Rome mayor makes reelection campaign announcement: What to know

Edward Harris, Observer-Dispatch
·2 min read

Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo announced Monday she will seek reelection for a third term, a little over a week after receiving the Republican Party’s nomination.

Izzo, Rome’s first female mayor, was first elected in 2015.

In a statement, she said she based her decision to run again on her past accomplishments leading the city.

“People around the state are noticing Rome for the first time in a long time,” Izzo said.

Izzo cited the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the additions of Air City Lofts and and Woodhaven housing developments among her accomplishments.

“The interest from a business and economic development standpoint has never been higher for Rome, a far cry from where we were eight years ago. On day-one, I pledged that I would continue working as your mayor and fighting for Rome as long as we’re succeeding and moving forward. Today, we are doing that and more - plowing forward and seeing the 'New Beginning' we promised, actually come to fruition.”

Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo speaks during a day-long opening celebration for the new Innovare Advancement Center on Thursday in Rome. The $12 million computer technology research center at Griffiss International Airport was first unveiled in August 2019. It was designed to give scientists and companies a place to use quantum information processing to analyze and improve computer technology, among other research areas.

Addressing criticism

The mayor's announcement briefly addressed crime in the city, something she has been criticized for by the public during numerous Rome Common Council meetings. Izzo attributed an “unacceptable level” of crime-related issues to the institution of bail reform.

“We are working internally with other law enforcement agencies to identify issues we can bring to our state and federally elected officials to reverse some of these trends,” she said.

In response to criticism regarding her availability for constituents, particularly during the public portion segments of common council meetings, Izzo said she is instituting a Walk with the Mayor program and reintroducing “Java with Jackie.”

“There is so much more work to be done and I know I am the right person for the job at this point in our history,” Izzo said.

When is Election Day 2023?

Oneida County’s primary is scheduled for June 27. Jeffrey Lanigan, a fellow Republican, announced his candidacy for mayor earlier this month.

The general election will be held Nov. 7.

This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: Rome NY mayor shares decision on reelection: What to know