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 Photo courtesy of Kent Loeffler In 2001, I ran for public office here in Ithaca, New York, and was deeply gratified to win, serving for four years. In 2005, I ran unopposed for re-election. I've just begun my second term as a Tompkins County Legislator. This website has become an essential tool for communication with community, constituents, my family, and you. Go ahead, browse a bit. And let me know what you think! Personal Political Survey Tourism Events Blogs Labor Blogs Community Local and Regional National and International Labor Media Other Fun Sites Heroes Candidates
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Here's where I'll post about issues, family, community, and events.
Click on "Email Kathy" to send me your comments or information to post. Monday, August 27, 2007 Jennifer Dotson Announces Candidacy for Common Council Today on the steps of Ithaca's City Hall, Jennifer Dotson announced her candidacy for Common Council, surrounded by supporters and friends. I was there, and she provided us with a copy of her remarks: Dotson Announces Candidacy for First Ward Council Seat August 27, 2007 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Thanks for coming. As we heard last week, our First Ward alderman, Shane Seger, is resigning from his position, effective September 3. I'm sorry to see him go; he's been a great representative of the First Ward. I've been thinking and discussing this with my partner, Gail, quite a bit over past few days. I'd like to announce that I will be running for this seat, and ask for your support. My involvement in city government comes from my interest in improving our transportation system in light of increasing energy costs both financial and in terms of climate change. So many of us in the First Ward are concerned about increases in traffic. I've lived in Ithaca since 1998, in the South of the Creek neighborhood. In 2001, I stepped forward to critique the Six Point Plan and instead work toward a transportation system that is balanced, equitable, energy efficient, and affordable for us as individuals and for the city. Since then, I've served on the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council and I've consistently supported sustainable transportation, which almost always means affordable transportation. This work carries over to my current job with Ithaca Carshare. I am a strong proponent of increasing safety by completing our streets and public facilities: installing and maintaining sidewalks throughout the City, completing the Cayuga Waterfront Trail, maintaining our fantastic urban forest, and working toward practical measures to support more and safer bicycling in Ithaca, among other things. I fully support Mayor Peterson and her efforts to catch up on deferred maintenance and budget appropriately for our infrastructure (and this includes attention to GIAC). What we spend on transportation systems, particularly, shapes the future of our city irrevocably. I've also gotten in the habit of looking carefully at development plans that would strain our roads and infrastructure, or strain our community values. We need to examine the long-term impacts and benefits of proposed projects on the City, and work to guide these project so that they benefit and support people over all else. Zoning details also have a great effect on development. During my three years on the Planning Board I've seen the holes in our zoning code that allow out-of-context projects. I've seen the problems with our parking regulations that allow abuse and degrade the environment and quality of life in our neighborhoods. The City has a big decision coming up about our water supply. Water is very important to all of us, and so the care taken we take in this decision is crucial. On the Board of Public Works, I've already been involved in the ongoing environmental review process. I already understand that our choice of water supply touches on many sensitive issues. I believe that the environmental review will help us all learn even more about many of those issues, and I'm keeping my mind open to new information and concerns. I'm also very committed to the right process in this decision, which includes reaching out and talking with residents about the water supply choice. Pollution on South Hill is another major issue in our ward. I have already expressed my support to the DEC for fast action on this issue. I'm also well aware of the noise and partying issues that have created conflict between students and long-term residents on South Hill. We need to continue to work toward partnership in the diversity on South Hill. I think the police department is going in the right direction as they work on creating relationships with all South Hill residents. Finally, I have gotten to know our other First Ward alderperson, Maria Coles, through her role as liaison to the Board of Public Works. I've found her to be dedicated, responsible, and a careful steward of our City assets. We don't agree on everything, but we have found each other to be allies and helpful critics. I'm proud to say that she's supporting me for this seat, and I'm very much looking forward to serving with her. Thanks. I'll be here for a few minutes to answer questions, if you have any." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I'm supporting Jennifer and wish her the best of luck in her efforts. I believe that she would serve the City well on Common Council. Labels: climate change, Common Council, Ithaca, transportation please read on ... Jennifer Dotson for Common Council Just got a press release from Jennifer Dotson-- she's stepping up to represent the First Ward on Common Council since Shane Seger has announced his move to the Big Apple. I'll miss the heck out of Shane, who is a stalwart friend and advisor. Yes, Jennifer has big shoes to fill. Fortunately, her experience already demonstrates the capabilities of an alderperson. Jennifer currently is Vice Chair of the Board of Public Works and also serves on the City's Planning Board. Her exemplary service with Carshare, Curb Your Car, and as a supporter of public transportation is well documented. In addition, as an openly gay member of the Ithaca community, Jennifer will provide the Common Council with diversity that would be sorely missed in Shane's absence. Another element of diversity that Jennifer brings to Common Council is her party affiliation--she's a Green. I enthusiastically support Jennifer Dotson's candidacy. Check out her press release below, and check back here for news of the Dotson campaign. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Press Release City of Ithaca Board of Public Works Vice Chair Jennifer Dotson will announce her candidacy for first ward alderperson at 5:30 pm Monday, August 27, in front of City Hall, 108 Green Street. Dotson also currently serves on the City's Planning Board, and has lived in the South of the Creek neighborhood since 1998. The vacancy was created when alderperson Shane Seger announced his resignation, which will take effect September 3, 2007. "My involvement in local government grows out of my interest in improving our transportation system in light of increasing energy costs both financial and in terms of climate change." Dotson said. " We face a wide variety of issues here in the first ward: pollution, traffic pressure, student and long-term resident issues, zoning and development concerns to name a few. On the Board of Public Works I've successfully worked with residents, businesses and City staff to resolve both day-to-day concerns as well as help address longer term issues. An inclusive, respectful, and productive process is important to me." The City's first ward includes West Hill, portions of the South of the Creek neighborhood, Nate's Floral Estates, Spencer Road, South Hill, and Elmira Road. Dotson is currently involved in the Board of Public Works' environmental review process for the City's upcoming decision whether to rebuild the current water treatment plant or purchase water from the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission. She also serves on the Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council, and the Commons Advisory Board. Dotson is currently employed by Ithaca Carshare. The seat will be filled in the regular November 6 election. Candidates may seek the ballot through party committee designation or by petition. Stay tuned for more information about Jennifer Dotson's campaign, and Eric Rosario's run for the 2nd Ward Common Council! Labels: Common Council, Gay, Ithaca please read on ... Great News! Eric Rosario for Common Council Check out Eric Rosario's website! I'm just thrilled that Eric is running for Common Council's 2nd Ward and over the next few weeks, I want to tell you more about him. For starters, Eric Rosario is Latino, progressive, and smart. His leadership and independent voice will be a wonderful addition to Common Council. Did I mention that he's good looking? Go to the site--you won't be disappointed. And guess what? To my knowledge Eric will be the first Latino ever to serve on Ithaca's Common Council! He's going door-to-door throughout the 2nd Ward, talking with neighbors about City and Ward issues. I'll be walking with him tomorrow, (Friday June 29) and I wanted to let you know. I'll post more about Eric later--you can go to his site and check -- he'll be updating it often. This is the best news I've had for you in a long time, so I'm posting after a very long silence. Labels: Common Council, Ithaca, Latino please read on ... Ithaca CROP Walk Sunday October 22 Provides Safety Net for the Hungry  This is budget season, when I solicit and get lots of letters and emails from County residents advising me on how to allocate spending. I got a thoughtful and reasoned email from an ardent supporter of CROP Walk, reminding me that in addition to assisting in other locations, this event "provides a safety net" in tight budget times for local organizations that fight hunger. This is the 25th year for the Ithaca CROP Walk! Last year more than 250 Walkers raised more than $24,000 in the Ithaca CROP Walk. What: 2006 Ithaca CROP Walk When: Sunday October 22, 1:30 p.m. Where: Dewitt Park For more information about the 2006 Ithaca CROP Walk, contact Patrick McMahon at pqmc@aol.com or 607-351-4760. CROP Walk events in Tompkins County will take place in these locations on the dates indicated: Dryden October 1 Trumansburg October 1 Freeville October 22 Ithaca October 22 Lansing October 22 For more information about CROP Walk events Upstate New York, click here, or contact the Regional Office toll-free 1-888-297-2767. Organized locally, the Area Congregations Together (ACT) CROP Walk has set a goal of 300 Walkers and hopes to raise more $25,000 to help stop hunger here in our community and around the world, through self-help development initiatives. Twenty five percent of the funds raised here in Tompkins County will go to several local food pantries. This year Ithaca and some 2,000 cities and towns nationwide are joining together in interfaith community CROP Walks around the theme "Walking Together." Many CROP Walkers will be wearing "Walking Together" T-shirts, proclaiming their solidarity with the millions of neighbors around the world who have to walk to live - as well as with the millions served by local food pantries, food banks, and meal sites here in the U.S. These local ministries share in the funds raised by CROP Walks. Africa is one part of the world where CROP Walks are making a big difference - in helping people grow food for their families, in providing clean water to villages, in working to assure that schools are zones of safety and learning, in the struggle against the AIDS pandemic, and in countless other ways. And this year Africa presents special challenges, with millions in the Darfur region of Sudan still uprooted by government-sanctioned violence, and the severe drought that imperils food supplies in Kenya and other parts of East Africa. CROP Walks are also making a big difference along the U.S. Gulf Coast, as communities continue their recovery from Hurricane Katrina, in northern Pakistan, where recovery efforts continue in quake-affected areas, and in our response to the developing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon. Want to form a CROP Walk Team for Tompkins County? Let me know! please read on ... Keith Olberman on MSNBC Excoriates Bush Check out this video clip from MSNBC -- It's heartening to once again hear the truth on television, coming from MSNBC, no less. Keith Olberman takes Bush to task, detailing his lies, the results, and the many ways that his actions have undermined democracy in our country. Wow! Olberman on MSNBC Castigates Bush
I have hope. Together with the thousands of people going door to door this weekend talking with their neighbors about this very subject, and those registering people to vote, we are working toward the beginning of a return to representation, and a change in the House in November. I have hope. please read on ... Talk of Bush Impeachment Resurfaces There are no less than seven (7) new books out on presidential impeachment, and the majority of them pay more than theoretical attention to the impeachable offenses of George Bush II. Dave Swanson makes the case. From Tom Dispatch, Tom Englehardt reports: "In the last years, impeachment has been the all-American solution that could not speak its name in the vicinity of Washington DC or anywhere in the mainstream media, even as support for it grew among Americans generally. But we may be at the edge of a new moment, judging by the ever-unfolding Mark Foley affair, the ensuing turmoil in the Republican Party, the muffling of the presidential voice, the latest polls, and even a threatened reversal in oil prices. So it seems the perfect moment at Tomdispatch for David Swanson, who last wrote about "trophy photos" in Iraq, but has put his prodigious energies into the issue of impeachment, to take up the subject." Tom Check out this article: The Case for Taking the Tape Off Our Mouths By David Swanson It comes not a moment too soon. please read on ... Video from Single Payer Universal Health Care Rally at Spitzer Debate On Tuesday, September 26, I got to take part in a rally before the gubernatorial candidate debate between Elliot Spitzer and his opponent. Cris McConkey was there, and today sent out this link to videos of the speakers. Go to his blog to see all the videos, learn about Single Payer Universal Health Care. Cris has generously provided the following blog posting and video of my remarks: On Tuesday, September 26th, a broad coalition of community organizations in Tompkins County and the Southern Tier rallied in support of a single-payer universal health care system for New York State. The New York State Assembly has already voted affirmatively for Bill A-6576 which would establish a single-payer universal health care, but the measure has yet to pass the Senate. Locally, both the City of Ithaca Common Council and Tompkins County Legislature have passed resolutions in support of single-payer universal health care.
please read on ... Celebrate at the 24th Apple Harvest Festival in Downtown Ithaca When: Sep 29, 2006 - Oct 01, 2006 from 10am to 6pm What: The Apple Harvest Festival, Ithaca's annual 3-day fall celebration Sign up for the Apple Pie Eating Contest, to be held at 1:30 and again at 2:30 Sat., Sept. 30th in the Amphitheater on the Commons 3 Age Groups: youth, teen, and Adult Call to register 277-8679 or just show up 20 min. prior to the event For a printable Apple Harvest schedule in pdf format, click here! Or go to the Ithaca Downtown Partnership's Website at: http://www.downtownithaca.com/events/event-details.htm?eventid=10 , where I found this cool info: Celebrating its 24th year, the Apple Harvest Festival, Ithaca's annual 3-day fall celebration will return to Downtown the last weekend in September. Come enjoy this year's festival, which highlights the talents and wares of regional merchants, noteworthy artists, distinctive musicians, wine makers, bakers, and exceptional craftspeople. For the entire 3-day event you can sample local wines or cider, stock up on local produce, savor locally baked goods, and be entertained by great performers in Downtown Ithaca. Along with the great food and interactive booths available on Friday, There will be a Ferris Wheel, Giant slide, and a Handmade craft fair on Saturday and Sunday. The festival will start every day at 10AM and will take place on Cayuga Street. Sponsored by The Ithaca Downtown Partnership (IDP), Tompkins Trust Company and the Ithaca Times. I go every year, so I'll see you there! please read on ... CFCU Blunders Into 24th Congressional District Politics ~~UPDATE~~ Fortunately, the CFCU Board of Directors responded to our letters, emails and phone calls. They admit the unfairness and impropriety of this incident. They sent a mailing to members stating that they did not intend to endorse any candidate, and that Michael Arcuri, the 24th Congressional District Democratic Candidate, has now been invited to visit the Community Credit Union. He will be featured in a front page article in the October Newsletter. Here's what happened: Few experiences compare with opening up your trusted credit union's monthly statement to find a virtual candidate endorsement in a pending political contest. To locate contact information for Community Federal Credit Union (CFCU) Board members, scroll down to the bottom of this post. Imagine my response, then, to the September 2006 "First Draft", enclosed with my bank statement, mailed to almost 60,000 members throughout Tompkins and Cortland Counties. Prominently featured on the right-hand column of the front page: an article entitled "U.S. Congressional Candidate, Ray Meier, Visits CFCU", followed by fawning comments that come within a nano's breadth of endorsing him. You may want to read it for yourself. I wish I had a link to this article, but I can't find it online. Let me know if you do and I'll add it to this post. Summary of the CFCU "First Draft" Article The article describes in glowing terms a visit from "New York State Senator, Raymond Meier, who is a candidate for the United States Congress from the 24th District". It details Meier's meeting with staff and management and mentions discussion of "several key state and federal legislative issues facing credit unions". The final paragraph contains an extended quote from CEO Bob Witty, expressing thanks for: "consistent support of credit unions at the state level," later adding, "it's nice to know, he will continue to support us at the federal level if elected to the U.S. Congress". Is CFCU Betraying its Charter and Public Trust? Does this smack of corruption and political cronyism to you? If you don't know that Bob Witty, outgoing President and CEO of CFCU is a Republican, like Meier, and a member of the Dryden Village Board, you might not be concerned, as I am, that this article demonstrates a change in policy at the usually non-partisan CFCU. You might not understand, if you are not aware of the history of credit unions, that they are member owned financial institutions, and that use of member resources in this way is a betrayal of both member trust and our charter. This incident strikes at the foundation of CFCU's reputation for fairness and impartiality. Credit Union Members and Activists Can Contact CFCU In response to this article, I sent a letter to Bob Witty, and other members of the Board of Directors. I also visited my Branch Manager and expressed my dismay. I've pasted the letter below, along with a list of contact information for these policy makers and administrators. I urge you to let them know, especially if you are a CFCU member, how this unsavory action affects your perception of CFCU. I also urge you to offer the only positive solution: An equivalent article in the October 2006 edition of First Draft. Be clear that a retraction will only reinforce the quasi-endorsement. My Letter to CFCU (you may use its contents to write your own personalized letter) Dear Bob Witty and CFCU Board members and Branch Managers, As a member of CFCU for over 18 years, I believe that credit unions provide a way to build community through member ownership of the financial institution. I was greatly disappointed, and then outraged, to read the September 2006 edition of First Draft enclosed in my monthly statement from CFCU, which features an article all but endorsing a candidate in the 24th Congressional District race. In the past, CFCU has been fair and cautious in political matters; I am concerned about this change in policy. For CFCU to publish a photo of an elected official visiting CFCU in his or her official capacity is one thing; it is quite another to interfere in an ongoing race. Even if this action is not quite illegal, it is just plain wrong. I understand that Bob Witty is a Republican member of the Dryden Village Board. As an elected official myself, I am alarmed at the incompetence or intransigence that led to this article representing the views of my credit union. This is very disturbing to me, and I seek immediate action. As a member, I formally request an investigation into how this grave ethical error went unnoticed by the Executive Director and Board of Directors, who are charged with oversight of such matters. The damage that has been done to CFCU's reputation for fairness and non-partisanship is incalculable, and my trust in this member organization is more than shaken. An institution such as CFCU is nothing without its members, and the situation calls for quick and decisive action. Although it will be difficult to rectify the quasi-endorsement of Ray Meier, there is a way to redeem CFCU from concerns that this is a deliberate attempt to influence the votes of "nearly 60,000 members in Tompkins and Cortland Counties". CFCU must host an equivalent get acquainted session with Michael Arcuri, allowing him to meet many of the staff and management at CFCU locations throughout Tompkins County, and publish an article about it on the front page of the October 2006 First Draft. Michael Arcuri must be given the opportunity to discuss his perspective of key state and federal legislative issues facing credit unions, and an opportunity to articulate his understanding of the role of credit unions in our society. A picture of Michael Arcuri with members of the CFCU Board of Directors who understand that "he will support us at the federal level if elected to the U.S. Congress" must be published on the front page of the CFCU First Draft, along with quotes detailing the discussions. Demonstrate that you are as concerned about this as I am, and move quickly to investigate and mitigate this lapse of ethical standards. Understand that a retraction does not satisfy the need for an equivalent platform in this situation. Please respond to this message as soon as possible. Sincerely, Kathy Luz Herrera 116 Utica St. Ithaca, NY 14850 To express your opinion to the CFCU Board of Directors, here is Contact Information for Board Members: Bob Witty, CEO home: 844-9418 wk: 257-8500 35 Union Dryden, NY 13053 John Majeroni, Chair cell phone: 227-5098 jem21@cornell.edu Susan Schattschneider, Vice-Chair 257-8783 55 Highgate Cir Ithaca, NY 14850 Lynn Eastman home: 277-0881 126 Fieldstone Cir Ithaca, NY 14850 Marilyn Reycroft 257-3764 541 Warren Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Susan Murphy, CU home 273-6771 wk: 255-7595 shm1@cornell.edu 49 Eastlake Rd Ithaca, NY 14850 Sandy Drumluk TC3 wk: 607.844.6580 or: 844-8211x4269 drumlus@TC3.edu Joseph During, Jr. home: 753-9153 3585 State Route 215 Cortland, NY 13045 James Henion home: 273-6495 84 Layen Rd Ithaca, NY 14850 James Hisle (CU) home: 257-4919 jh69@cornell.edu 38 Forest Acres Dr Ithaca, NY 14850 If you do contact them, let me know whether you get a reply. We'll share the news of any response here. Thanks for your activism on behalf of preserving fairness and democracy in our community financial institutions, and in our lives. please read on ... Participate in the Community Budget Forum This Thursday Now that the Tompkins County Legislature has heard from County Departments about the impact of propsed budget cuts, it's time to bring the budget to the public for your comments. You are cordially invited to a Community Budget Forum that will be held at GIAC (Greater Ithaca Activities Center), 318 North Albany Street, in downtown Ithaca, on Thursday, September 21. The forum will start at 7 p.m. Please come to the forum to learn about the budget and to let us know what you think about this year's budget. Parking is available on the street and in the parking lot across the street, adjacent to the Alex Haley Pool. Please come. We need to hear from YOU. please read on ... Celebrate Latino Heritage Month in Tompkins County
This announcement is just in from the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County, about Latino Heritage Month. It's helpful to be reminded of the contributions that we Latinos make in this community, county, country and world, as well as the the importance of maintaining the roots of our culture.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006Latino Heritage Month is celebrated nationwide from September 15 to October 15 every year. Everyone is invited to attend the events and to join the celebration! In what has become a culturally rich tradition now in its ninth year, the Latino Civic Association of Tompkins County has organized a series of activities for all residents to enjoy, ranging from a book reading to musical performances at the Commons. Friday, September 15 events kick off with a civic and cultural event at Lehman Alternative Community School, including -reading of the Latino Heritage Month Proclamation before the LAACS students by City Mayor Carolyn Peterson and Tompkins County Legislature Chair, Tim Joseph, -a music performance by Sally Ramirez -presentations on Latino culture -current issues affecting the Latino and immigrant community There will also be an educational workshop on afro-latin drums and instruments by Jorge Cuevas at Beverly J. Martin and Fall Creek Elementary Schools. On Saturday September 23, the Kitchen Theater will present TeatroTaller in Fronteras/Borders, by E.lvira Sanchez-Blake, a local writer and Cornell faculty and directed by Carolina Osorio. The play is about the two sides of the immigration story. The celebration continues Friday. October 6, when FirstFridays, in collaboration with the Latino Civic Association, will host a Latin Party with DJ Carlos Porras at the Hilton Garden Inn, 7:00 p.m.-1:00 a.m. These activities in celebration of Latino Heritage Month end on Saturday, October 7, with an evening of arts, music, dance and cultural activities at the Community School of Music and Arts, 330 E. State Street. Thanks to the generous contribution of the Puerto Rican Studies Association, which is celebrating its 7th Biennial Conference at Cornell University, October 5 - 8, the Latino Civic Association is proud to present an evening of Puerto Rican culture and arts. The activities at CSMA will start at 6:30 p.m., with Juan Sanchez, a visual artist, doing a multimedia presentation titled, Boricua Don't Be Vague: Black Is We, Black Is You, Black Is Us. This will be followed by An Evening with El Puerto Rican Embassy, at CSMA, 3rd Floor Performance Room, 328 E State Street. El Puerto Rican Embassy "represents a new generation of experimental Puerto Rican Artists working at the margin of established art movements - who take risks which illuminate contemporary issues, question established cultural aesthetics and challenge dominant political issues." It includes Adal Maldonado, visual artist; Mariposa, born Maria Teresa Fernandez, an award winning poet and performer from the Bronx; Flaco Navaja, a poet, singer, actor, comedian and activist who was born and raised in the Bronx; and closing up with Frank Cotto and VAYA!, a New York - based "Latin Funk" Band, which plays "Salsa Dura" ("Hardcore Salsa"): a mixture of Latin rhythms with a funky edge. It features a new-yet-classic sound featuring heavy Blues guitars and Latin rhythms. This year the Latino Civic Association is partnering with the Puerto Rican Studies Association, the Cornell University Latino Studies Program, The Ithaca Downtown Partnership, the Multicultural Resource Center, FirstFridays, the City of Ithaca and Tompkins County to bring events to Ithaca. Financial support for the 2006 Latino Heritage Month activities comes from the Puerto Rican Studies Association, the Cornell Latino Studies Program,, City of Ithaca, the Cornell Public Service Center, and the Tompkins County Legislature through the Room Tax Fund. Generous in-kind donations have also been received from the Kitchen Theater, and the Cornell College of Arts & Sciences. please read on ... Cayuga Green II Abatement Vote (Again) at Tompkins County IDA Update: Cayuga Green II won approximately 3.5 million dollars in tax abatements from the Tompkins County IDA. The vote was 5-2. I was joined in my "no" vote by Jeff Furman. My vote on this controversial project was based on many factors, some of which are examined below. Please let me know your thoughts on this and other economic development issues. This Friday, the Tompkins County Industrial Agency will likely vote on whether to allow Cayuga Green II's new configuration almost 3.5 million dollars in requested tax abatements. This downtown density project evoked a storm of protest from residents last year due to disagreement over cost analyses, issues of local competition, and taxpayer rejection of the offered incentives. Public Outcry Spurred Positive Changes To his credit, the developer responded by making substantive changes in square footage, adding residential space and dropping plans for a large multiplex theater. The current plan teams up with local theater operators rather than competing with them. There is even the possibility that a Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit Bus shelter and ticket center will occupy prime space on the corner of the ground floor. While these changes in response to public input are welcome, and the project remains an interesting addition to downtown economic development, it's still not assured my "yes" vote for the massive tax incentives. The reason lies in the contradictions inherent in a flawed downtown density policy. Although revisions to the policy are now in progress, Cayuga Green II qualifies for consideration under the policy as originally adopted. Although density tax abatements support increasing density downtown, the lack of workforce housing downtown effectively pushes out those earning an income 50% below the median county income and lower. In effect, this reserves the benefits of the downtown walkable community for professionals, those making higher wages, and the independently wealthy. Real Economic Development Includes "Workforce Housing" -- Housing for the Working Poor and Working Class I believe in sustainable economic development. As a downtown resident and lifetime urban dweller, I agree that growth is essential to the vitality of the downtown core. However, right now, housing costs in downtown Ithaca are prohibitive to many downtown workers. When I hear the term "affordable housing", I say, "affordable for whom?". Many proponents of tax incentives for developers are using the term to include housing that is affordable for those making 80% of the median income level and above. That's a fraction of the workforce, and this fraction has far more resources than those at 50% or below. The current density policy is a public policy favoring the professional class and the wealthy at the expense of the majority. It gives tax incentives to projects that create low-wage jobs creating little or no workforce housing. Employees at the low-wage jobs we subsidize with these density tax breaks are forced to commute for housing, while those at or above 80% of the median income level gain businesses within walking distance, and subsidized housing from the abatements. What's Wrong With Subsidizing Density Without Workforce Housing or Good Jobs? Granting density tax abatement incentives to Cayuga Green II is seen as a remedy for sprawl, but even if that were true, it would be true only for those whose incomes are at or above 80% of the median county income. This is not an environmentally sustainable policy in the long-run. Pushing diverse economic classes out of the downtown core is not desirable or consistent with what this community claims to stand for. We all pay for sprawl, while seeking parking, clean air, and less traffic, but as the downtown workforce fills up their gas tanks for the commute to work, they pay first, last, and most, when proportionate costs to income are considered. Even the use of public transit is impractical for typical low-skilled workers whose jobs require shift work, early or late hours, or a flexible schedule. What Does "Sustainable Economic Development" Mean? In order to support sustainable economic development, that is, economic development directly affecting all three sectors of the economic tripod, business, the workforce, and tourism, workforce housing must be taken into consideration when making decisions regarding density subsidies. In addition, density incentives must take into consideration whether new jobs created deserve a public subsidy. The IDA should use abatements to support the creation of workforce housing, rather than giving incentives only to wealthy investors and the downtown elites. Low-wage, low-skill jobs should rarely, if ever be subsidized with tax abatements. Jobs qualifying for tax abatements in the density area should be good jobs, with good benefits, so that the workers can put wages back into the downtown community, put roots down here, and flourish. That's a summary of my views on the density policy, tax abatements, and sustainable economic development--let me know what you think. please read on ... Labor Day Post on AFL-CIO Blog Check out this great post on the AFL-CIO blog. It's about the history of Labor Day, and how the Labor Movement sought and won the 8 hour day for workers in the US. Eight Hours for What We Will! And here's another great page on labor history, with links to a wealth of info: AFL-CIO Labor History . If you get the holiday off, I hope you enjoy it. If you don't get Labor Day off as a holiday, I hope you get compensated well for working it! If you don't, maybe you should organize. please read on ... Transfer Tax Rant Update: On September 5, 2006, the Tompkins County Legislature passed a local law authorizing an additional 2% added to the existing transfer tax despite a public outcry opposing the tax. I voted no and lost to a slim 8-7 majority. Next Tuesday the Tompkins County Legislature will vote on the transfer tax. I'm voting against it. My analysis has shown me that rather than being a tax targeted at rich real estate moguls and unscrupulous house-flippers, the financial burden of the transfer tax falls disproportionately on working people. If your home is your nest egg, if your family recently purchased a run-down property to fix up and sell for a profit, or if a family member took a second or third job selling real estate, this tax will hit you below the belt. I have listened to the arguments: that this will allow Tompkins County to keep the overall tax rate lower, that this will pay for endangered, sorely needed social programs, and that we have already estimated these revenues in our budget. I don't think these are valid arguments. We should be doing something more fiscally prudent, more fair, and more transparent: We should try to cut spending by this amount. Proponents of this tax suggest that we may fail to cut spending enough to offset these needed revenues. Even so, rather than add an additional 2% for local revenue onto the transfer tax, Tompkins County should directly include the needed amount in the overall tax rate. This will allow easier tracking of the revenue -- how we spend taxpayer dollars. I know it's not a great solution. After all, the property tax is not the greatest way to fund government, but tough times don't justify using smoke-and-mirror strategies to raise funding. This new property tax would be less transparent, and less fair. More Details The Tompkins County Transfer Tax would add 2% to the fees and taxes that sellers of property incur in Tompkins County. Proponents argue that this is a relatively painless way to raise revenues from people who are already experiencing an influx of money at the sale of their property. Opponents cite a host of problems, including the fact that this new tax has not been designated to fund a particular program or department. Other opponents of the transfer tax cite the dampening effect as sellers pass the tax on to buyers in a softening housing market. But there are other reasons not to like this tax. For some Herrera-style history, I remind you that in the past, I voted against the mortgage tax, which would have directly added taxes to what buyers pay in Tompkins County. Last year, in an attempt to find more revenues, the idea of a transfer tax on sellers was raised. I voted against it, preferring to cut spending or add to the tax rate, but the majority prevailed, sending the change to the State. Now that the measure has wended its way through the State Legislature and been signed by the NYS Governor, it must be approved by the current County Legislature to become law. There are now seven (7) new members of the Tompkins County Legislature who did not vote for the transfer tax. Now the budget season is upon us, with growing pressures to deal with shrinking federal and state support, while taxpayers plea for relief from the rising cost of living in Tompkins County. There is temptation to find revenues, fast, to support the services and programs that we depend on for the quality of life we cherish. Let's face it: for the poor and for those on fixed incomes such as retirees and the disabled, our community is unaffordable. I don't blame my colleagues for desperately seeking sources of revenue. However, this transfer tax, to quote a recent email I got "is exactly the wrong measure at precisely the wrong time". I hope it fails to pass the Legislature this coming Tuesday. please read on ... Super Energy Efficient Home for Sale in Co-operative Community This message is from a local family, about an energy efficient home for sale. Our family has made the very difficult choice to sell our wonderfully, sweet, two-story house in SONG, the second neighborhood at Ecovillage at Ithaca, a 175-acre, co-housing community located 2 miles west of Ithaca (www.ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us). Here are the details: --End unit with large front garden. Only steps away from the newly completed SONG Common House and the fenced community garden. --South-facing, with a bay window and fabulous views --749 sq. ft on each floor --Large mudroom --Open floor plan --Incredibly energy-efficient: Air lock entry, passive solar, radiant floor, superinsulated building shell, earth-sheltered lower floor with bright, sunny windows --Energy Star labeled home; solar hot water ready --Tile flooring for thermal mass on upper floor --Solid wood interior doors and Andersen windows --Excellent indoor air quality (low VOC paints and finishes, no combustion, energy recovery ventilation) --Large pantry and central kitchen (Granite countertops, tile backsplash, electric cooktop, energy-efficient refrigerator, custom cabinetry from local wood, dishwasher-ready) --Adorable upstairs play loft --Two downstairs bedrooms --1 - 1/2 baths --Small but useful side porch --Lots of storage space Asking Price: $185,000 Please contact Elisabeth Harrod-- 277-8809, or ebeth@ecovillage.ithaca.ny.us to learn more about living in SONG and about setting up an appointment to see #217. This is a great opportunity for someone who values sustainability and energy conservation to buy a house and live in a community that shares these values. please read on ... Commercial Driver's License Free Training -- Open House Come to an Open House for the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training Program "Earn a CDL -- the Start of a Great Career" When: Thursday, August 3, 2006 5 PM to 7 PM Where: Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC), 318 Albany St. Refreshments will be provided! This project is funded in part through the City of Ithaca's Community Development Block Grant Program, and preference must be given to City of Ithaca residents. This Commercial Driver's License Training is for: -Single parents -The unemployed or underemployed -People of color -Those who have a Class "D" driver's license -Those who have less than 4 points on their driver's license -People who want a good paying job -People who love to meet new people every day -Those who may need help to pass the written and road test CDL training partners: The City of Ithaca Human Resources Dept., GIAC, TCAT, TCAction, BOCES, Tompkins County Personnel Dept, Lillian Lightbourn, CDL Program Coordinator Ithaca is lucky to have this highly skilled and knowledgeable trainer. Lillian Lightbourn strengthens our community-level economic development by training and mentoring motivated individuals who want a career that requires a commercial driver's license. This is another way that we "grow our own" qualified employees for good paying, skilled jobs. Want to know more? Come to the open house! please read on ... Antiques "Den of Antiquity" Comes to Ithaca August 5 Bring your antiques to the Ithaca Commons next Saturday for free appraisal and fun events. On Saturday, August 5th from Noon to 4PM WCNY's new show, "Den of Antiquity" will be filmed on the Commons. -Along with the appraisals, live jazz and blues music will be performed from Noon to 4pm, hand-made crafts from regional artists will be featured and you can paint a free tile courtesy of Dynamic Patterns at the First Niagara booth. You don't even need an appraisal to come out and enjoy. Music Schedule, Aug. 5th: Fountain Area on the Commons: Noon-2pm: A2M, jazz trio. New group consisting of local favorites Armstrong, Aceto, Murphy 2pm-4pm: Burke and Bone, old time country blues -The best antiques will be chosen to be aired on the program in January 2007. -The event starts at Noon and WCNY will choose the featured antiques on a first come, first serve basis, so come early if you want to be chosen. WCNY will also pull out rare finds from the crowd, so make sure your unique story of how the antique became yours is ready to be told. -Only one item per person will be allowed to be appraised. Bring your treasures to the Bernie Milton Pavilion on August 5th between 12 noon and 4pm to have them appraised, or simply come to enjoy the hand-made crafts, live music and more. For help transporting your item onto the Commons or for additional information, contact Katie Wadsworth at (607) 277-8679 or click here. Here are some places that you can always get your Goods Appraised in Downtown Ithaca: Comics For Collectors does FREE estimates on any comic, graphic novel, original art, and some action figures like Star Wars. Tim, the owner, is also an avid Early American Glass collector, specializing in pieces dating from 1790 to 1860, mainly produced by glass companies that were located near the Boston area. Sometimes Tim will help identify glass pieces for interested parties. Call 272-3007 for appointments on either subject. Pastimes Antiques, located in the Dewitt Mall, has free in-store appraisals with no charge and no obligation. (607) 277-3457 Titus Gallery, located at 222 The Commons, does appraisals, though unofficial, during store hours. (607) 277-2649 Autumn Leaves, located at 115 The Commons, appraises rare and Collectible books during most of our store hours (though it is best to call ahead and make an appointment). They have 14 years of experience in dealing with rare and collectible books, as well as an extensive library of bibliographies. 607-273-8239 The Bookery I, located in Dewitt Mall, does appraisals during store hours. Please call ahead 607-273-5055. Send us pictures if you attend the "Den of Antiquity"--and tell us if your item was chosen to be on the show. please read on ... Stephen Colbert Skewers NLRB Anti-Union Assault
This message is of vital importance to working men and women. For more information, see my July 8th post on the "Kentucky River" NLRB case.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006Plus, see Comedy Central skewer the Bush Administration's continued assault on workers' rights. To watch this hilarious clip from Comedy Central's July 19th "Colbert Report" satirizing Fox News' "The O'Reilly Factor", click here! Host Stephen Colbert takes on the National Labor Relations Board and the potentially disastrous impact its rulings could have on workers. Just click the "Play" button in the middle of the image. The Bush-appointed National Labor Relations Board is poised to issue decisions that could strip millions of workers of their right to have a union at work-all without holding public hearings. If you haven't done so, ask Congress to demand the NLRB hold hearings on these important cases. Workers should get a chance to speak out about a decision that directly impacts their lives and their freedoms. But the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) is hiding behind closed doors and refuses to hold public hearings! Take action now! If you've already contacted your representatives, can you take the next step and ask your friends to do the same! Tell Your Friends to Help Save Workers' Rights! The wages, hours, and working conditions you save could be your own. please read on ... Federal Marriage Amendment Defeated by Huge Margin This message just in from the Human Rights Campaign. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted down the Federal Marriage Amendment by an overwhelming margin. With 187 Representatives voting against the FMA, the extremists pushing the amendment fell far short of the two-thirds majority needed to write discrimination into the Constitution. You and thousands of committed Human Rights Campaign supporters have spoken up time and time again, urging our elected officials to stand on the side of equality and fairness. Together, our work to combat discrimination has made a difference. If you have a moment today, please take the time to thank your Representative for voting against the FMA. It's not often that our legislators hear our thanks, and an email or even a phone call letting them know that you are proud of their decision will make an impact. To send your email message click here. If you'd like to make a personal call, dial 202-224-3121 to reach the Capitol switchboard and ask to be connected to your Representative. In the face of hateful rhetoric and election-year pressures, they showed a commitment to fairness and freedom. This deserves thanks from all who hold these moral values. please read on ... Finger Lakes International Dragon Boat Festival July 15, 2006 It's been over a year since the arrival of Dragon Boat racing in Ithaca. I was thrilled to find that the Ithaca Dragon Boat Club had brought two boats for racing here in Cayuga inlet. What has two heads, two tails, a combined length of 84 feet, red and blue scales, can hold forty-four people when full, breathes imaginary fire and has been spotted in the Cayuga Inlet and lake? It's the Dragon Boats of Ithaca! The Cayuga Inlet comes to life as magical and mythical creatures raise their heads from the lake to the command of paddles cutting the water and the sounds of the drums vibrating through the air. This event is a celebration of culture and family fun. Click here for schedule. On Saturday, July 15, starting at 9:00 A.M., the Ithaca Asian American Association, along with community partners, hosts Ithaca's first International Dragon Boat Festival, where teams from throughout the United States and Canada compete for the championship and a cash prize. Friday evening, July 14 at 6:30 P.M. a drum showcase on the Ithaca Commons kicks off the Festival Saturday, July 15th, starting at 9:00 A.M., Cayuga Inlet near the Ithaca Children's garden area of Cass Park has fun games, entertainment, vendors and "a day at the races".  Bring lawn chairs, blankets, umbrellas, hop on the TCAT shuttle for $.50 and come to the Inlet. Experience this multicultural summer extravaganza. Participate as a paddler, watch the races, support the vendors or enjoy the on-land, fun-filled, family activities sponsored by the Ithaca Children's Garden, Johnson Museum, Museum of the Earth, and theSciencenter. Additionally, Tai Chi, Taiko drumming performance and guest musicians are some of the many highlights to expect on the shoreline of Cayuga's waters. The starting line begins behind Chemung Canal Trust (the Old Station Restaurant) and ends at Lookout Point in front of the Boatyard Grill. Spectacular and close up views of the races can be had from both sides of the inlet. Dragon boat teams from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, New York, Washington D.C., and our local teams of the Ithaca Dragon Boat Club will compete in a one-day competition of sprints of 250 meter and 500 meter races. Equipped with 20 paddlers, a steerer and a drummer, teams will vie for the fastest time. Seventy to eighty seconds will surely win the 250 meter division while 500 meters can be won in less than two and half minutes. The IAAA is proud to bring this dynamic festival to Ithaca's waterway and we hope you will join us to experience the world of dragon boat racing. For more information, please visit www.ithacadragonboat.org, contact info@ithacadragonboat.org, or call Amy at 257-3207. Don't miss this event--as you can see, Dragon Boat Racing is growing by leaps and bounds, with Ithaca in a prime location for top-flight teams from all over the East Coast. please read on ... N.Y. Home Child Care Providers Close to Winning Right to Form Unions I also found this information on the AFL-CIO blog. Our sisters and brothers in the home child care industry are fighting for the right to organize. More than 50,000 New York home child care providers are close to winning the right to join unions. The New York State Senate voted June 21 to override Gov. George Pataki's (R) veto of a bill granting the workers the right to organize into unions. Home child care workers have won the right to join unions in several states recently. In February, some 6,000 Iowa child care workers joined AFSCME as did 5,000 home child care providers in Oregon last September. Home child care professionals want this legislation to improve their profession, the quality of care for the children and parents they serve, and the safety and health of their workplaces. please read on ... Workers Fight for Their Freedom to Form Unions in Nationwide Week of Actions Here's a message about union activism from the AFL-CIO blog. Pay attention. This could affect you, union member or not. Nurses, construction workers, miners, and thousands of other workers nationwide are taking part in a week of actions beginning July 10 to demand the Bush-appointed National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) do its job and protect workers' freedom to join a union. "The NLRB is set to rule on a set of cases that could take away bargaining rights from hundreds of thousands of employees by altering the definition of "supervisor" to include skilled and experienced workers who give instructions to other workers. Unlike other employees, supervisors are not allowed to join unions, and employers often try to classify workers as supervisors to deny them the right to union representation and collective bargaining. By broadening the legal definition of "supervisor", these cases, collectively known as "Kentucky River," could significantly take away contract protections for workers represented by unions and deny even more their right to organize, reversing decades of worker protections."... Think this won't affect you? Think again. Under the upcoming NLRB ruling, nurses, building trades workers, newspaper and television employees, port workers and many others could be prohibited from forming unions. Even foremen on construction jobs who work with a team of workers could lose their union rights under a broad definition of "supervisor." That means thousands of painters, welders, sheet metal workers, plumbers, electricians and others could lose their right to be in a union. You can act now to contact your members of Congress to tell Bush's labor board to reverse its decision and allow oral arguments in the "Kentucky River" cases. This blatant disregard for the National Labor Relations Act will undermine wages of workers all over the country, whether they are union members or not, supervisors or not. Act now. please read on ... Ask a Working Woman Survey Win A Trip to Chicago I just got this reminder from the AFL-CIO to take the Ask a Working Woman Survey --so I did. You can too. All members of Congress are up for re-election this year-and they need to hear from us about what working women really want. Ever worry about whether your pay will keep up with rising costs? Do you wonder if you'll be able to get time off work the next time your child gets sick? Ever feel you're treated differently just because you're a woman? If you have, you're not alone. Thousands of working women already have taken the 2006 Ask a Working Woman survey and voiced their concerns. Now, it's your turn. Please fill out the survey at www.aflcio.org/aaww2006 and you could win a trip to Chicago. Each response is a powerful message to Congress. But we all know there's strength in numbers. So after you take the survey, just complete the "tell a friend" section or click here to share the survey with working women you know. Men can help spread the word, too. Encouraging other women to voice their concerns could win you a trip to Chicago. Those who convince the most women to take the survey by July 10 will have a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Chicago for the national release of the survey results in August. The top 25 runners-up will participate in a national conference call with women leaders of unions and women's organizations to strategize about getting our voices heard. Once the survey results are tallied, they will be presented to every member of Congress and to state and local officials. The survey also asks: What is the most important thing you think members of Congress need to understand about working women? You can get as specific as you'd like about your life as a working woman. Together, we can send Congress a powerful message about what women really want. Hope to see YOU in Chicago! --Working Women, AFL-CIO Thanks for speaking up to let lawmakers know--now, pass it on! please read on ... HAVA Alert--More Voting Machine Demonstrations In Tompkins County The Tompkins County Board of Elections has scheduled two more days of voting machine demonstrations. When: From noon to 4 p.m. On Tuesday July 18 Avante will provide equipment for demonstration, and On Wednesday July 19 ES&S (Election Systems & Software) and AutoMark will provide equipment for demonstration. Where: In the Borg Warner Room of the Tompkins County Public Library, 101 E. Green Street, Ithaca New York. The Board of Elections encourages all voters to attend these demonstrations and will solicit comments and concerns about the various systems. By Federal and State law, all the mechanical lever type voting machines currently used in Tompkins County must be replaced for the 2007 elections with systems that can better accommodate voters with disabilities. For more information and updates click here, or call the Board of Elections, 607- 274-5522. I encourage you to attend, and let the Board of Elections know your opinion of each machine. please read on ... Meeting Thursday in Support of MLK St. Naming Effort Come visit with your neighbors and discuss this worthy effort! When: Thurs. June 15th 7 PM Where: St James AME Zion Church, 116 Cleveland Ave, Ithaca Facilitated by: Kathy Luz Herrera, County Legislator 5th Ward What: Free Pizza, Drinks, and Great Company This is an open meeting for people in support of changing the name of State Street in Ithaca to Martin Luther King Jr. Street, or who want to find out more about the effort. Celebrate the Circle of Recovery students! Learn the history! Plan the future! Want to know more? Then come join your neighbors and let's talk about this! please read on ... Scooter Commuters in the Ithaca Festival Parade The marvelous Ithaca Festival Parade is June 1 at 6 PM, with scores of community groups and floats, including the Scooter Commuters, a group of local scooter enthusiasts who commute to work by scooter. Like many Tompkins County residents, I enjoy watching the Ithaca Festival Parade, and line the parade route applauding friends and neighbors who make this annual event unique. This year I join the parade as a Scooter Commuter. Yes, I've been riding my scooter to work! I can have fun and save on gas, too. The Festival Parade, although an event unto itself, marks the beginning of the Ithaca Festival this weekend. Quoting from the Festival website: The Ithaca Festival is an artistic celebration of community. This fantastic four day event kicks off with the most hilarious parade on the planet and ends at the majestic Stewart Park on Cayuga Lake. The Ithaca Festival showcases the performances of over 1,000 local artists -- musicians, visual and performance artists, dance and theatre artists, mimes, storytellers, poets and writers, community groups and ensembles. The Ithaca Festival is the largest annual event in Ithaca, New York, attracting an audience of over 35,000 people. The Ithaca Festival is a great place to see folks you haven't seen all year, meet new friends, check out the local arts scene, try food from vendors, buy from local craftspeople, enjoy performances from local and regional artists, and start your summer. Relax. And play a little bit. Or a lot. Maybe I'll see you at the parade! please read on ... Scooter Intervention In the midst of my scooter process, I got this email from my hilarious dear friend Annie: Kathy, Well, I think it's about time I confronted you about this since I value your friendship. I have been going along with the scooter craze because I thought it was just a passing faze. Clearly it is not and I now feel compelled to help you break through your denial. Here are some signs that you might have Scooter Fever. -Do you go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning thinking about scooters? -Do you wake up in the middle of the night Jonesing about scooters? -Do you think scooters are sexier than your significant other(be honest to yourself about this one please)? -Do you spend time at work browsing for any remote information about scooters when you should be working? -Have you taken any time off of work with the sole purpose of looking or test driving a scooter? -Do you have a picture of a scooter or scooter related product as part of your email signature line? -Do you smile gregariously when other people pacify you by saying they are interested in hearing more about your scooter obsession? -Do you rationalize that as a public official, you will be presenting a good example of saving fossil fuels and lessening global climate change by buying a scooter? -Have you driven more than 50 miles to get a fix of scooter riding or gazing? If you answered yes to one or more you might have Scooter Fever. If you answered yes to three or more you definitely have Scooter Fever. If you answered yes to five or more, then you have a much more pathological disease called Scooter Obsession. The cure for this is to buy a scooter ASAP, no matter what anyone else tells you...they are wrong and not your friends anymore...they do not understand what a difficult time you have getting around without a scooter...they don't know how many meetings you have to go to and how difficult it is to park with a standard size vehicle...they do not care about the environment and saving carbon emissions...again, they do not understand you. I hope you think carefully about what I have said and take it to heart, because this might be you. I know it will be easy to dismiss me because I'm just one person, but read this over with your loved one and if she agrees with me, you should try to get out of that Egyptian river. ~Your true friend, Annie Soon after I stopped rolling on the floor laughing, I decided to take action to ease my affliction. I had looked at many scooters, new and used, test driven a few, and even checked out pricing and accessories. It was time to make a decision. please read on ... Scooter's Progress This is part three in a series of scooter posts, detailing how an ordinarily sane individual became enamored of scooters. Once I realized that I needed a motorcycle license, I went down to the DMV (Tompkins County Department of Motor Vehicles) and took the written motorcycle test, which entitled me to a motorcycle learner's permit. An experienced rider could then take the road test, but first I needed some serious safety instruction. I located the Motorcycle Safety Foundation on the web and found the courses available in New York State. After successful completion of the course and final test, you can waive the motorcycle license road test. A few weeks later, you will get the paperwork in the mail that permits you to get a motorcycle license. That's how I found First MSP of Groton New York and signed up for a basic course. These classes are in great demand, and are often booked for months in advance. Luckily, there was a cancellation, so I got into a class right away, along with 11 other students, including three other women. Don Titus and Jason Rockwell of < | ||||
