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Syracuse Mayor-elect Sharon Owens has announced her transition team as she prepares to take office on January 1st. The team includes prominent figures in education and economic development, reflecting Owens' focus on these areas. Among the appointees are LeMoyne College President Dr. Linda LeMura, New York Power Authority Trustee Bea Gonzalez, and Tim Penix, Vice President of the SUNY Syracuse Educational Opportunity Center.
Owens, who won the election easily, is succeeding Mayor Ben Walsh, who could not run again due to term limits. The transition team will guide the launch of her administration, focusing on implementing her six main campaign platform issues. Owens is also seeking public feedback through a survey on her campaign website and is inviting volunteers to participate in transition planning.
The transition team aims to produce a concise report outlining short and long-term priorities for Owens' administration. Owens told syracuse.com, "I’m not looking to produce a 100-page document that a handful of people will read, but a digestible guide more approachable for all."
The transition team includes co-chairs such as Melanie Littlejohn, President and CEO of the Central New York Community Foundation, and Rob Simpson, President and CEO of CenterState CEO. Additional appointments and committees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks, focusing on areas such as public safety and economic development.