It's often difficult to get politicians from different parties to agree, but on Election Day, those from the Syracuse area came together over large helpings of spaghetti and meatballs. Politicians of all allegiances mingled with the public today at the Cathedral Academy of Pompei's spaghetti dinner. "What makes it such a neat tradition is that everybody comes to this, from every part of the city and every branch of politics," said Dan Maffei, 25th Congressional District Democratic candidate (at right).
An Election Day tradition in its 59th year, the event benefits the Academy and Our Lady of Pompei Church on Syracuse's North Side.
Maffei and his Republican opponent Dale Sweetland joined thousands that filled the school’s basement, but they didn’t spend much time together. “This is the place to come for lunch on Election Day,” Sweetland said.
One man responsible for making that lunch is Joe Losurdo. In his 18th year working at the event, he knows what keeps people coming. “It’s just the camaraderie and the election,” Losurdo said, his apron covered in sauce. “It’s not favored to Republican or Democrat. It’s not even brought up.”
It may not be brought up, but it certainly wasn’t ignored. Maffei and Sweetland fought a hard campaign, and the past didn’t disappear with some pasta. Once outside, both talked to reporters, but in separate corners of the playground.
“I think a lot of it is the meatballs,” Maffei said when asked about the reliable attendance. At least the two agreed on one thing.
“The meatballs are good,” Sweetland said.
No comments:
Post a Comment