SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse Common Councilor Kathleen Joy says voters in the 50th state Senate district want a representative who will collaborate on key issues and not simply vote the party line. Joy is the Democratic candidate challenger to Republican Senator John DeFrancisco.

She says she would be willing to follow an independent path in Albany, despite the pressures to vote with fellow party members. She says this year's budget action is a case in point.

"This was not the best way to go. If I were in Albany, I would have done things differently. Again, it goes back to collaboration. Let's work hard. Let's sharpen up our pencils. Let's get something done," said Joy.

Joy's comments came as she was endorsed by fellow Democrats from the Syracuse Common Council and city school board.