Radio 57W SYR.

We'll be back.

Good afternoon, Mayor Ben Walsh here sitting in for Bob Lonsbury.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

We have a few guests here joining us in studio.

Uh we have the principal of the new Steam High School in downtown Syracuse, Principal Dan Straub.

We have a student of the new Steam High School, uh freshman, Logan Capers and Logan's dad our trellis in the studio as well.

So want to welcome you guys here.

And um, you know, as I look back on the past eight years, uh the Steam School is something that I'm so incredibly proud of, and we were able to cut the ribbon on it.

Um, you know, boy, almost two months ago now.

So uh Principal Straub, let's start with you.

How has uh how's the experience been?

You were coming from Corcoran, that's when I first met you.

You did a great job there.

Brand new school, freshman class.

How's it going?

Uh it's been unbelievable.

First, uh I want to thank you, Mayor Walsh, for the support that you provided with the city here.

Superintendent Davis, I mean, it it's uh it's been an unbelievable whirlwind, I guess, of since I've been on a year and a half now.

Um, Dr.

Manning has been a huge part of this.

OCM Bose's working together, the county um executive um, you know, Ryan McMahon.

It the collaboration to bring this building back to life, the physical building has been unbelievable.

It it's absolutely stunning in there.

Um you know, 1903, the building opened.

And 122 years later, for our kids, the first day of of classes uh to walk by Minerva.

That was there 122 years ago.

Got that from Ed O'Reilly um at the Hotel Syracuse.

Thank you, Ed, for that.

Um, but it it the history, bringing that history back into present day and into the future, it it is something that that the community was craving.

I mean we've met so many people that that went to central high school or central tech and and it was kind of uh a loss high school.

And and they said, you know, we want to be recognized.

We want to bring that back.

Yeah.

So so we've done that.

And you know, we went through the interviews and the applications um last year, and and we have met so many amazing kids.

I mean, absolutely uh uh unbelievable talented kids and and uh the pathways that we're offering and the fine arts, performing arts, and and to actually see it, you know, we had this vision.

And I and I want to thank the staff and the students and the families, because it's really a leap of faith.

Right.

Yeah, they they didn't see it.

Right there's nothing tangible.

Yeah.

And the leap of faith to see it now in action.

Right, it it blows me away.

Right.

It absolutely blows me away of what happened and what day-to-day the these students and families and and staff are experiencing uh the amount of industry collaborators we have involved with us and the amount of um you know, us going out to the site and and and people coming in, professionals are coming in.

Right.

Just the opportunities that that we're actually seeing playing out, and it's still building, it's still building.

And it's been unbelievable.

It's really been an uncle two months.

Yeah, well, you guys are pioneers in your own right.

You know, you mentioned some of the programs.

So these uh the school offers uh a number of career and technical technical education programs.

You brought a pamphlet and I'm just gonna read through them.

Animation and game design, business entrepreneurship, construction management, data analytics, uh, entertainment engineering, performing arts, robotics automation, and of course, semiconductor manufacturing technology and the visual arts.

So when you think about the the industries that are driving the new economy, so many of them are represented in these programs.

The first one I mentioned, uh uh animation and game design.

Logan, that's uh that's your CTE program.

Um so would love to hear about what draw drew you to the Steam School to that program and what your experience has been like over the first couple months.

Yeah, so Steam has been like genuinely a blessing for me.

I love being able to meet new people and be in like such a boiling pot of opportunity.

Yeah.

Um what drew me to animation and game design in particular was when I grew up, you know, I watched all these videos on YouTube of like these cool animations and stuff.

And when I went to like the expo for all the things, I saw this and I was like, this is a gateway to achieving my dream that I've had for so long, you know.

And like Straub said, it really was a leap of faith because like even now, I've never done a single animation in my life, but I've never been more passionate to do so.

And there's nobody else I can thank other than the school and the great environment I've had around me.

But animation and game design, I'm very, very excited for it.

I've been wanting to do stuff like this since I've been young, and I'm looking forward to it a lot.

Yeah, that's great.

Uh I'll tell you, you've uh you're a lot farther along than I was when I was a freshman in high school.

You're an impressive young man.

Um, you know, one of the interesting things about the Steam School in addition to the programming is the fact that it's the only school, I think in New York State where we're bringing together um city school kids as well as suburban school kids.

So it's run by the Syracuse City School District, but suburban kids can apply through uh through Bosey's and attend the Steam School.

What's that been like meeting kids from all around the county?

And um, you know, do you think it's uh it was a good idea?

Well, at Huntington, I've met a lot of people from like multiple different like households and whatnot, right?

That was where you went to school last year, right?

Yeah.

And I can understand the sense of fear that some might have when you have kids from, I guess, say schools that aren't really as like have as good of a reputation.

But I, you know, when from their point of view, they see this as not just an escape, but an opportunity to express themselves and express their lives.

Right, you know.

And given every school and every district, the teachers try so hard to bring the kids to work.

And if these kids genuinely work hard and see a future in themselves, they'll be right where they want to be, you know.

And there are some kids, right?

I guess you could call them city kids, whatever you want to call them.

And they're getting along, they're getting their work done, and they're having a great time.

And I could see them genuinely doing amazing things, you know.

Like just because you're from a certain background doesn't mean Steam isn't a place of like ingenuity and all those great things.

Amen.

That's that's awesome.

Thank you, Logan.

So um, I I I think we might be breaking some news here, but I asked before we got on air about the uh the mascot.

So uh new schools knew a lot of things, including a mascot.

So um Logan, I want I want to let you break the news.

It sounds like there was a there was a competition.

The votes have been tallied, and uh in the steam school has a new mascot.

Can you tell us what it is?

Yep.

Steam Storm.

We did a vote storm.

And we got the steam storm going on now.

So awesome.

Yeah.

That's great.

Well, you know, it's cool.

My my uh my daughter's uh over at Nottingham and my uh in, you know, she she plays sports, and I know and to hear about uh the Steam kids already getting uh involved in in the um and the different athletic teams I think is really cool.

And and uh once once we see students running out in their new Steam Storm uniforms, that's gonna be another surreal moment.

So fellas, listen, I wish uh we could talk uh all afternoon.

Uh Principal Straub, great job.

Uh, really appreciate you stepping up and taking this on.

And Logan, you are an impressive young man.

You are going far.

And and dad back there.

Well done, sir.

Uh keep up the great work.

Thank you guys so much for joining us.

Uh with that, we are going to go back to break and uh be back soon.

Welcome again to the Bob Lonsbury Show, News Radio 570 W S Y R.

Good afternoon.

Mayor Ben Walsh here sitting in for Bob Lonsbury.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

Well, I'm gonna take a breather here.

We uh we ran through the first hour uh and more with some amazing guests.

It was great to catch up with the county executive who's just been an amazing partner uh over the past eight years, some as uh many of you know, we go all the way back.

Some as uh many of you know, we go all the way back.

So I grew up on the on Robinhoe Road in Strathmore.

He was on Wellesley just a street over, and uh it's been fun to to watch his career uh advance and and for us to converge at this really critical moment in the community.

But uh he's been a good partner and uh you know we haven't always agreed on everything, but uh we we uh work through it and we work together and and I think uh have produced good results.

We all uh are better off, I think, when when our leaders are working together, and of course, uh having Rob Simpson on, uh great friend, and um, you know, not as high profile as some of our elected officials, but has just been doing incredible work here in the region for a long time.

Um great having Chief Cecil on, of course, my cousin Tom Kenny, aka the voice of SpongeBob.

Uh in that last segment with with um Principal Straub and Logan from uh the Steam School, I think um, you know, they really uh gave us a good sense of what um you know all the special things that are happening at that steam school.

It is really a unique asset, and we're lucky to have it, and I think it's just gonna grow in interest and popularity, and uh again, really really proud of it.

Um coming up just to give you a uh a heads up going into the uh the next break.

Uh next guest is going to be um Syracuse Women's Basketball coach Felicia Legette Jack.

We're gonna talk about the upcoming season, Syracuse's own Felicia Legat Jack.

Um and then I am gonna open up for phones.

Uh so I mentioned at the beginning of the the program, bring it uh in all uh seriousness, would love to hear from you.

Um nothing's uh off the table.

Uh you want to give me a hardball um uh again bring it.

Uh or if you just want you know have a have a question, uh happy to take whatever is on your mind.

Um and when you do, you can just call 315-421-9797.

That's 4219797.

So uh that'll be in about uh I don't know, uh 15, 20 minutes or so, we'll we'll have those fan phone lines open.

So um in the meantime, uh we are going to uh take one more break and then uh well a few more breaks, but one next break for now, and we'll be back with uh Syracuse Women's Basketball coach Felicia Legatch.

Again, this is the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

Good afternoon, Mayor Ben Walsh here sitting in for Bob Lonsbury.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 WSYR.

I am so excited about our next guest.

Uh I could spend the next couple minutes reading off all of her accomplishments.

I think first and foremost, I should note that she is an absolute legend uh from her days playing basketball at Nottingham High School.

Go Bulldogs.

She more recently uh is the was the 2024 ACC coach of the year.

She is the Syracuse University women's basketball coach.

She is Coach Felicia Legat Jack.

Welcome, coach.

Oh, thank you so much.

How are you?

I'm doing great.

I am uh on the home stretch of my time as mayor, finishing up the last couple months and and having fun with it.

We're gonna still be you still gonna be the mayor to us.

I appreciate that.

Well, I'm not going anywhere.

I'll I'll be around and uh you know, one of the many reasons I want to stick around is because I'm so excited about the women's basketball program.

Uh, you know, I think uh my first uh my first interaction with you was when you were still coaching in Buffalo, and I think we were all hoping that you would make your way here, and sure enough you did, and uh and and you've done it really well.

Um just tell me before we talk about this upcoming season, tell me what it what what what it's like um you know being the head women's basketball coach in in your hometown.

It's pure joy, you know.

Something as a kid, you you see all the things that goes on in your community, and you you know you're you're playing Hopscotch and you and you're hanging out at Dr.

King elementary school, then you go to Levy and you say, maybe if I can be in charge, I'll do this, I'll try that, and and you know, and then you get an opportunity just like you.

You know, you grow up and you are the reason why things change.

And and I I dreamt about it.

I prayed over it, and you never thought it was gonna happen.

Then all of a sudden you work your way into the position that this chant, and then you get this opportunity.

So yeah, just like you.

We didn't take it for granted.

We we both feed in and we love it here, and we want to see it become even bigger and better.

And we're hoping there's young people dreaming like we did when we were kids to make it even better.

That's right.

Yeah, and I think I just think about all the all the little girls growing up here in Syracuse and and um seeing you and and hearing your story.

I think it's it's really uh an inspiration.

Uh, you know, that said, being in your hometown, um uh you know how large Syracuse Athletic uh athletics looms in in the city of Syracuse.

I always say that as mayor, there's no speech I can give or no big decision I can make that gets this town as excited uh and as high as when uh when our teams are winning up on the hill.

Uh I'd imagine you feel feel that pressure too, but just talk about kind of balancing the the pressure and and the excitement and um and how that uh you know how you manage that as a as a leader and as a human being.

Well, I think Sam would go back to when we were kids and all we did was win, you know.

And we we watched TV and the Louie and Bowie show and the success that they had.

And you see McPherson, our football coach, and they went bowl at the bolt and Pascalone came and did the same thing, and you know, Dino Baber did well as well.

And and now we we were here right now, and and as a head coach for the women's team, and I and I you root for our our program.

I'm rooting for our volleyball team to beat Boston College at 5 p.m.

Right because this is all we have, right?

Yeah, and so we owe it to this community because you know it's a great kind of city.

It's uh it's a rainy kind of day today, and it gets that way a lot.

And what they the community holds on is the success of the orange, and I get it.

And it's a lot of pressure for sure, but you know, the community deserves a winner, and we have to work and make this this happen for our our city.

And um uh I I respect our our people in the grocery store or wherever I'm hanging out.

You should have done better, and you're right.

We gotta win here.

Winning is the answer, and that's what we're here to do.

And anything short of that, we all feel that pain.

No doubt.

Yeah, well, I can certainly relate to getting hit up in the grocery store with uh constructive criticism and sometimes not so constructive.

Uh my sister found through the elevator one time.

I'm like, Jan, is that just five time?

Yeah.

So so let's talk about the team.

Uh uh November 4th.

In my in my business, uh, it's a big day because it's election day.

It also happens to be, if my notes are correct, the the your first uh your first regular season game against Stony Brook at 7 p.m.

Uh, how are you feeling about the team?

What should we be looking for as you start the season?

Cautiously optimistic.

You know, we're working hard.

We've been going since June, just trying to get to know each other.

I knew eight players in our uh three or four new coaches, and we pulled together and now we're a family and we feel good in our skin.

It's just time to kind of find out uh what this work was all about.

So uh we'll have a Tuesday exhibition versus Damon um this upcoming Tuesday and I think the 28th.

Um revives up to Stony Brook, who's a really big time mid-major program.

And so um, they're just time to find out and um you're gonna enjoy one thing about this team that's different from last year.

They got great personalities.

They, you know, I can jump on them hard.

And no matter how loud or soft I am, they're like, what's the message?

How do I get better?

Right.

Their IQ is very high in the game, and so it's exciting to be able to coach this gang, and I hope that you get a chance to see them.

Yeah, no, I definitely plan on coming up.

Uh my my two daughters, I'll bring them up along with me.

My you'll be happy to know my my oldest daughter is a sophomore at Nottingham.

Uh she's actually she's playing uh the uh Syracuse United soccer uh varsity soccer team has their first playoff game tonight over uh over in Rome.

So we're gonna be rooting for them.

But uh definitely gonna get the girls up for a game and my wife Lindsay, and again, we're we're rooting for you.

So um Girl Dad, I love it.

Uh so do I, so do I.

Um, and again, I think you are an inspiration for all the young women in our community.

So, coach, thank you so much for taking the time.

I really appreciate it.

Again, we are all rooting for you.

And uh I'm gonna say it for you.

You everyone, City of Syracuse, Santa Dog County, Central New York, get up to campus, go root on our Syracuse women's basketball team, go root on Coach Legat Jack.

Uh, we are lucky to have you here and uh wish the very best for you.

Thanks for joining us.

And and I gotta say this before you think off.

Yes, ma'am.

Thank you for all you've done.

Thank you for all you're doing.

What this city has become because of you and what your dad has done.

I've been a witness.

Thank you.

Appreciate that, Coach.

All right, take care.

Good luck.

Bye.

God bless.

All right.

That was Coach Legat Jack.

Thrilled to have her on the program.

Got a number of guests coming up, so we're gonna uh go back to break.

You are listening to the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

The Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570, W S Y R at 1069 FM.

Good afternoon, Mayor Ben Walsh here sitting in for Bob Lonsbury.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

We are coming up on the end of the second hour.

Uh man, time flies when you're a mediocre guest radio host.

Uh I am having fun though, for what that's worth.

I hope you all are uh enjoying it too.

Um, you know, this uh this opportunity uh to host is fun for me just because I get to bring in some amazing people that are a part of my life that uh uh make serving the city of Syracuse uh so uh fun and uh and gratifying uh and um happy to to introduce some of you all to some of these amazing folks.

Um speaking of amazing folks, I just want to mention that uh in the final uh last hour, we're gonna bring my uh friend and colleague, Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens on, uh also Cam Owens.

Um, and then uh talk to my two two of my best friends, Tim O'Donnell and Joe Fruscello about the Syracuse Pond hockey classic.

And then we're gonna close out with uh count counselor Rita Paniagua.

Uh so uh great guest to come.

We will be back.

Thanks for joining us uh news radio 570 W S Y R.

Good afternoon, Mayor Ben Walsh here sitting in for Bob Lonsbury.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

We are in the final hour again.

It flies by.

Um having a good time.

I hope you all are too.

Hopefully you're on your way home from work starting the weekend, uh a little rainy, a little dreary, but uh 'tis the season.

So again, hope everybody's uh traveling safe and gonna have a good time.

So I am going to welcome my next guest.

I mentioned uh her formal title is deputy mayor.

Uh she also happens to be my friend, uh, also happens to be a candidate uh to uh to succeed me in office as mayor of the city of Syracuse, Sharon Owens.

Welcome, Deputy Mayor.

Thank you, Mayor Walsh.

It's a pleasure to be here again.

Yeah, yeah, we we have done this before.

Um so uh you are in the home stretch of of the campaign.

Um and we are we intentionally did this after five o'clock, so there wasn't any uncertainty about what what hat you were wearing.

You are a candidate, and it's um and you know, one thing I want to say is you know, you are one of the most uh honest uh people that I've ever worked with in my life.

Um, you know, it it pains me uh to hear some people question your integrity.

It's part of the game, you know that.

Um, but you know, you have been uh to up to a point of probably paranoia, very careful about being clear when you're when you're serving in your official capacity versus political, but you've done it well, and I appreciate it.

But um I'm really for forget about deputy mayor, forget about candidate.

I want to know how Sharon's doing.

Sharon is um uh drinking coffee and you know, just holding on to the end stretch.

Um I remember, you know, watching you doing your campaign and you look at it from the outside, but to be on the inside and be in the body of the candidate is definitely different.

It is taxing.

We launched uh September 30th of uh 2024.

So here's been a full year.

Yeah, a full year.

Yeah, it's exhausting.

And you know, it is uh uh as you know, I don't watch the debates.

Um, number one, because I can't be there to defend myself because occasionally sometimes your opponents uh think they're running against or all the time, yeah.

Um I I get plenty of text uh updates, but um uh but um you know, just uh where you are uh right now.

Um, you know, talk about why, you know, people are probably uh hearing it and and thinking, why would you put yourself through that?

Uh and I certainly ask myself that at times, but um tell us about your why.

Why why is it why are you willing to put yourself out there uh uh in this very public vulnerable way um uh to do this job where you're gonna have to, you know, continue to deal with a lot of uh you know, a lot of people questioning you.

Absolutely.

Um the simple why is I just love this city.

Yeah.

The city adopted me after I graduated from Syracuse University.

I hit the ground running in neighborhoods and kitchens and bed, you know, kitchens and and and living rooms and just meeting the people of the city.

And so that's the absolute why.

Um I probably talked myself in and out of this for about 18 months.

Oh, I remember.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You were in a couple of rooms with me, and we were I don't know about this, but um ultimately, you know, you know, I'm a woman of faith.

I talk to God, I talk to my husband, I know the impact on family.

Huge.

Uh and um, you know, ultimately uh we're always our our our mother's children.

So that was the last person I got advice from was from my mom.

Yeah.

And uh she said, if you don't step out and try this, you'll never forgive yourself.

Yeah.

And so here I am.

Yeah, mom, mom has spoken.

But you know, you mentioned the family, and we don't need to belabor it, but um, I don't think people fully understand and appreciate what it's like for the family members to go through it, especially for the first time.

I'm I remember uh when I started to get into my career, obviously I grew up with my dad in in politics.

And you would think that it would get easier as you get older.

In some ways it gets harder, especially when you when you're involved.

And so, you know, I um I I don't uh I don't take it lightly what your husband and your daughter and your son uh have gone through during this, especially because you know, while you have been in this world for a long time in the community doing community work, you haven't been in politics.

This is all very new to you and your family.

Um I mean, starting with no one telling me about petitioning in February.

Yeah, well, yeah, and that that's a fairly new phenomenon.

I'm not sure if it's a good one, but but but you got it done.

And um, you know, like you said, it is as hard as it is on you and your family.

It's it's those very same people that lift you up and hold you up.

I mean, you know, my family, this this kind of um always on call life has been my life since my daughter was probably in kindergarten.

Right.

You know, not for profit work, there's no clock to it.

It's when the need happens, you you get up and she's watched me her entire life, get up and lead them and put a coat on and go um take care of someone.

And it's interesting, you know.

I remember your first wearing in your girls had to tippy toe to the Bible, right?

And they're like almost grown women now, you know.

And and and when we think about our family, you know, my children are adults, and I we're you know, my husband, he, you know, he's kind of like the it brushes off his shoulder.

But my daughter is very protective of me.

So I'm always, you know, trying to temperature check for her and say, you know, you can't let it bother you.

You know, I got off Facebook about 10 years ago.

It was probably the best decision I've ever made.

I remember.

I I agree.

Yeah, for you, it's your daughter.

For me, it's my sister Maureen.

She uh she uh uh is my biggest protector, uh, although I've given her strict guidance not to watch any of the debates uh this this year.

And thankfully she's she's uh taken me up on that.

So um, although my mom caught one, which I think I mentioned to you, that was unfortunate.

But anyways, uh uh that's okay.

We're you know, not our first rodeo.

Um, so you know, we talked about family.

I just want to talk about your work family a little bit.

Obviously, you know, we we've been working together for a long time, but you know, we had one of our colleagues, uh Chief Joe Cecil in uh earlier in studio.

Um he's on his way out as well.

Um, you know, for those that don't know, as part of your role as deputy mayor, you oversee the police department.

Yes.

Um, I know we've we've both learned a lot uh over the past eight years going through that process.

Can you just reflect for a minute on you know on Chief specifically, but also SPT generally, as you've tried to, you know, guide and support that department for the past eight years.

I mean, this statement applies to both Chief Cecil, who has earned every bit of relaxation he's about to have and his department, the police department.

I have I have grown, I believe, with the department in an ever-changing world.

Um we, you know, we go went through 2020 together with uh after the murder of George Floyd and just the social unrest that happened with there.

And I was really proud of Syracuse.

Syracuse, unlike Rochester, unlike Buffalo, we didn't burn.

We might have had one night of real civil unrest.

But other than that, and it was the approach of the police department with those who were trying to express their First Amendment rights.

Right.

Um and Joe Cecil has been um then and now just the consummate um leader, um, um, available for the flexibility, even as we went post-COVID, and now we're, you know, in this whole new age of, you know, homelessness, the level of homelessness and despair of people and their ability to adjust um their their approach to caring for people like that while still being the best department when it comes to investigation.

Yeah, no, I I think the way in which um you supported the department, especially during that difficult time in in 2020, you know, every it was either you, you know, there were people on the defund the police side, which was crazy, uh and and people on the you know, uh back to blue.

And and the reality is I I think again, thanks in large part to your leadership.

We were able to navigate that process, make sure where there are opportunities to make investments or improvements.

Absolutely.

We did that with hand in hand with the department.

We never defunded the department.

We've supported them.

We've graduated now, or at least sworn in graduated 11 classes, sworn in 12 at a time when it's really hard um, you know, to recruit police officers.

But again, I think you've done a great job in that role.

You've done a great job in your current role, and you know that I believe you're gonna do a great job as mayor.

So hang in there.

Yes, take care of yourself.

Thank you.

Uh, and uh and get some rest uh on November 5th.

But uh keep up the great work in the meantime.

Thank you so much.

All right, thanks for coming on.

All right, we're gonna go to break.

You are listening to the Bob Lonsbury show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

Alan Bayer Volvo, the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570, WSYR at 1069 FM.

Good afternoon.

Mayor Ben Walsh here in for Bob Lonsbury.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

Joining me in studio now, uh, two of my very best friends in the world, uh, two of the best looking guys that I know, Tim O'Donnell, Joe Fruscello to talk about something that we are all passionate about, the Syracuse Pond hockey classic.

Welcome, fellas.

Thank you, Mayor Walsh.

Thanks.

Thanks for having us.

Appreciate it.

So, for those that aren't familiar with the Syracuse Pond hockey classic, Tim or Mr.

Chairman, as I like to call you uh in your pond hockey capacity, uh, talk about the history of the of the pond hockey classic, how it came about.

I will, but first I'd like to say in all your years as mayor, it's the first time I've heard you lie because we've got two two faces for radio.

Well sitting next to you.

Well, then you're in your element.

Let's go.

Uh appreciate you having us on.

Um, the pond hockey classic started uh back in 2019, but uh its origin comes from many years before that.

Um I live in the Strathmore neighborhood, love love upper on Daga Park on Hiawatha Lake and had driven by that lake many, many times over the cold winters uh with it being empty and having grown up as a hockey player, always kind of envisioned some activity on that lake.

And uh after many years of talking about it, I was encouraged by others either stop talking about it or do something about it.

So I decided to surround myself with some good friends and uh people I can rely upon, two of which are right here with me to get this thing started.

So uh we're gonna we're going into our sixth year and we're super excited about it.

Great.

So we'll we'll talk uh about uh the upcoming tournament uh this year, um, which is in Clinton Square.

We started, as you said, in in uh in Upper Onadaga Park on Hiawatha Lake.

Joe, I remember seeing you on some very cold nights uh with a hose, spraying down the water, uh literally ice uh on your hat and face and uh coat.

Talk about some of those early days of trying to prep the ice for the tournament.

Yeah, the early days were uh, you know, looking back, um they were you know they were fun, but at the time it was not fun.

We we'd all have our you know regular jobs, and then at you know, 5 30, 6 o'clock, um, we're out there spraying till eight, nine, 10 o'clock at night, um, trying to get that ice thick, making sure it's okay for the tournament, uh, for the players, make sure it's safe and um, you know, certainly group effort, but you know, unraveling those fire hoses was easy, but you know, wrapping them back up when they're frozen at night and dragging them up the hill was very tough.

But that was usually about the time I had to go home.

I was gonna say it was pretty remarkable that you're able to take off right by the time we're gonna roll those up.

But no, it it was totally worth it.

Um and looking back, uh, you know, never forget those memories.

They were they're they were good times.

Yeah, they were.

And you know, again, I know we all have mixed feelings about not keeping it uh at Hiawatha Lake.

I just want to give you guys a shout-out for your sponsorship of our recent um uh family fishing festival over at Hiawatha Lake, continuing to invest in in uh in supporting the park and the neighborhood.

Um, but ultimately uh that just wasn't sustainable between the weather and the and the manpower.

So we ended up in Clinton Square.

It's been great.

Uh shout out to Syracuse Parks, uh, Syracuse Fire SPD for their support uh of of us hosting it there.

And as we close up here, uh Tim, can you just uh give everybody uh an update on uh when uh the tournament is and for those that might uh be interested in participating, how they might be able to get a team going.

Yeah, we're super excited.

Uh January 24th.

Uh it's a Saturday from typically around 10 a.m.

through seven o'clock is usually when the championship game goes off.

But come on down, it's a great time.

We got a bunch of food, cocktails, um stuff for the kids to do to keep kind of keep their keep their attention.

Um but uh yeah, it we'll be announcing registration likely around Thanksgiving time on our uh Facebook page.

So so come on down and we'll see you there.

Awesome.

Fellas, thank you.

Uh thank you for being great friends.

Thank you for all that you do for the community, and uh look forward to the upcoming pond hockey classic.

Thank you.

Great job, Mr.

Mayor, appreciate it.

All right, we're going to break.

You are listening to the Bob Lonsberry show on News Radio 570, W S Y R.

Good afternoon, Mayor Ben Walsh here.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

I'm sitting in for Bob.

Uh, we are coming towards the end of the program.

Uh, but we have one more guest before uh before we close out.

It is my friend uh and fellow colleague at City Hall, uh Common Councilor Rita Paniagua.

Welcome, counselor.

Thank you for having me.

Welcome, thank you.

So uh just for those that may not know you, you know, you've been in in public service uh for a while now.

We've been working together for many years.

But um, how did uh how did you end up on the common council?

So just tell us a little bit about your path.

So when I first came to Syracuse, that was about wow, 23 years ago.

I started working with the Spanish Action League.

Right, which gave me the opportunity to learn about community needs, assess them, find funding, implement uh programs to service the community.

Yeah, so that became the path, right?

So after during that time, I also ran for commissioner of education, which I served four years at the commissioner education.

Oh, and I forget.

Yeah, that's right.

I forgot about that.

And then right after those four years, I I ran for city councillor at large, right?

Which I won the my first term, then I won a second term.

Right.

I'm on the second year of that term.

Right.

And uh hoping to be the president of the council come November.

Right.

And you're you're being you're being conscientious because it's not election day yet, but you are running on a post, so I think we can we can expect that to be the case.

But so be before we talk about uh what that looks like as council president.

Um, you know, you talked about your time at Spanish Action League, which was probably when I first met you and and you were you know really uh loved, beloved in in the community, um, and and then on to the school district.

Obviously, you're passionate about young people, it's clear in in the work that you do.

But can you talk about you know uh since you've been on the council, any particular areas where you you know you focused on or or where you've prioritized in recent years?

Absolutely.

You know, one of the things that I do through council and actually in my job in the community, uh it's uh around economic development, development small businesses, right, mostly for the minorities.

I I do have uh a company called Cross Cultural Strategies through which I helped um build them and we're with the non-for-profits uh to assess also those community needs.

And since I have the experience, I help them, you know, do good programming so they can flourish, get good funding and help them out with that way.

That's great.

You do well.

Um thank you for inviting me to all the ribbon cuttings of all the bit small businesses that you help.

Um but you know, again, uh the way you support young people is the way you support small businesses, um, the arts too.

You have a bit of an arts.

I am an art proponent.

I think the art I I you know, in my background, I used to be a pre-moving arena support a company in Virginia.

Yeah.

And uh so I mean that was many, many, many years ago.

Yeah.

I wouldn't get on a pair of points at this point ever for anything, but but yes, it's in my blood, it's in my background, and this is something that is I am very passionate about.

It's great.

Uh so uh again, um election day coming up, running unopposed, likely gonna be the next uh common council president.

You will be the next common council president, uh a position that my dad held way back when.

You think about some of the people that have had have been in that in that seat over the years, of course, uh the late Van Robinson, someone who we all uh loved, uh council president Helen Hudson there now.

Um again, I could keep going, B Gonzales, some real giants uh in in local politics.

Um tell me about what your priorities are going into that job.

So I think one of the first things I I really want to do is uh we have committees that the the city council sits in um sits in with with the departments of of City Hall and and shares these these committees.

Uh I think I want to review these committees and actually update them.

Yeah, I think a while, I think it's been a while.

And I mean 1960s.

Oh, yeah.

And then I looked it up.

And uh I think we're in definitely an IT committee so that we can kind of like things, you know, through through one channel rather than all all, you know, all spread out.

So that's one thing I want to do.

Definitely we need to um make better the the communication between the mayor's office.

I agree.

And on the council, I think.

I mean, we all play for the same team.

Yeah.

So we need to make sure that that is always the perspective.

Yeah.

And sometimes, you know, it's not there.

Yeah, no, it, you know, it's something that I felt like we we started strong on, but you know, uh different things, politics, other things sometimes interfere.

But I think you going into your position, hopefully, Deputy Mayor Owens going into into her position as mayor.

I think the city is really poised to have great strong leaders and alignment and leadership.

And uh I'm really excited to see what you accomplish in your new position.

So, Rita, thank you so much for joining us.

Best of luck to you and look forward to continuing to work with you.

Thank you.

Me too.

We are going to our final break.

This is the Bob Lonsbury Show.

Hey, Ben Walsh here, filling in for Bob Lonsbury.

Welcome to the Bob Lonsbury Show on News Radio 570 W S Y R.

We are coming to the end of the program.

Uh just wanna send out some thank yous uh first to Bob for allowing me to fill in for him.

This is the third time I've done it.

Uh, it's always a blast.

And so thanks, Bob, for having me.

I want to thank our producer Kyla, uh, second time with Kyla, and thank you, Kyla, for uh helping me out along the way.

Uh same to Anna McGow, my colleague on the comms team who has spent some time here behind the desk at uh at uh News Radio 570 as well.

Um great, great team effort here today.

Also wanna thank my guests, uh County Executive McMahon, Rob Simpson from Center State CEO, Chief Cecil, uh Tom Kenny.

Really loved having uh Principal Straub and uh and Logan Capers from the Steam School.

Uh so thrilled that Coach Legat Jack was able to join us, uh representing this Syracuse women's basketball team, uh and of course my friend Deputy Mayor Owens, uh my two uh good friends, Tim O'Donnell, Joe Frushello.

That was a lot of fun doing that with uh guys that I've known for most of my life and uh finishing out with uh Rita Paniagua, uh our future uh common council president, uh really great people doing great things in this community.

Um finally I want to thank you, Syracuse and Central New York.

It has been an honor to serve you for the past eight years.

Uh I'm sure you didn't always agree uh with my decisions, um, but hopefully you knew, and if you didn't, um please know that uh every decision uh that I made I did um with the best interest of the people of the city of Syracuse and Central New York uh at heart.

Uh and using a sports analogy, uh I left it all out on the field.

Uh I'm gonna sprint through the finish line using another one uh for the next couple months, still a lot of work to be done.

But when I look back and uh I haven't taken too much time to do that, I'm just so proud of what we've accomplished together.

Again, you heard uh us talk early in the show about the moment that Syracuse is in, and I truly believe we're in this moment because we have uh an alignment of leadership, people pushing in the same direction, working together, and because we have amazing people doing amazing things uh in this community.

And God knows we've been through tough times, but uh I things are looking up.

I think we've turned the corner.

And um, you know, when I think about some of the projects we highlighted today, the Steam School, uh, the Inspire Innovation Hub, when I think about all the housing that we've developed uh in recent years and that's in the pipeline to come, when I think about the way in which our community is supported, our first responders, the police officers, firefighters, and other first responders.

And when I think about all the little things that we've tried to do to improve people's quality of life, from investing in our parks, uh, our new traffic system, our street lights, all the paved roads uh that we did, the new municipal sidewalk program, uh, the investments in our water system.

Again, uh, we have gone to great lengths to uh serve the people of the city of Syracuse because that's what we were elected to do.

And it again has been my honor.

So thank you all so much for tuning in.

And I hope to see you all in the next couple months as I finish out my term.

God bless everyone.