Ken Jackson

Van Robinson: A Councilor and a Gentleman

Ken Jackson December 31, 2023

Update. For President Biden’s State of The Union Address, Syracuse Community Leader Van Robinson is seated in a place of honor. Robinson was selected as a guest of Majority Leader, New York Senator Charles Schumer. The recent interview by urbancny.com explains why Mr. Robinson was chosen. The Syracuse Common Council Chambers has been renamed, The Van Robinson Common Council Chambers The first pubic official to call for removing the Interstate 81 viaduct through Syracuse Led

Cancelling Christmas in the Holy Land

Ken Jackson December 29, 2023

On Saturday, October 7th Israel was attacked by Humas in a carefully planned incursion killing twelve- hundred people. Hostages were taken from Israeli settlements and an attack on a concert attended by thousands of young people. Israel was blindsided according to first reports, given the nature of the attack the world waited anxiously for what was to come. It’s an absolute horror for a family to deal with an attack coupled with hostage taking orchestrated

Can-Zilla “Run for Your Lives” as Giant Trash Cans Invade Syracuse

Ken Jackson December 20, 2023

They measure forty-five inches high, twenty-two inches wide, and can carry 95 gallons of materials. Nicknamed “Can-Zilla” after a fictitious monster who pushed and shoved his way through urban areas in old B-movies. Can-Zilla has touched every household in the city. Syracuse decided to provide trash cans that will make garbage collection more efficient. Utilizing a lift that attaches to the can, dumping its contents into the truck. The move allows the city to quantify

Campaign ’23 Winners, Losers, and Analysis

Ken Jackson November 9, 2023

The 2023 campaign for local offices is over. There were no surprises as many Onondaga County Legislators ran unopposed. The Onondaga County Executive race was won handily by County Executive J. Ryan McMahon. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick also won, in a previous interview he said, “This will be my last campaign”. Most of the Onondaga County Legislature ran unopposed with 16th District Legislator Charles Garland cruising to re-election. Bill Kinne’s campaign for Onondaga

Governor Kathy Hochul Remarks on Tentative Writers’ Guild of America (WGA) and AMPTP Agreement

Ken Jackson September 25, 2023

The two sides still need to work out the language of the final contract, and the approval of WGA’s leadership and its11,500 members. The strike began May 2nd, increased royalties, staffing in writing rooms and protection from the increased use of artificial Intelligence. Analyst have said the voting should take a week to complete and perhaps an end to the strike. In the meantime, Gov. Hochul is optimistic. “I am pleased to see that the

Wait for the Attorney General to Investigate the shooting of Dhal Apet and Lueth Mo

Ken Jackson September 17, 2023

Law Enforcement Officials are circling the wagons in support of the Deputy in advance of Attorney General Letitia James Investigation Whenever there’s a shooting incident that involves a Police Officer using his/her authority to cause death to a civilian, New York State Attorney General Letitia James takes over. Therefore, those directly involved with the case must wait until the investigation is completed. Trite and hackneyed comments have already been dispatched. Both District Attorney William Fitzpatrick

It’s Okay to Look Back, But Don’t Stare

Ken Jackson August 30, 2023

This past weekend, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington; a march for jobs and freedom. But, for some reason, the entire “celebration” or “commemoration” rings hollow! As we continuously look back, the future looks bleak for our people. And looking forward appears to have pot holes and tire spikes as it relates to the African American in America. We can’t forget when racism and bigotry was an accepted part of governing

“Lift Every Chair and Swing” Fallout from the Montgomery, Alabama River Boat Brawl

Ken Jackson August 11, 2023

“Lift Every Chair and Swing” Abbott Elementary’s Sheryl Lee Ralph sang in the tune of the Black National Anthem To recap, there was an event that occurred-on August 5th in Montgomery, Alabama where multiple Black bystanders came to the aid of a Black River Boat Co-Captain. According to reports, the River Boat, Harriott II was attempting to dock in its designated spot, carrying 227 passengers. They’d waited over thirty minutes. The co-captain found a

Micron Applies for Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency (OCIDA) Assistance in Building Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility

Ken Jackson July 20, 2023

Chip manufacturer applies to economic development agency for 49-year PILOT agreement. Micron has formally applied to the Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency a step further in the process of building their facility in Clay, NY. The company’s also asking for the county Industrial Development Agency to be declared the lead agency related to all proper reviews. With Onondaga County IDA being the agency, they’ll handle both State and Federal Environmental Reviews. In addition to their

Challenges facing Onondaga County government: The immigrant influx, and an aquarium project. Urbancny.com interviews Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon Part 2

Ken Jackson July 10, 2023

This is a two-part interview. Part 1 focused on county challenges and the arrival of Micron. Part 2 examines the issues of immigration and the new aquarium project. The Border Crisis Visits Central New York Being located far from the southern border, national concerns over immigration comes to Onondaga County. In our interview with Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon expressed the bewilderment of county officials over New York City attempting to relocate a portion

Arrest of David Arnold for Multiple Charges of Sexual Misconduct with a Child

CNY Community Foundation to Premiere Lead Poisoning Documentary

15-Year-Old, Alexcia Lynch – Syracuse Police Release Homicide Investigation Timeline

Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC-06) Endorses John Mannion for Congress in NY-22

Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers Weekly Schedule September 2 -6, 2024