Election Day On The South Side Brings Out The People and Politicians

CNY Vision

2009 November 6th

"This is the turning point," said Lillie Harris. Standing on the corner of Colvin and S. Salina St., she held a placard with the words, OTIS FOR MAYOR. Across the street, Trudy Dunlap stood in the corner. The placard she held read HOWIE HAWKINS. Melody stood in the corner to the right of Beauchamp Library. Her sign identified her as a supporter of Howie Hawkins.

Such was the scene on one of the busiest intersections on the Southside of Syracuse on Nov. 3. Suddenly, the four corners of the intersection had become prime locations for politicians and political parties making a final attempt at getting the attention of voters, reminding them to go and vote and asking for their vote.

To Lillie Harris, November 3 marked an epochal moment in the history of Syracuse. As far as she was concerned, the candidate she supported, Otis Jennings would win and make history as the first African American Mayor of syracuse. That was 'the turning point' she was referring to. Her buoyant mood seemed to be enhanced by the strip of multi-colored kente cloth around her neck

Howie Hawkins of the Green Party and a candidate of the Green Party for the 4th District appeared to have succeeded in making himself the dominant political personality on the Southside. Not only was he there in person: cars adorned with his campaign slogans could be seen in different spots along S. Salina St and in the parking lot of the library which had been converted into a polling station for the day.

Missing in action? People with signs and placards of the Republican Party. Tom Seals, in the incumbent City Councilor being challenged by Howie Hawkins was also not represented.

Lindia Ponce arrived at the South West Side Community Center early and was still there late afternoon. She has worked the polling stations on many election days, she said.

"I wait till it's almost time to close and then I vote and go home" she said. Working alongside Lindia Ponce were Mary Hudson, Ron Watson, and Lionel Logan.