STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
"I am running because I have strong ties with the community, because I desire strong communication between Common Council and its constituents, and because I am a bridge-builder... I am focused on people, not politics..."
IMPORTANT ISSUES
Housing
Options for renters and homeowners
A mix of lifestyles make our city great, with both renters and homeowners being an integral part of our community. But high property taxes and newly proposed zoning regulations are threatening this. Ithaca saw a 13% increase in property taxes this year, making home ownership attainable for only the wealthy. Additionally, Common Council is considering zoning regulations that would allow out-of-town investors to buy up single family homes and turn them into investment properties. I strongly support good budgeting and owner-occupancy requirements in the 3rd Ward to ensure the option of homeownership in our city. We need to maintain a diversity of housing options in our community for our community.
Infrastructure
Well-maintained infrastructure must be prioritized
Infrastructure — roads, sidewalks, sewers, bridges and so — are the literal foundation for community life. Although Ithaca’s city charter requires a Board of Public Works, it has not been actively meeting since 2020. This means that residents have no way to communicate about infrastructure issues important to them. It also means we have lost a mechanism for transparency and accountability in public works projects. I will ensure that oversight into our public works is once again prioritized, and that residents will have a means to communicate infrastructure problems directly with the city.
Bridge-Building
Civility, respect and trust in Common Council are on the decline
Respectful communication and strong relationships are essential for a functioning government. Over the last year, Common Council has seen members threaten to break confidence, storm out of public meetings, and strain staff relationships. I will work to rebuild Council’s trust with its staff and with the public using regular, respectful communication. I will strive to create strong relationships with all members of Council, working with the representatives from every ward to maintain this community which we all love.
Taxes
High taxes are making our city unaffordable.
Last year’s 13% property tax increase was a shock to many city residents. Although homeowners will bear the initial brunt of the double-digit increase, landlords will tack these additional costs onto rent and businesses will be forced to raise prices. To keep the city affordable, I will focus on growing our economy in places like the Commons and Downtown, and ensuring we remain a top vacation spot in the Finger Lakes.
Public Input
Communication is Key
In 2021, City officials suspended Advisory Comissions designed to increase community input into city issues. These are an excellent way for concerned citizens to engage with city policy. Reinstating these commissions will require a lot of work, and I am dedicated to bringing them back.