Legislator Shawn Fiato reflects on her first few months

Earlier this year, Shawn Fiato was sworn in as an Onondaga County Legislator, and the lifelong Syracuse resident is quickly finding her place – and voice – at the table.

Fiato was appointed in January by County Executive Ryan McMahon.  She’s filling a vacancy created after the 8th District Legislator stepped down and will serve until the end of the year.  She is planning to run for the seat this November and has already been endorsed by the Onondaga County Republican and Conservative parties.

“The responsibility that I have to all my constituents in the 8th District is very real, and I want to do the best job that I can possibly do for them” she says.

The 8th District includes a large portion of the City of Syracuse, including Tipperary Hill, the Park Avenue neighborhood, and sections of Strathmore, downtown and the Near Westside.  It also includes part of the Town of Geddes.

Legislator Fiato has long been active in the community.  She and her husband, Matthew, started the Park Avenue Neighborhood Association more than 20 years ago and have been helping their neighbors ever since.

“When we moved in to Park Avenue, we immediately started working on our house and we just had this vision for the whole neighborhood. It was in disrepair and there were things going on that we didn't like, and we knew that by working with our neighbors, we could collaboratively make a change”

Since then, the neighborhood has seen a significant change and crime rates have decreased.  Legislator Fiato says one thing she’s learned over the years is that having a voice is very important and you must listen to what others have to say. 

“It's a collection of voices, of people, and when you work as a team and you work together to get to a common ground, it's a really beautiful thing” she adds.

That teamwork is something that’s already benefitting her at the Legislature.  She was appointed to the Planning & Economic Development and Public Safety committees and at meetings, she has not only asked informed questions, but has listened intently to her colleagues and like most of them, understands that differences in opinions are okay and just part of the job.

“Nobody's going to agree with you all the time, and that's okay” Legislator Fiato says. “We’re all here to work for the people and do what we think is best for those we represent.”

Her first two Sessions featured votes on significant but standard funding resolutions and a celebration of Black History Month.  She’s excited for the months ahead and the county budget process this fall. She’s also taken numerous calls from constituents in need of assistance and knows the phone will ring again.

“There are great people in the 8th District, and everyone at the Legislature wants me to succeed which I appreciate that so much” she concludes. “That gives me energy to want to fulfill this role to the best of my ability and truly make a difference for my community.”