Syracuse, N.Y. — Matt Johnson was elected class president during his sophomore, junior and senior years at East Syracuse-Minoa High School.
Now the 20-year-old has his sights set on the Onondaga County Legislature.
He’s running against incumbent Tim Burtis for the 3rd District seat, which includes parts of Cicero, Brewerton, Bridgeport, Minoa and Manlius. Burtis is running for his fourth term.
Burtis has raised about $19,330 in campaign contributions, while Johnson has collected about $9,460.
Peter H. Nasarenko, of Cicero, will also appear on the ballot as a Conservative candidate in the 3rd district race. He did not respond to a request from syracuse.com | The Post-Standard for information about his candidacy.
County legislators serve two-year terms. Their annual salary next year will be $33,477 under the county’s proposed 2022 budget. Election Day is Nov. 2.
We asked the candidates to supply information about themselves and to answer this question: “What is the biggest problem facing Onondaga County and how will you tackle it?” Answers have been edited lightly for style and space.
Tim Burtis
Age: 55
Address: 9444 Hawkeye Drive, Brewerton NY 13029
Party affiliation and endorsements: Republican and Independence parties.
Experience: Onondaga County Legislator, District 3. Chair-Ways & Means Committee. Board Member of Deferred Compensation Committee and Deer & Tick Advisory. Former Chair and Vice Chair of Health & Human Services. Former Vice Chair of Environmental Protection. Former Board Member of Planning & Economic Development, Onondaga County Fish Advisory Board, NYS DEC Region 7 Fish & Wildlife Management Board. Manager of Auto Loans at Empower Federal Credit Union, Syracuse.
What is the biggest problem facing Onondaga County and how would you tackle it?
As I speak with residents throughout my district, I hear plenty of positive comments about the good quality of life we enjoy in Onondaga County, but I also hear concerns expressed for where we are as a county and as a country. We are fortunate to live in a safe, beautiful area with lots of friendly people, yet many of the folks I speak with are concerned about the future job prospects for our area. New jobs that pay just enough are of little help. Short-term, high paying jobs are nice while they last, but don’t offer any sense of financial security to allow people to put down roots.
The need for long lasting, good paying jobs in Onondaga County for our sons and daughters is always on my mind. Carefully considered economic development is the key to creating the jobs that we need. As Chair of the Ways & Means Committee, my conversations in recent months with the county business development team regarding the interest in our area from various companies has been very encouraging. Our region is attracting more interest for high-tech jobs than ever before and I am optimistic that major projects will come to our community. I am also encouraged that a company like Amazon chose Onondaga County and hope that more companies will choose us as well.
Matt Johnson
Age: 20
Address: 111 Patton Ave., East Syracuse, NY, 13057
Party affiliation and endorsements: Democratic, Working Families party lines.
Experience: I have worked on and managed various local political campaigns. I work as a certified medical interpreter for Spanish Action League of Onondaga County. I also serve as vice president of Tillie’s Touch.
What is the biggest problem facing Onondaga County and how would you tackle it?
Having personally knocked on over 3,000 doors, I have had the privilege of meeting people from all ends of District 3, in Brewerton, Bridgeport, Cicero, Fremont, Kirkville, and Minoa. The most pressing concern for our area is ensuring our county is fiscally responsible with its over $1 billion dollar budget.
While our county focuses on proposals such as constructing a $25 million dollar sports complex with our federal Covid relief funding, I have called for the county to better utilize the incoming federal funding. It is a once in a generation opportunity to uplift our communities, and a moment far too important for the future of our county. We must get this right.
I believe the county must better support small, local businesses impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, by implementing a similar grant-based program as Monroe County
We must also restore funding and staffing for county departments that faced budget cuts last year.
Finally, we should invest in Onondaga County’s dilapidated infrastructure. This includes not only roads, but additionally drainage and sewage infrastructure. Outdated infrastructure pertains not only to the 3rd District, but is an issue countywide. We must take appropriate action at the county level to address this issue in coordination with affected municipalities.
These are just some of the needs among many others in District 3. It is time we focus our efforts and financial resources on meeting the needs of the people in Onondaga County.
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