Improving the quality of life for Syracuse residents is a key component of Oliver’s candidacy for Mayor, achieved through enhanced safety and accessibility initiatives. Over the years, the sense of community across the city has deteriorated. Communication has subsided, neighborhoods have been neglected, homes have been left in disrepair, long-standing businesses have closed, neighborhoods are inaccessible, commutes are stressful and dangerous and gun violence, theft and other crime has trickled in and taken over. Distrust has severed relationships between community members and law enforcement while resource gaps and neighborhood aesthetics have become a reflection of just how much Syracuse residents have lost.

Projects to bring about change have been misguided and fallen short. Community members have gotten discouraged and been deterred from trying to help. Positive change is desperately needed and Oliver brings unique perspective to the table. He has deep connections to neighborhoods in need of support as well as a direct link to law enforcement and an understanding of the support they need. As Mayor, Oliver will focus on fortifying relationships, attracting community members to law enforcement, enhancing safety and security (including commutes), improving neighborhood access and aesthetics, solving for food deserts and other resource voids, and bolstering pride across each neighborhood.