For the majority of undergraduate students at Syracuse University, this is our home away from home. Though we collectively represent every state in this country, we reside here in New York’s 24th Congressional District for at least eight months of the year.

Within those eight months we ride the Centro buses throughout the city of Syracuse, shop at the nearest stores, eat at the many restaurants and drive our cars on the local highways. We abide by the local laws and may even read the local paper. This is where we spend our money during the majority of the year; this is where many of us are employed.

As you may know, these fundamental aspects of living here in Central New York make us a large part of the local economy and society.

But, what you probably do not know is who represents our second home in Washington, D.C. You probably do not know the name of the individual speaking on your behalf in Congress to ensure the quality of life in Syracuse.

James Ward, the president of College Republicans here at SU, recently told me he believes “all politics is local.” It’s an old adage, but still holds true.

Sure the national arena is extremely important to our lives as residents in the United States, but the tangible differences we witness first-hand make the difference in our everyday lives. Examples include the ability to take a bus to our jobs downtown or how safe we feel in our off-campus neighborhoods.

Local politics affects us here in Syracuse everyday, which is why it is not only important to be informed, but also beneficial to get involved.

New York’s 24th Congressional District is ideal for individuals looking to get involved with either end of the ideological spectrum, as Ward calls it a battleground within the state.

In 2010, then-Congressman Dan Maffei, a Democrat, lost his re-election battle to Republican candidate Ann Marie Buerkle by less than 700 votes. Now, two years later, it is a rematch between the candidates as Maffei is trying to win his seat back from Buerkle. The district has a history of alternating between parties.

There is also the opportunity to get involved with a Green Party campaign, as candidate Ursula Rozum is running as the party nominee.

This has motivated SU student groups, especially the College Democrats and College Republicans, to get heavily involved with the election. Ward and College Democrats President Colin Crowley said they are always accepting new members or people just wanting to help with the campaigns.

The College Republicans are firmly backing Buerkle by working phone banks and campaigning door to door within the region, Ward said. Maffei also has strong SU student support, with members of the College Democrats canvassing for his cause, said Crowley, who is also a columnist for The Daily Orange.

If you are at all interested in politics, this is an ideal political forum for you to delve into. Learning first-hand from local legislatures can be beneficial not only for bettering your understanding of American politics, but also for networking opportunities, which could lead to job or internship prospects in the near future.

But, even if a political-minded future is not your dream, getting involved locally may lead to finding projects you are passionate about in Syracuse and an awareness of your community. Maybe you want to help improve the neighboring school systems, or even aid the city’s impoverished.

Whether you stand for red, blue, green or no specific color at all, be sure to stand for something.

Rachael Barillari is a junior political science and Middle Eastern studies major. Her column appears weekly. She can be reached at rebarill@syr.edu.

 

Published on September 27, 2012 at 2:59 am