© 2025 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

A Campbell Debate: Should a metropolitan government be created for Onondaga County?

The principal recommendation of the final report of the Consensus Commission on Local Government Modernization is to establish a new municipal form of government for Onondaga County, with a single executive and a 33-seat legislature. While public forums and town hall meetings have been held to discuss the report, and the proposal has been both criticized and defended in the media, missing is a direct exchange between opposing views, with opportunities for challenge and rebuttal. Moderated by Campbell Institute Director and Campbell Conversations host Grant Reeher, this debate will provide that exchange.

This is an Oxford-style debate where participants argue in favor or against a proposition. The proposition for this debate: This House Supports Establishing a Metropolitan Form of  Government for Onondaga County.

Arguing in favor of the proposition are William Byrne, Chairman of the Board of Byrne Dairy, and Jim Walsh, Government Affairs Counselor at K&L Gates LLP and former member of Congress from central NY. 

Arguing against the proposition are Bob Antonacci, Onondaga County Comptroller, and Stephanie Miner, Mayor of Syracuse.

Full video of the debate is below, courtesy of the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJm4h5DYvbc&feature=youtu.be

Grant Reeher is a Political Science Professor and Senior Research Associate at the Campbell Public Affairs Institute at Syracuse University's Maxwell School of Citizenship. He is also creator, host and program director of “The Campbell Conversations” on WRVO, a weekly regional public affairs program featuring extended in-depth interviews with regional and national writers, politicians, activists, public officials, and business professionals.
Recent cuts to federal funding are challenging our mission to serve central and upstate New York with trusted journalism, vital local coverage, and the diverse programming that informs and connects our communities. This is the moment to join our community of supporters and help keep journalists on the ground, asking hard questions that matter to our region.

Stand with public media and make your gift today—not just for yourself, but for all who depend on WRVO as a trusted resource and civic cornerstone in central and upstate New York.