Peterson’s endorsement of Myrick comes five days before Tuesday’s mayoral election. Myrick is competing with Independence Party candidate J.R. Claiborne, Republican Janis Kelly and independent Wade Wykstra.

In July, Peterson, a Democrat who’s held the mayoral seat since her election in 2003, endorsed Democrat Pam Mackesey, an opponent of Myrick’s, in the party’s September primary.

In an interview on WHCU’s Morning Newswatch, Peterson said though it was a difficult decision, she ultimately decided on Myrick because he has been the only candidate to regularly seek her advice regarding mayoral responsibilities.

When she endorsed Mackesey, Peterson said in the interview, she was initially concerned age could be an issue for Myrick, who is 24, because it can mean a lack of experience. But her meetings with Myrick have allowed her to overcome these concerns.

“Because of the number of meetings I’ve been having and understanding the breadth of knowledge and concern that Svante has, the idea of age has become less and less of an issue.”

Last week, Congressman Maurice Hinchey, D-N.Y., and New York State Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, D-Ithaca, endorsed Myrick’s candidacy.

To see where the four mayoral candidates stand on key issues, visit http://archive.theithacan.org/wheretheystand