Legislature

Overview and Legislative Philosophy

As a union electrician, I bring a working person’s perspective to county government. Always mindful of the interests of diverse groups and of the importance of differences in opinion, I am committed to working toward more than “majority rules” decisions. I believe that retaining the quality of life in Tompkins County depends on balancing the needs of all our residents regardless of education level or socio-economic status. I am an avid supporter of sustainable economic development, livable wages, job training, and making living and shopping in Tompkins County more affordable.

In 2001, I was elected to the Tompkins County Board of Representatives, now called the Tompkins County Legislature. During two terms in office, I have honed a legislative philosophy based on my background as a working class, lesbian Latina,  tempered by my experience collaborating with fellow legislators, County staff, and members of the community. Building coalitions in the community of color, the environmental, peace, recovery, labor, women’s and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTQ) communities while developing progressive, pragmatic solutions to the problems of the residents of Tompkins County just comes naturally to me.

My passion for social justice, emphasis on improving the lives of working families, and appreciation of the varying needs of my constituents have led me to support:

transparently and responsibly managing taxpayer resources;
reducing County property taxes with innovative methods;
establishing livable wage for County employees;
implementing measurable core performance objectives,
retaining annual assessments;
renewing alternatives to incarceration;
adopting best practices for diversity and inclusion;
utilizing contractors with certified apprenticeship programs;
public accountability and open government;
advocating for our public transportation system; and
promoting smart economic development such as downtown density and sustainable tourism initiatives.

These efforts are consistent with my core beliefs, and illustrate the focus of my public service.

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 All meetings are open to the public and you are cordially invited to attend meetings of the Tompkins County Legislature at 320 North Tioga St., Ithaca, NY. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Are you interested in serving on a Tompkins County Advisory Board, Commission or Council? Please click here for more information!

If you have other questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Born and raised in Houston, Texas, I have lived in the 5th Ward since 1988. Since 1992, Jill, my partner of more than 25 years, and I have owned a house in Fall Creek. I enjoy walking in the neighborhood, camping, snorkeling and riding my scooter around the County. I am currently reading about organic beekeeping.