Mo’s Thoughts on Current Events

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.