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Syracuse residents have an opportunity to meet the candidates vying to become the city's next mayor at a forum hosted by FOCUS Greater Syracuse today (July 23). The event will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Nobody's Wine Bar on Walton Street. All four candidates—Sharon Owens, Thomas Babilon, Tim Rudd, and Alfonso Davis—are invited to attend and network with attendees.
The event, which is free and open to the public, aims to foster civic dialogue and community connection in a nonpartisan setting. Registration is required for those who wish to attend. FOCUS Greater Syracuse, an independent nonprofit organization, is organizing the gathering to encourage informed dialogue and inspire action on critical public issues.
According to WSYR-TV, Alfonso Davis, a businessman and community activist, is attending as an independent candidate after the Onondaga County Board of Elections ruled in his favor to remain on the ballot. Sharon Owens is vying for the Democratic nomination, Thomas Babilon is the Republican candidate, and Tim Rudd is running as an independent. The winner of the election in November will succeed Mayor Ben Walsh, who cannot run again due to term limits.
The event is part of a series of activities allowing residents to engage with the candidates. Central Current recently hosted a forum for Democratic candidates, including Sharon Owens, which covered topics like housing policy and government transparency. This forum provides another chance for residents to hear directly from the candidates about their visions for Syracuse's future.