Former Binghamton Councilman Faces Challenge by PLOT Member

A member of Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow is preparing to run against a former Binghamton city councilman in a district that covers downtown and the North Side.

Aviva Friedman, a Binghamton University graduate, has filed as a Democratic candidate in the Fourth District.

The seat now is held by Democrat Conrad Taylor, who was an 18-year-old Binghamton University student when he announced he was running for city council in 2015.

Taylor is believed to have decided not to seek a second term. Taylor and Friedman did not respond to several calls this week seeking comment.

Former councilman John Cordisco, a Republican, has announced he is running again. Cordisco served on council from 2000 to 2007. He lost to Taylor in the November 2015 election.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Cordisco said he feels the North Side "hasn't been represented in 12 years." He said "we haven't had anybody that's from the neighborhood that knows the people, that knows the history" and "the difficulties that we face, both economically and socially."

Friedman won't be the only Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow member running for city council this year. At least two other members of the group plan to be candidates.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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