ROME — Two candidates are running for the Republican Party ticket in Rome’s 2023 mayoral election: incumbent Jacqueline M. Izzo and challenger Jeffrey M. Lanigan.
Izzo is running for a third term, having first taken the office in 2016. Lanigan is a retired detective with the Rome Police Department, having retired in early 2022.
Early voting begins on Saturday, with the New York State primary election scheduled for Tuesday, June 27.
Both candidates have answered this Q&A from the Sentinel Media Company, allowing voters to get to know both candidates and their platforms better.
NOTE: Each candidate was allowed the same amount of space for their response. Some candidate responses were edited by the Daily Sentinel for spacing, spelling and formatting. Candidates responses are sorted below, alphabetically by last name.
Q1. Why do you want to remain mayor? What does the position mean to you?
I have been very fortunate to serve this city for the last seven years. Our city was stuck in place with no job or housing development on the horizon. We have been able to reverse that trend, as well as set our city in motion to thrive, by winning the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) competition, the largest single award of $10 million dollars, which is paying huge dividends to our downtown corridor, while increasing private sector business opportunities. Our initiatives have positioned this community to continue growing and thriving into the next five or 10 years, but a third term is most important to see many of these projects to their completion. We have assembled a great team who understands our vision for the city and, using a sports analogy, I believe it would be unwise to remove the coach in the midst of all this great progress and with so much unfinished business throughout our city. I am humbled and honored every day to serve as mayor. This is not an easy job. It requires a lot of hours and dedication, but as a lifelong resident and small business owner, I am proud to lead Rome into the next decade.
Q2. If reelected mayor, what will be your top three priorities?
We must continue to ensure a safe and welcoming city, always keeping our eye on public safety. We will continue to provide the police department with the resources required to help them to better do their jobs. We must keep our foot on the gas in the area of economic development to continue fostering new job opportunities, and along with that, continue our efforts to attract those working in Rome to live in Rome through new housing initiatives. We will always keep taxes stable without sacrificing a high level of services to our residents.
Q3. What is your opinion on the state of crime in the city? What more will you do to make Rome safer?
Crime is a national problem, but exacerbated in New York with the recent implementation of bail reform laws. We are dealing with an environment where many crimes that were previously classified as felonies have been downgraded to misdemeanors, allowing more perpetrators to walk out on an appearance ticket. This has caused an uptick in crime because many of these offenders will commit the same crimes over and over again with no consequence of jail. In consultation with the chief, we have had to rethink our approach to crime management given these new circumstances.
The Rome Police Department is collaborating with New York State Police, Utica Police Department, Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Agency to stem the flow of drugs and guns to our community. We have also assigned an officer to the Crime Analysis Center in Utica to help share information across the policing agencies in our county to keep Rome safe. The Community Impact Unit (CIU) is a very effective group of officers patrolling our neighborhoods, and Chief Collins recently initiated a Street Crimes Unit (SCU) to concentrate on removing drugs and guns from our streets. These efforts have yielded great results so far. RPD continues to be more proactive, identifying potential bad actors in our city and the detective unit follows every case until they can achieve a satisfactory resolution.
Q4. What’s your plan to encourage new and novel businesses in Rome?
Our entire two terms in office has been encouraging new and novel businesses to consider locating in Rome. Business growth is evident all over our city in the last several years. When campaigning in 2015 to become mayor, I emphasized the mayor had to be the chief salesperson and I will continue to be that person. As a small business owner, I bring a unique perspective when negotiating with a potential new business to locate in Rome. I understand their decision making along with the struggle to know they are making the right investment. It is important to maintain the relationships I have developed with funding agencies and my colleagues in government, whether it be federal, state, county or other local communities, to ensure we are putting for the best funding and location packages for a particular business sector.
Q5. Many residents have complained to the newspaper about their displeasure with the garbage service in the city. Do you have any plans to address or remedy this issue, and if so, how?
I have been personally working with Controlled Waste Systems, Inc. (CWSI) for the last five months on a daily basis to improve the refuse collection in the city, so that CWSI follows a more consistent pattern week to week with garbage collection. We demanded that a supervisor be here in the city every day to monitor the drivers and throwers and he keeps us updated via text message several times a day as to their progress. I have also met the drivers and throwers on their routes to emphasize how critical it is to have consistency with emptying garbage, replacing containers and understanding the nuances of alleyways and streets. I am very aware that our citizens are not pleased overall with the refuse company, but it is not as simple as “breaking the contract”.
Q6. You’re running for the Republican nomination; what thoughts do you have for inclusion and diversity in a potential new term?
I received the Republican party endorsement and am the only endorsed candidate in the race for mayor. I am very proud to carry the mantle of my party, which I have represented honorably over the last seven years. Our administration has been known for sponsoring numerous community engagements to receive feedback from our citizens on major project undertakings, like downtown revitalization, where community feedback led to the major components of our DRI application; the Local Planning Committee process to discuss and refine the DRI projects; Reimaging Woodhaven to formulate the Request for Proposal (RFP) to begin the redevelopment process of the former base housing complex; Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) question and answer sessions; CDBG spending proposals and the West Chestnut Street corridor study that is currently underway with a grant through the Herkimer/Oneida County Transportation (HOCTS) involving two public meetings with the neighborhood.
We use a variety of methods to encourage community responses to projects, including engagement meetings, online surveys and electronic comment forms, the city’s website contact forms and the 311 app. Additionally, I instituted a Walk with the Mayor neighborhood program in the first year after taking office, and we are currently walking neighborhoods to learn residents concerns in their neighborhoods and I attend many gatherings throughout the city where I am available to listen and speak to residents. We will continue with all of these initiatives, and take advantage of technology to connect with citizens when appropriate.
Q7. How important does residency within Rome matter to a candidate, a mayor or any elected public office?
One of my campaign promises when I first ran for mayor was to fix the problem of people working in the city, but not living here. A city is at its best when its workforce also lives in and invests within the city lines. This strengthens our business community, increases property values, it helps our schools, and simply put, strengthens the foundation of our city. I have worked hard to create modern housing and encourage our workforce to live in Rome. It would be very difficult for me to create these housing opportunities for our workforce, expect them to consider Rome as their new home and then not live here myself.
I am also personally uncomfortable with a mayor paying taxes in another municipality, and not in Rome, while they are responsible for allocating how Rome’s tax dollars are spent. I have made a lifelong commitment to this community, investing in commercial and residential real estate, as well as establishing a small business in the city because I believe in Rome and want to see it flourish. The other part of this, that is important, is the fact that on my watch, we have been able to keep taxes down to a 0% increase for six straight years. If I had to raise taxes, I would also be raising taxes on myself.
In regards to my opponent, who does not live in the city, I feel that is really something between him and the voters. How much does a residency requirement mean to them? Personally, as the city’s chief elected officer, I know I have a better handle on our finances because I, too, am investing in Rome, just like our residents do.
Q8. With a 2026 deadline for using the city’s remaining ARPA funding, what do you plan to do to see your proposals through to completion? Why should they matter to Rome residents?
The proposals I have put forth to the Common Council for the use of ARPA funds are extremely important to this community. I have recommended projects that take into account their best and highest use to the entire community, as well as relieving the taxpayers of direct financial burden by not incurring principal and interest payments on their future tax bills. where it is the city’s direct responsibility to expend capital dollars we would otherwise have no choice but to bond and incur debt service. Those items are replacing Engine #2 for the fire department; sidewalk repairs/Improvements; water and sanitary service installation to support redevelopment of the Beeches property and improve water quality along Potter Road, Winfield Circle and Brookside Village, and promote the northern expansion of utilities; downtown parking canopy; renovation of the Rome Art and Community Center; and the rehabilitation of the Franklyn’s Field Clubhouse.
It is imperative that we commit to the community’s health and wellbeing by supporting renovation of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at our hospital, address dental health services by supporting the establishment of a dental hygiene curriculum at MVCC Rome Campus, that will include a teaching clinic potentially opening dental health services to residents of our city who otherwise might not be able to afford those dental services, take a proactive stance to support additional mental health supportive services in our city, recognize these ARPA funds can make a real difference by providing $25,000 grants to citizens who qualify for residential home rehabilitation and support childcare services vital to building our workforce through the new YMCA.
Q9. What is your favorite movie?
Hoosiers.
—Lanigan: Focus on future
Q1. Why do you want to be mayor? Why get into politics?
After reflecting on a career in public safety, my desire to continue serving the community I love as mayor has never been greater. I am running for mayor because I believe it’s time for change and new generational leadership in our community. I have spoken with residents, taxpayers, and voters, and I have heard their concerns loud and clear. Our community is tired of rising crime rates, a lack of transparency, deteriorating neighborhoods, insufficient recreational facilities for families, and poor public services, such as garbage collection. I am not a career politician seeking my next promotion. My sole focus is on guiding Rome into its next chapter of growth as a dedicated leader.
I’ve never viewed this as “getting into politics”, I see this more as continuing to serve the public at the most effective level. I’ve always been the type to roll up my sleeves and contribute where I can. I have faith in the citizens of Rome, and they deserve to have a government they can trust and rely on.
Q2. If elected, what will be your top three priorities?
Ensuring Rome is a safe and welcoming place for residents, visitors, and business owners is of utmost importance. Rome is facing significant challenges in public safety and, as a retired police detective, I feel I have a unique skill set to work with our men and women in the city’s workforce to provide the tools they need to keep Romans safe. Bail reform has presented some significant challenges for the RPD (Rome Police Department) and the court system, but that shouldn’t mean we throw in the towel. We need to find local solutions for problems that the state and federal governments won’t help with. Whether that means new initiatives, laws, or policies; we must do more.
A safer community and the revitalization of our neighborhoods go hand in hand and, as I travel the streets, it saddens me to see the deterioration of once-beautiful neighborhoods. If we want to grow our economy and attract new residents, businesses, and jobs, we must focus on cleaning up our neighborhoods. If left unchecked, the decay will continue to expand, and our neighborhoods may be lost forever. We must also provide engaging activities for children, young adults, and families and should strive to bring back the city’s well-received Drop-In Program to better serve our youth.
Local government is responsible for providing quality services for the people and businesses we serve including waste collection, road improvements, water, and sewer. My administration will practice good governance principles including responsibility, accountability, and transparency to make better decisions, increase efficiencies and improve even the most basic services.
Q3. What is your opinion on the state of crime in the city? What can you do to make Rome safer?
Ensuring Rome is a safe and welcoming place for residents, visitors, and business owners is of utmost importance. Crime has steadily increased within our city since 2017. This isn’t just a City of Rome issue but an issue all across the country. Raise the age and bail reform here in New York State didn’t help the issue, but aren’t the sole reasoning for the increases. Our society has begun to deteriorate and the lack of respect for authority has fueled it. Our criminals feel more empowered these days than our law-abiding citizens.
It is completely reckless for an administration to continue to minimize this issue within our community. If we don’t start putting this as a top priority, we may come to a point of no return and begin to lose parts of our city.
We need to realize that things aren’t going to change at the state level, and we need to start taking action against bail reform at the local level. Bail reform is a judicial issue and needs to be treated as such. Our incredible men and women at the Rome Police Department can still enforce the laws, it’s just falling short when they go to court.
We need to put more funding and focus on crime prevention so that we can prevent these crimes from happening and take the judicial system out of the equation. We need to make this community more uncomfortable for the criminals to live in than it is for the law-abiding members.
Q4. What’s your plan to encourage new and novel businesses in Rome?
Promoting and supporting local small businesses and recognizing their essential contribution to the community is crucial. We have seen Mohawk Valley EDGE and Oneida County make great strides at Griffiss Business and Technology Park, but we also need to have a small business development and retention strategy. First and foremost, we need to make it easy to do business in Rome. I’ve heard numerous times that we are not business-friendly and that needs to change. Small businesses are the backbone of any community, providing unique experiences and character. We need to encourage and support entrepreneurship by developing innovative programs and services for small business owners. I would seek to dedicate a Small Business staff specialist to collaborate with entrepreneurs to shepherd new businesses, as well as retain existing businesses.
Q5. Many residents have complained to the newspaper about their displeasure with the garbage service in the city. Do you have any plans to address or remedy this issue, and if so, how?
The dysfunction of the City’s municipal refuse collection service has not gone unnoticed and is a contributing factor to blight. And now, after three years of malpractice, the administration has haphazardly attempted to address the issue, primarily because it is an election year. Refuse collection is one of the most essential services that a municipality must successfully provide.
Unfortunately, the administration has allowed the current city contractor to continually fail our residents. The contractor has neglected to provide an acceptable level of service that residents of the city need, deserve, and have paid for with their tax dollars. Missed pick-ups, weekly delays, and mismanagement by not only the company, but the city administration, have left residents frustrated, upset, and angry. This debacle leads to illegal dumping, unsanitary streets, an abundance of litter scattered throughout the city, and overall unsightly conditions; all of which negatively impact the Rome community.
Under my leadership, we will resolve this issue once and for all. Refuse will not be left uncollected and, if necessary, the city will facilitate collection and will bill the current contracted collection company for reimbursement of any costs or expenses incurred by the city. If the current contractor does not hold up to their end of the deal, we will dissolve our agreement and file a breach of contract against them. We will also pursue legal and financial actions against them on behalf of the Rome taxpayers. We will move to partner with a reputable and responsible contractor to provide adequate services, as we did for many years prior to this failure.
Q6. One of your campaign slogans is “A mayor for EVERYONE;” what thoughts do you have for inclusion and diversity in your potential Republican administration?
As a community, we need to come together as a whole. We can’t just focus on one or two areas. I come from law enforcement, and there isn’t a neighborhood or street that I haven’t been on at every hour of the day. As a police officer, I was able to hold my head high in every neighborhood I was in. I wholeheartedly feel that I can represent all of Rome and will work effectively with organizations and community partners to ensure that we are as inclusive and diverse a city as possible.
Q7. You currently reside just over the city line into the Town of Western. How important does residency within Rome matter to a candidate, a mayor, or any elected public office?
I am a Roman, born and raised in Rome and educated in Rome public schools. I lived in Rome my entire life until just a short time ago, when my wife and I purchased our home which sits just outside of the city line — 1,586 feet to be exact. At the time we purchased our current home, I was not considering an elective office. However, that has changed. I am eager to serve my community once again at the most effective level locally. I’ve already performed my due diligence with legal counsel to ensure that my approach is correct, and I will meet the residency requirement to serve as Rome’s Mayor. It’s worth noting that this is not unprecedented, as Mayor Brown, a resident of the Town of Lee who had never lived in the City of Rome, successfully ran for mayor in 2003 and served two terms.
Q8. What plans do you have for the city’s remaining ARPA funding, which would need to be spent within your first term? How do your plans differ from or are they similar to Mayor Izzo’s proposals?
I am unable to express agreement or disagreement with the latest ARPA proposals forwarded to the Common Council, as there are still numerous unanswered questions regarding the projects. However, if elected, I am committed to collaborating with the Common Council’s ARPA committee and the entire Common Council to involve the community in identifying projects for the remaining funding. We will prioritize projects that meet the community’s needs and adhere to ARPA spending guidelines. Additionally, my administration will be transparent throughout the process and will conduct public information sessions on each project.
Q9. What is your favorite movie?
Donnie Brasco.