It was the first meeting of its type in years. Mayors of several Upstate cities, gathering in Syracuse, hoping to find answers that could insure their survival. YNN's Bill Carey says the mayors hope there is strength in numbers.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- In one of the most corroded stretches of the rustbelt, an area marked by high unemployment, closed storefronts, abandoned factories and disappearing population, it was ironic that the city leaders chose to meet at a place called Dinosaur. Here they were, leaders from Syracuse, Albany, Utica, Binghamton and Rochester, gathered to discuss common problems. And those problems are many.

"Cuts in aid to municipalities. Dealing with trying to make our education system stronger and better. Vacant properties. You name it, we have it," said Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner.

The leaders say there are things they can do and have done to try to get mounting financial problems under control.

"Controlling our own costs. Being as streamlined as possible. Reforming some of the things that really cost us a lot of money," said Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan.

But again and again, they say, the state has made the job more difficult with mounting mandates and costs that are spiraling out of control.

"The pension costs are killing us. Whether it's a smaller city like ours at 60,000, or it's a bigger city throughout the state, you know, we all have the same problems," Utica Mayor David Roefaro said.

The mayors, all democrats, say there is reason for hope that the situation can change. And they're looking to one of their own as part of the answer.

Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy was chosen as Andrew Cuomo's running mate. And the polls show a good chance he may serve as the next Lieutenant Governor. He promises to be an advocate for his colleagues and promises real reforms.

"It is about a government coming in that understands and has the courage to say no to those things that are less important and yes to those things that are critically important," Duffy said.

But promises to Upstate New York, from a parade of state leaders over the years, have become common. The city leaders vow to continue mapping a common strategy and speaking in one voice to demand change.

"By us coming together and making sure that we continue to meet as mayors, together, to represent our areas, then they're going to have to listen to us," said Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.