It’s only April and there is already another candidate for the Syracuse mayoral race.
Broadcast Executive Steve Kimatian, 67, has joined the running as a Republican candidate.
Kimatian informed party leaders and community members of his decision to run in a letter on April 3. He said he decided to run after he received positive feedback from Republican party leaders and community members.
Kimatian is not believed to be a frontrunner in the race.
“The problem is he is a Republican and the city is overwhelmingly Democrat.”, Jeffrey M. Stonecash, Professor in the Maxwell School of Citizenship at Syracuse University, said. “I can’t imagine he even has much of a chance.”
Between 1995 and 2007, Kimatian was the Regional Vice President for Clear Channel Television.
He currently hosts an interview program featuring leaders in Central New York on Sundays called “With Steve on Sunday,” on WSYR, Channel 9.
Hosting his own weekly television show could give him free exposure while other candidates would have to pay for political ads.
Stonecash said that he does not view this as much of a problem.
“I think if he was seen as a viable candidate it would be an issue, but because he is not it won’t be an issue.” Stonecash said.
Kimatian is a graduate of Princeton University and Cornell Law School, and is active in the Upstate Medical Foundation.
Kimatian will join former Syracuse park commissioner Ronald “Otis” Jennings in the Republican mayoral primary in September.
The Democratic candidates include Syracuse consultant Alfonso Davis, former Common Conucilor Joe Nicoletti, and Councilor-at-large Stephanie Miner.
The mayoral general election will be held on November 3, 2009.
Photo courtesy of The Post Standard Photo Files
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