The former mayor of Syracuse, Matt Driscoll is headed to a new job, soon, in Albany. Bill Carey reports Driscoll, who has served in state government since 2010, may have the job of commissioner of transportation.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- In the midst of a debate over the future of Interstate 81 in the city of Syracuse, the top state official dealing with the issue may have very strong ties to the community.
There are rumblings in Albany that Joan McDonald will soon depart her job as state transportation commissioner. She has been overseeing the various steps toward a decision on what path to follow in replacing the existing I-81. The options include renovation of the existing, elevated highway, removing the viaduct system and replacing the highway with a street level boulevard or following the boulevard plan, but keeping the highway route through the city by constructing a highway tunnel.
It now appears that when McDonald leaves, she will be replaced by former Syracuse Mayor Matt Driscoll. Driscoll served 8 ½ years as leader of the city before taking on the chairmanship of the state's Environmental Facilities Corporation. He has often served as Governor Cuomo's eyes and ears in Upstate regions when the state has dealt with various crises.
He also took the lead in finding alternative funding sources for the massive Tappan Zee bridge project downstate.
Driscoll's relationship with Stephanie Miner was strained when he served as mayor and she was a common councilor. Her reaction came during an interview on a new city budget.
"All I know is that there was something that you just said to me. And I think, if the governor appoints and the Senate approves, then congratulations are in order, I suppose," said Miner.
Other local officials have been mum on the Driscoll appointment as they await formal word from the governor.
The governor's office was first asked to comment on this report last week. As of Wednesday, they have still not issued any formal statement.