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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. Friday, October 21, 2005 My Report on the League of Women Voters' Candidate Forum Last night I attended the Candidate Forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Tompkins County. It was taped, and will be broadcast on Time Warner Cable Channel 13 on: Thursday, Nov. 3, 1-3PM Friday, Nov. 4, 9-11AM Saturday, Nov 5, 1-3PM Each candidate was given 2 minutes to introduce themselves. For your information, I have posted below the full text of the statement I made (At the forum I had to drop the last paragraph and a half. I ran out of time!). "In representing the 5th District, I keep the greater good of Tompkins County in mind. Although I represent a mostly urban district, I make decisions to fund programs in the rural areas and municipalities because it assists us in promoting a better life in Tompkins County. The 5th District is well served by healthy and vibrant rural communities, which contribute to Tompkins County's quality of life. A dynamic and healthy downtown core is also essential to the health of Tompkins County. As a resident of Fall Creek, I can simply walk a few blocks downtown to find theater, arts and music, shopping, and restaurants even as I enjoy the remarkable physical beauty of this area. Our quality of life downtown and in Tompkins County is good, partly due to our stewardship of the natural beauty and resources that surround us. As Chair of the Planning, Development and Environmental Quality Committee, I support related initiatives and programs sponsored by the Environmental Management Council and the Water Resources Council. To keep downtown viable, as a member of the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency, I back projects that create jobs for area residents. I give thoughtful consideration to projects requesting tax abatements, casting "no" votes when appropriate. Bringing in good paying jobs with good benefits allows residents to live where they work, which is the keystone to sustainable economic development. Similarly, promoting affordable housing in the downtown core plays a critical role in keeping our downtown economically diverse and helps prevent sprawl. I support job training and workforce development as another focus of sustainable economic development, providing better skilled local workers for area businesses. As one of two Tompkins County Legislators of color, I am involved in recent initiatives supporting diversity in the County, encouraging inclusion at every level of government. Such diversity efforts include the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community, of which I am proud to be a member. During my tenure, I have made tough fiscal decisions for the greater good of the County. This year, the Tompkins County Legislature will likely keep the tax levy increase at 0 percent with help from the administration, department heads, agencies, and staff. As a member of the Board of Directors of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT), I assisted the transition to one employer, mindful of the need to support TCAT employees while keeping costs down for taxpayers. As both a union member and a taxpayer, I foster opportunities for communication and cooperation between the administration and employees, remembering that county employees living in the county pay taxes, too. In seeking a second term, I ask you to join me in working for the greater good of Tompkins County, with sustainable economic development, affordable housing, vital rural communities, environmental awareness, job training, workforce development, diversity initiatives, and fiscal responsibility. For more information, please see my website and blog. On November 8, I ask that you Vote for Kathy Luz Herrera! Working for you; Building Community in Tompkins County." At the forum, those candidates in contested races were given the opportunity to answer questions posed by the audience. Issues raised included tax abatements, rising assessments, the tax levy, the communications project, the jail, public safety, roads, Alternatives to Incarceration, use of the fund balance, and of course, whether and how to prioritize budgeting. At a couple of points, the discussion became quite animated. Differing opinions and interpretations of data were presented and debated in a structured setting with tight time constraints. At 9 o'clock, time was called, so we went out to the lobby and shared light refreshments and chatted informally. It was a congenial closing to an important community event. The League of Women Voters deserves our thanks for providing this service to the voters. They have a website that is packed with information. On the site, you'll find many useful voter links, including a calendar of LWV events, an election calendar, action alerts, information on how to contact your elected officials, a (.pdf file) voters' guide Part 1, and a very important (.pdf file) voters' guide Part 2. The voters' guide Part 2 details two State proposals on the ballot this year: a budget reform bill which would amend articles IV and VII of the NYS Constitution, and a proposal to approve bonding for the 2005 Transportation Act. Be an informed voter. Check it out! The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government. The League also influences public policy through action and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose candidates or political parties. |
