Editor’s note: This story originally appeared on Democracywise, an SU-based website with stories from political reporting students.

In his first run for political office, Green Party candidate Kevin Bott has lost the Syracuse mayor’s race.

“On one hand, I feel hopeful because I got to speak with people in the city about what’s going on,” Bott said. “And on the other hand, I feel even more strongly that we are in a crisis in our democracy.”

Bott announced his campaign seven weeks ago. On Election Night, he said he is proud of what he accomplished in that time. Regret is not part of his repertoire, he said.

“This was my first time at the rodeo,” he said. “I’m proud of what we did. It was exciting.”

About 40 Green Party members gathered at the Westcott Community Center at 826 Euclid Ave. Surrounded by green streamers and candidate lawn signs, party-goers sipped beer and munched on chicken gumbo brought in from the Southside. It was an intimate night for a tightly knit party.

Howie Hawkins, candidate for Common Council in District 4, said he was grateful for Bott’s campaign. Hawkins has been running on the Green Party ticket for years. To have some new faces on the campaign line, he said, gives the Green Party strength.

“People begin to realize it’s a movement, not just one guy trying to get into office,” Hawkins said.

Come Wednesday, Bott said, he will return to his job and tell his children that their father won’t be mayor of Syracuse.

“I’ve told them that we want to help people,” Bott said, “that we’re in this because we believe in helping people.”

 

 

Published on November 6, 2013 at 2:02 am

Contact Maddy: mjberner@syr.edu