A Binghamton University student is excited about his campaign, and he's not running for a position at the university. It's the fourth district seat on Binghamton's City Council that he's hoping to fill. Reporter Emily Lorsch tells us more about this candidate.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y.-- Conrad Taylor may be in his first year at Binghamton University, but that isn't stopping him from looking to make an impact in the community. Taylor is campaigning to be a part of the Binghamton City Council.
"I must have knocked on a thousand doors in Binghamton for local campaigns and the biggest impression I got was that people felt so disenfranchised by local government here," said Conrad Taylor, a Binghamton University student.
That's why he said he decided to run for city council. "I just thought, you know, I can do better," said Taylor.
While this is Conrad Taylor's first year at BU, he has an associates degree and is a standing junior. He said his age should not stop people from putting their faith in him.
"I'm a young, I'm a motivated, I'm an energetic guy so every single time I get an email or a phone call or someone wants to meet with me about something, I'm going to be there," said Taylor.
And the republican running to represent the district said it's his experience that makes him fit for the job.
"I can just pick right up where I left off. I don't have to learn anything I can just move right into the job. And we're at a point now where we're kind of on the edge financially and socially in this area and nothing against anyone new, new blood is always great, but sometimes experienced people are needed," said John Cordisco, a Binghamton City Council candidate.
The top priorities they both agree on are uniting BU with the rest of the community and giving people a reason to stay in the area. Taylor doesn't currently live in the fourth district but said he will move there this summer and plans to stay in Binghamton after graduation. If elected, he said he will give other students a reason to do the same.
"Focusing on developing the River Walk, making downtown a regional destination," said Taylor.
He is confident he can help make Binghamton a better place.
"I'm motivated to make a difference here. Let me show you what I got," said Taylor.
And Taylor said school will not get in the way. Other council members have jobs and other responsibilities, and he said classes are his equivalent. Taylor's opponent, Republican John Cordisco, was a city councilman from 2000 to 2007.
The winner of this race will replace Democratic incumbent Lea Webb, who is vacating the seat after serving the maximum number of terms.