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Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll Interview (PART 2)
Interviewed by Beth Croughan

Mayor: You know, I come from the business world and I bought my first piece of property at 19, opened my first business at 21. And business people in general are not afraid to take risks. It's different in terms of the political end because business people go out, they take risks, they do things, and their failures don't usually end up on the front page of the paper. But, you know, I carry that same kind of position here.

Beth: You said it's seven days a week - what has life been like for your wife Patty and your children over the past eight years?

Mayor: Well, you know, it's a challenge for them too. But as I said, I was self-employed before I became mayor, so I was working seven days anyway. They were always kind of used to it. But it's been a change for the kids because they've grown up through this now. Obviously a little notoriety - awareness from other students - in the good times and the bad. Kids can be difficult as we all know. But they've been great supporters, and so we're just getting ready for the next step, and everybody's looking forward to that.

Beth: Is religion important to you, and how has it affected your service?

Mayor: I practice my religion but I wouldn't say it's impacted my job. You know, I'm a business person - that's what I've done, that's what I do, and that's what I'll continue to do. That's really what guides me.

Beth: St. Patrick's Day was a few days back - what does your Irish heritage mean to you?
Mayor: Well, it means a lot. I spoke about that at the dinner that evening. My great-grandfather came to Syracuse in the 1800s from (?), became a city police officer for the City of Syracuse. On the other side, my great-grandfather Tom Shannon was asked to leave Ireland. He had the choice of going to either Canada or Australia. He chose Canada and they migrated to Syracuse. So, my roots are from Ireland and my family has been here ever since. All of my father - my uncles - were all public servants. Two firefighters, two police officers, plumber for the city, and a postman - everybody. I grew up in a family of uniforms. So I really - knowing my roots when I walk through those doors every day - I think about that responsibility - not only from where I come, but really, to represent all the people in this city.

Beth: Now, looking back on your 2001 election, some people said you only beat Kate O'Connell because of 9-11. What do you think about that?

Mayor: (laughs) Well, I hope that answers it. I guess the people that continue to say that are the people who ended up losing the election. We were 16 points up on the day of - unfortunately - 9-11. After 9-11 it grew to 28 because people didn't want change. So, there's no merit to that. The reality is I was here and I was working and doing a good job.

Beth: And in your 2005 race, you were re-elected in a fairly close race. Did you feel you had a mandate, and what is it like now, working with your former competitor?

Mayor: No, I had a mandate in 2001. But now, with the election of Joanie, who's now our county executive, we have a great working relationship, and I think she's seeing all of the challenges that are out there. It's one thing to run and say you're going to do all these things. It's another to be here and understanding them, and get your arms around them. I always tell people we have a lot more demand than we have supply. There's a lot of need and there's a finite amount of resources, which is why it's so critically important from a business perspective to focus on the things you need to do so that you can do them. If you become reactive - if you're scattered - you will be ineffective. And I - we - have been affective.

Beth: And so now, what is next? Are you going to stay in government?

Mayor: Well, I'm going to keep all my options open. I'm going to start looking for a job this summer, but I'm going to make sure I'm doing my job here because I'm still being paid to do this job. So I'm going to focus on my primary responsibility, which is being mayor and I'm going to continue to do that strongly. But I'll start knocking on some doors. And yes, there are opportunities out there, but I think I'm going to have to be mum on that until I can knock on some doors.

Beth: Is there something specific you hope the next in office continues with?

Mayor: Well, I think it's important for anyone who ends up being mayor is that at the end of the day you have to keep your eye on the bottom line. This job is not for the faint of heart. You've gotta work seven days a week. For me it wasn't an issue at all - I've worked seven days a week since I was 18. So it was no change for me in that respect. And really, just stay focused. I think if we do that, good things will come. I think - I know that I'm leaving this place in a far better place than when I got here. So I feel good about that.