Patrona Jones-Rowser, City of Syracuse, 4th District Common Councilor
Patrona Jones-Rowser is a lifelong resident of Syracuse who has dedicated her entire professional life to bridging gaps and finding solutions to challenging issues. She is a wife, mother, community organizer, strong advocate, and creative. Patrona has promoted numerous Southside initiatives, raised the bar for community involvement procedures, and raised awareness of important concerns, including housing and community investment. She has a proven track record of working alongside the people and developing and elevating communities’ voices.
As the 4th District Councilor of Syracuse City Common Council, Patrona serves as the Chairperson of the Neighborhood Preservation Committee, focusing on homeless and housing vulnerable individuals, and also serves as a member of the Education & Human Development, Public Safety, and Intergovernmental Service Consolidation Committees. Patrona’s top issues include equity in housing, healthcare, and safe neighborhoods. She is an advocate for adequate housing for renters and the increase of homeowners within the community. She also focuses her efforts on mental health, which has risen 40% since 2009, particularly among youth and young adults within the city. In addition, Patrona is committed to creating safe neighborhoods and has implemented the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) approach since 2017. Patrona is involved in various organizations, including Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today, Onondaga Earth Corps, 92 & Co., Syracuse Landmark Preservation Board, Housing Visions, Home Headquarters Inc., and Greater Syracuse Land Bank. Her dedication to serving the community of Syracuse is evident in her active involvement in these organizations.
Corey J. Williams, City of Syracuse, 3rd District Common Councilor
Corey J. Williams is the 3rd District Councilor for the Syracuse Common Council. With a passion for improving quality of life and fostering community spirit, Corey has dedicated his life to serving the people of Syracuse. Born in the suburbs, Corey chose to make his home in the city of Syracuse, where his roots on the West Side reach back to the 1870s when his family first settled there. Corey first moved to the University Neighborhood in 2006 as a graduate student in Public Administration at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. Currently, Corey lives on Buckingham Avenue with his partner Kira, and their dogs, Livy and Lulu.
Corey was inspired to run for Common Council by his experience working in the Syracuse City School District, the community transformation that will come from the I-81 viaduct project, and the once-in-a-generation investment related to Micron’s arrival in our community. In addition to serving the Syracuse Common Council, Corey is the Chairperson of the Finance, Taxation & Assessment committee and a member of the Airport (Public Transportation), Neighborhood Preservation (Homeless & Housing Vulnerable), and Public Works (D.P.W. & Transportation) committees. Corey’s core values guide his work on the Common Council. Having completed a Doctorate at SUNY ESF and working full-time as a Data Analyst, Corey believes in data-informed policymaking. Policies grounded in facts are more likely to address specific needs and make better use of public funds through efficiency and efficacy. Equity is also a priority for Corey, where the just and fair inclusion of everyone into society is essential to reach everyone’s full potential. Corey wants to see a Syracuse where people’s interests and desires are met with a sense of possibility. At the heart of communities are people who share a space and feel a sense of belonging. Corey believes that local government has a crucial role in providing the building blocks to strengthen communities, and a sustainable environment is essential to the city’s future.
Marty Nave, City of Syracuse, District 1 Common Councilor
Councilor Marty Nave was born Marino Louis Nave on March 26, 1953, in Syracuse, NY. Marty was raised at 404 North State Street, living upstairs from his Grandmother’s Grocery Store. His family moved to Camillus in 1956 before moving back to Syracuse and the north side in 1959. Marty attended Jefferson, Franklin, and Webster Elementary Schools. He attended Grant Junior High in 1966 and served on the Student Council for three years, where his interest in Government and Politics began. The highlight for Marty was in 1969, walking up to Mayor William F. Walsh, who was attending a school assembly and asking for his autograph. After Marty’s graduation in 1969, he attended Henninger High School and served on the student council where Mayor Lee Alexander spoke in 1971. Marty asked him questions about revenue sharing and got his autograph. Marty took courses in Social Studies and Government Affairs before graduating in June 1972. He began attending Common Council meetings and spoke to the Common Council on December 4, 1972, in support of the Consumer Protection Code. He attended Onondaga Community College in January 1973 and served on the Student Senate. Marty left college and began working for the Syracuse Parks Department and Two Guys Department Store. He returned to Onondaga Community College in 1983 and graduated with a degree in General Studies.
That year, he began a career in pharmacy retail, beginning with Fay’s Drugs. He continued on as the company was sold to Eckerd’s, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. Marty served in many positions, such as Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacy Manager through most of his career, and learned how to interact with patients and handle customer concerns. Marty was active with the former Syracuse Chiefs as an officer of the team’s booster club and knothole club. He was a longtime season ticket holder and fan. In 2018, he was inducted into the Syracuse Baseball Fan Hall of Fame. Today, he continues to be a season ticketholder of the Syracuse Mets and is employed as a Hall of Fame Ambassador.
In 2001, Marty became director of the Dale Street Neighborhood Watch, where he began engaging with local and state officials. Marty became a strong advocate for the Butternut and Grant Boulevard Circle, known as Duguid Park. His community involvement on the north side brought him to the 3rd ward Onondaga County Democratic Committee, where he served on the committee beginning in 2008. Marty was elected 3rd ward Chair in 2014. He has been active in candidate campaigns and always advocates for the northside.
In 2023, Marty was elected to the Syracuse Common Council, representing the newly redrawn 1st district. Marty is an advocate for constituents, businesses, safe neighborhoods and removing blighted areas.