[Hawkins] says the solution to the city's fiscal crisis is a return to the state's historical obligation to support cities through revenue sharing.

Editorial endorsements: Our picks for Syracuse Common Council

Full article at: http://www.syracuse.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/10/syracuse_common_council_post_standard_endorsements.html

4th District: Bey

The race to represent the Syracuse Common Council's 4th District features a rematch of the incumbent, Democrat Khalid Bey, and Green Party challenger Howie Hawkins. Two years ago, Hawkins lost to Bey by fewer than 100 votes in the district covering parts the city's south and east sides.

It's too bad these candidates have to run against one another. Both are strong choices. However, this time around we endorse Bey in recognition of his diligent and creative work on the council.

Bey's latest initiative is to use a 100-year-old law originally targeted at brothels to crack down on nuisance properties. He would apply civil fines to properties that have three or more 911 calls or citizen complaints about them. With the proper safeguards to address civil liberties concerns, the idea has potential to improve neighborhoods.

Hawkins would unite the two economically disparate portions of the district by forming a cooperative to grow food (and jobs) on the South Side and sell it to the university. 

He says the solution to the city's fiscal crisis is a return to the state's historical obligation to support cities through revenue sharing.

Both candidates believe city police should be more responsive to residents. Bey would address that in part by exploring a change to residency requirements, a heavy lift. Hawkins would start by filling the department's 50 vacancies.

Bey says he wants to be re-elected to "finish what I started.'' Voters should give him the opportunity.

Resources for this race
» District map
» Polling place locator and sample ballot
» Politics and Elections coverage on syracuse.com
» Compare candidate resumes and stands on the issues
» Campaign profiles from journalism students at Syracuse University