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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 ... |
