SOME THOUGHTS ON THE LACK OF COMPETITION FOR THE OFFICE OF COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Incumbent Onondaga County Executive Nick Pirro will run unopposed for reelection this year. This is unfortunate because, whether you are or are not a supporter of Mr. Pirro, the voters are entitled to a choice. It seems no one wishes to take on the job of challenging such a well established incumbent who is blessed with a healthy campaign treasury and a cadre of County workers who will bring out the Republican vote on election day. The result is no competition for the top job and the perpetuation of one-party County government. None other than a Republican has held the office of County Executive since it was established in 1961.

Whether or not Nick Pirro will run again in 2007 is any one's guess. There is no term limit restricting the tenure of the occupant of this office. In any event, the Democrats must find a way to be competitive for County-wide offices. Money to wage an active campaign is an essential ingredient and a fund-raising plan to collect the kind of dollars required should be developed. Perhaps a sensible percentage of the proceeds of every party fundraiser conducted over the next four years could be set aside and placed in a lock box, to be utilized in 2007 for the historically under-financed campaigns for County Executive, District Attorney, Comptroller, and members of the County Legislature. Strategies successfully employed on the national level by such individuals as Howard Dean and John McCain to raise funds using the Internet could be adopted locally. The concept of money obtained to advance the cause of promoting competitive County-wide elections, if properly presented, is capable of receiving a positive response. Not only political partisans but others with no party commitment will agree that one party domination is the enemy of good government.