Consensus: We Must do Better

It’s been several weeks since the Consensus Commission released its final report, featuring 50 recommendations and identifying up to $32.8 million in potential annual savings and more than $117 million in potential revenue. Beyond the financial implications, these recommendations are also about driving economic growth and providing more inclusive representation. 

Whether or not you agree with these proposed recommendations, today’s trends create the imperative that we must do better. The current status quo is not working and is projected to get worse. 

• No population growth since 1970

• Job growth at one-quarter of the rate of the U.S. average since the recession

• Ranked last out of the top 100 cities in economic growth (Brookings Institution)

• Ranked 23rd poorest city in the U.S. 

Likewise, local governments are in trouble:

• Syracuse has a $288 million budget, and just $34 million in revenue from local property taxes. 

• At this time last year, Syracuse had $55 million in its “rainy day” fund. Today, it is below $43 million, and if nothing changes the city will be out of money before the end of 2020. 

• Similarly, if the 36 municipalities in Onondaga County stay within the mandated 2 percent tax cap, at their current rate of spending growth, 27 will face deficits within a decade. 

The data outlined in the report is clear, and therefore the Consensus Commission is committed to ongoing open and honest discussions with the community and its leaders on the future of government in Onondaga County. But it is also critical that you engage on this issue.

On Wednesday, April 12 from 7:00-8:30 p.m., Consensus Commission co-chair James Walsh and Commission member William Byrne will participate in a public debate with Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and Onondaga County Comptroller Robert Antonacci. The debate will be hosted by the Campbell Public Affairs Institute and moderated by its director and WRVO Campbell Conversations host Grant Reeher. I strongly encourage you to attend the debate, which will give the community a chance to hear commission members discuss fact-based details about the recommendations.

The public should have a voice. It’s time to act, and let your elected officials know that you want an opportunity to be heard on the future of governance in Onondaga County.

Robert M. (Rob) Simpson is president and CEO of CenterState CEO, the primary economic-development organization for Central New York. This viewpoint is drawn and edited from the “CEO Focus” email newsletter that the organization sent to members on March 31.