Nyatwa Bullock, a former Syracuse school board commissioner, is running to represent the Onondaga County Legislature’s 16th District. The 16th District seat will be vacated by current Legislator Charles Garland, who chose not to run for re-election. Bullock is the director of Turning Poin t Transition, a nonprofit organization involved in helping Syracuse youth.  In the primary race for the 16th District, Bullock faces Charlene Tarver, who you can read more about here.  Editor’s note: Central Current accepted responses to its question-and-answer series in written form.  Central Current: As a legislator, how do you plan to make housing more affordable in Onondaga County? Nyatwa Bullock: I  am looking forward to increasing pathways to homeownership. Residents are currently being priced out of their neighborhoods, and I am eager to help with the solution. In my role as legislator, I will push for oversight of county-funded housing programs and increase first-time homebuyer assistance programs. I am in favor of supporting local contractors and investors with the rehabilitation of abandoned and vacant properties. This will help our families find affordable, nice housing and help our local small-business contractors and investors. We all understand the need, but haven’t addressed the barriers, which deal with zoning restrictions and resident pushback on the broader county level. For example, the city and particular neighborhoods are experiencing the residual effects of certain types of affordable housing, such as neighborhoods experiencing food insecurities and other disinvestment. Working with the Continuum of Care (CoC) should be the first step in understanding the need to create small- and large-scale density, fully affordable, or mixed-income development throughout the county and not just the city. CC: What’s one thing the county could do that it isn’t currently doing to prepare Central New York for Micron’s arrival? Bullock: I would like to see the county do a better job of connecting inner-city residents directly to workforce opportunities before Micron arrives. I would like to see Micron working with local grassroots organizations to host training and apprenticeship programs. Additionally, I believe apprenticeships and trades should be offered in neighborhoods through community-friendly locations such as our city schools during evening hours, the Southwest Community Center, the Syracuse Dunbar Center, and the Syracuse Boys Girls Club. These are spaces where our community will feel welcomed and comfortable participating. I also believe the county should do more outreach at local events to connect with the city’s everyday residents. For example, each August I host a basketball tournament called “Who Run the City” for students in grades 7–12 at Nottingham High School. I am able to bring together basketball players from across Syracuse to compete. I also bring resources such as employers, housing programs, and community organizations that benefit families. Families are able to watch the games, enjoy great food, and access valuable resources all in one place. I believe the county should have a presence at events like these, with a table dedicated to reaching everyday residents who could benefit from these opportunities. Preparing youth and young adults for both the short-term opportunities associated with the development of the campus and the long-term opportunities working at the site is key. Creating pathways for careers in high-tech manufacturing needs to be implemented into our current job readiness programs, such as CNY Works and EOC, as well as our high school trades programs. The goal should be ensuring that local residents are prepared to compete for the jobs being created, not simply watching those opportunities go elsewhere. A second area the county must address before Micron’s arrival is housing. I would like to see the county help accelerate the development of new housing within the city limits. This will help keep rental rates from rising too high due to increased demand. CC: The Democratic caucus has set transparency as one of its top priorities. In your capacity as a legislator, what is one way you’d like to make the county more transparent? Bullock: I am eager to educate my community on the role of a legislator and how to properly advocate for the things they want. I want residents to easily understand how county funds are being spent, what projects are being funded, and what outcomes are being achieved.  I would support regular community meetings throughout the district and user-friendly reporting on major county investments and contracts. I would also like to incorporate “Kitchen Table Talks,” where I come into the homes of constituents, as well as host BBQs on neighborhood streets to engage directly with residents and hear their concerns. CC: The Democratic caucus has a majority for the first time in decades. Do you think the majority has done enough with the power it has? Why or why not? Bullock: Within the short amount of time the Democratic Caucus has held the majority, they have demonstrated a greater commitment to including residents in the decision-making process, which is key to addressing the needs of the entire county. I would like to see that progress continue through bold action on housing, workforce development, public health, and neighborhood investment. While important steps have been taken, there is still more work to do to ensure that every resident has access to opportunity and a voice in the decisions that affect their community. CC: In local public hearings, constituents have raised concerns about the environmental impacts of Micron and wastewater treatment. Do you believe the county has done enough to protect our water resources? If not, what is one specific thing you would change? Bullock: The residents of Onondaga County deserve continuous independent monitoring and user-friendly environmental data systems that allow them to easily review and understand the results. I believe we are heading in the right direction and that county leaders have kept this issue a priority. The county should ensure that environmental testing remains independent, transparent, and accessible to the public. Residents should have confidence that our water resources are being protected and that any concerns are identified and addressed quickly. As a legislator, I would support regular public reporting and community engagement so residents can stay informed about the environmental impacts of major projects such as Micron. 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