He says he began protesting in the late 1950s and has been politically active ever since. Early this morning, John Murray, of Syracuse, sat on the corner of Comstock Avenue and Stratford Street holding a Barack Obama sign in support of the Democratic Party. "We're here because of this," he said as he pointed to the busy road with a stop sign just ahead.
Murray says the intersection he points to is not only an ideal place to protest, but its development over the years represents small changes made in the city that need to continue on a national level. In 2006, Murray worked with then-Syracuse Parks Commissioner Pat Driscoll to make the roads safer for cyclists traveling around Syracuse University campus, creating bike lanes along Comstock Avenue and other streets surrounding SU.
But Murray's work within the Syracuse community goes back much farther. In 1969, he says he was the first Democrat in his district elected to the Syracuse Common Council. "Our area was two to one Republican at the time," Murray said. "It was time for a change."
Today, Murray is going beyond the Syracuse Community and working towards a national change. "Why?" Murray replied after being asked by a reporter why he decided to protest. "After eight years of George Bush, you say why?"
Next to Murray, Democratic Committee member Rachel May held signs supporting U.S. Congress Candidate Dan Maffei and State Senator Dave Valesky. "I just feel like we've got to get this country out of this big hole," May said as she waved and cheered at passing cars. "I think the Democrats are the only ones who are going to do it."
Both say they will be working all day to get people to vote. "It's a much more positive reaction today," Murray said. "More people are giving the thumbs up."
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