Mo’s Thoughts on Current Events

We have a chance in Syracuse to elect a mayor who listens, leads, and builds from the ground up. Sharon Owens is ready for that job. She understands this city because she has lived it, worked in it, and served it. Together, we can help her move Syracuse forward.

Endorsements are about more than politics. They represent trust, collaboration, and a shared vision for Onondaga County. I’m proud to be endorsed by local leaders who believe in our work, and I’m equally proud to support other candidates who are stepping up for our community this election season.

Every once in a while, I want to pause and give a full update, a basic rundown of what I have been working on, what has been happening politically, and what has been going on in my own life. Right now, we are deep in budget season at the county legislature, I have been active with campaigns and endorsements, and I have even found some time for community events and personal interests. Here is where things stand as of September 29th 2025

Ellen has hands on experience working in human services, in long term care, intergenerational programs, mental health counseling, and nonprofits. She knows what it is like to serve the community and sees up close where systems work and where they fall short.

Nicole is not a distant politician. She is your neighbor. She has lived here for over a decade and personally understands how Northside voices have often felt unheard and overlooked. That is why she is running: to ensure every resident’s voice is valued and respected.

Our community thrives when we support one another, not when we tear each other apart. These raids fracture families and communities for no real gain. It is a tragedy that could have been avoided with a better approach.

The Onondaga County Legislature met on September 2nd, 2025 for our September session. I voted yes on all of the agenda items. Here are some highlights

Budget season in Onondaga County is not just about numbers. It is a structured process where every department, agency, and legislator has the chance to lay out priorities, push for amendments, and ultimately shape how taxpayer dollars are spent. It’s the primary function of the County Legislature, and my most important job as your county legislator. This year’s schedule has already been released, and I want to walk through both how the process works and what I hope we can accomplish.

What sets Jeremiah apart is his approach. He is not running to advance a career. He is running because he believes that government is supposed to be a tool for the people, one that should earn trust through openness, dialogue, and results.

That is why I am supporting him for County Legislature. I know Jeremiah will bring the same diligence he shows his students and his community to every vote he takes.

For years, Republicans have leaned on this tactic: do not answer the hard question, change the subject. Donald Trump did it every time Epstein’s name came up. Locally, we see it when County Executive Ryan McMahon is challenged about using lake cleanup funds for his aquarium project. Nationally, we see it whenever the conversation gets uncomfortable.

The goal is not understanding. The goal is distraction, agitation, and frustration.

I’m making a proactive state to simply give more updates on the day to day work of legislators.  Yesterday August 19th 2025, the Onondaga County Legislature’s committees met to review a wide range of issues, from sewer system upgrades to library improvements and a major public safety grant. Here’s a recap of the highlights.

Even if the aquarium and movie studio concept worked perfectly, the optics are horrible. Imagine telling struggling families, homeless children, or parents waiting at food pantries that the county’s priority is a fish tank that occasionally hosts a film crew. The optics say: you do not matter. We are going to use your money to build a fish tank, and if movie stars film at your fish tank, we’re going to use your money to pay for their expenses. TF?

Hundreds of New American families in Syracuse rely on InterFaith Works and Catholic Charities for help with the most basic parts of starting life here. That includes finding housing, enrolling children in school, learning English, and connecting to jobs. Since January, federal funding for refugee resettlement has been halted or delayed, forcing these agencies to cut services and staff. The result is simple: families who came here for safety are left with fewer resources to build their new lives.

If you’ve ever thought about working with heavy machinery, now’s your chance to take the first step. OCM BOCES is hosting an upcoming information session for their part-time Heavy Equipment Operating Class on Tuesday August 26th 2025

It was an inspiring gathering of organizers, electeds, and community leaders from all corners of New York. I had the honor of introducing Syracuse Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens as one of the weekend’s featured speakers, a proud moment for our city and a recognition of the kind of leadership we bring to the table.

Elaine is running for Onondaga County Legislature in the 10th District, and she’s exactly the kind of grounded, community-focused leader our county needs. Elaine is a parent, educator, and advocate, Elaine understands the real issues families are facing, because she’s lived them.

The MTP is basically a 25-year blueprint for how we’re going to move. That includes cars, buses, bikes, trains, and walking. It gets updated every five years, and the current draft includes everything from infrastructure and land use data to equity concerns and climate considerations.

But after sitting with it, I said fine. Let’s talk democracy reform. Because if I’m being honest, I’m questioning the job we’re doing too. The public deserves better from all of us, and maybe putting this question to voters is the accountability moment we need.

For over a year, Onondaga County has been extending a state of emergency — but it’s not about the housing crisis, lead contamination, or infrastructure. It’s about blocking the arrival of migrants. Meanwhile, other counties are actually doing the work.

23 million dollars on a brand new building. Plot twist: it turns out it cannot actually be used because the air inside is so toxic that workers are not even allowed to enter.

When people don’t comment, agencies assume there is no concern. But when communities speak up, agencies are obligated to take note.

Campaign spending is often treated like a scoreboard. Who raised the most? Who had the biggest mail piece? Who bought the most ads? But the truth is, how you spend matters just as much as how much you raise.goes here

On February 6th, 2024, Onondaga County Legislators had to decide whether to spend $100,000 on a lawsuit against the state legislature's decision to move all elections to even years. There's been a lot of talk about whether this change in election timing is good or bad, but our decision was largely focused on the lawsuit itself.

I want to be as clear as possible in my opposition to the pending aquarium project. This is a horrendous decision that will have negative consequences for generations to come. I do not agree with spending over 100 million dollars for an Aquarium.

On June 11th 2023 the CNY Solidarity Coalition hosted a public forum featuring Mo & his opponent.

The black maternal health crisis has many underlying factors, including systemic racism, socioeconomic disparities, and limited access to healthcare services.

With the arrival of Micron, and the growth of our health programs we need to ensure everyone in our community has access to those opportunities.

Assemblywoman Pam Hunter deserves our thanks for her leadership and commitment to protecting the rights of tenants.