Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard is asking candidates who have submitted validated petitions to run for mayor a weekly issue-oriented question and publishing their answers. The candidates get up to four days to reply and must limit responses to 250 words or less.
This week’s question: Should Syracuse relax or even eliminate residency requirements in place for most city employees, a move some have suggested could help with recruiting? Why or why not?
Thomas Babilon (R): Generally, residency requirements should not be eliminated. The requirements give employment opportunities to our residents; guarantees that a portion of the cost of employment is returned to the City in the form of property and sales taxes; and ensures that employees have a stake in city government…