Local politicians voiced their support for Syracuse University professor and congressional candidate Dana Balter at a press event on Westcott Street Sunday afternoon.

Syracuse Common Councilor Joe Driscoll introduced local politicians from Cayuga, Onondaga and Oswego counties and shared his own remarks about Balter. She has a network of people throughout the district that are actively working to support her campaign, he said.

About 50 supporters attended the event, held outside of The Westcott Theater, as Driscoll recalled how he met Balter “in the trenches” while they were both organizing against President Donald Trump’s administration.

“In this era of Trump, unity is more important than ever,” Driscoll said. “We need at the congressional level someone who is going to speak for us and listen to us.”

Balter announced her congressional campaign for New York state’s 24th district in September and will attempt to unseat incumbent Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus). Balter is a visiting professor at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in public administration.

Christopher Ryan, an Onondaga County legislator, said supporters in all counties need to work together in order to make the fall 2018 elections a success. Driscoll also said the Balter campaign won’t be able to beat Katko by raising more money, so they need tap into “people power” in order to win.

“That’s the only way we’re going to rebuild our democracy,” he said.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Balter has raised more than $193,000. Katko has raised more than $1.4 million as of Sunday afternoon, per the center.

Several speakers expressed concern over Katko’s support for the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017. Oswego County Legislator Thomas Drumm called it one of the worst pieces of federal legislation that he’s seen, and also said Katko has implemented policies that are out of touch with working people in the district.

Balter said she launched her congressional bid because Katko was inaccessible when she attempted to speak with him about health care issues. Health care reform is now a main focus of Balter’s campaign, and Driscoll expressed his support for Balter’s health care platform.

Balter also said she believed Congress is broken, and that congressional representatives serve corporate interests and party leaders rather than the people from their districts.

“It is long past time for the men and women in Congress to remember that we send them there to serve us,” Balter said.

Balter assured the crowd that her loyalties would remain with the people of the 24th district.

“When I go to Washington with you at my back I will disrupt the status quo,” Balter said, as the crowd cheered.

Published on April 29, 2018 at 9:17 pm