David is running for the Common Council seat vacated by Tracy Farrell in the second ward of the city of Ithaca. The second ward is bounded by Cascadilla Creek on the north, Six Mile Creek on the south, Stewart Avenue on the east and the inlet on the west -- the heart of downtown and the west end. David is running as a Green and will be competing in the Democratic Primary on September 25.
I am running because I am outraged at city government for ignoring the needs of the people. I have sat through too many Common Council meetings where concerned citizens have been ignored, berated and even arrested because we want whats best for the neighbors and neighborhoods of Ithaca. Has this approach resulted in a more efficient and effective approach to city governance? Not at all. In fact, we have seen five lawsuits against the city in the last two years, costing tax dollars and citizen confidence. It is time for a change. It is time for representatives we can respect. It is time for respectful and responsive representatives
I am a Democrat and I share many concerns with Greens in Tompkins County. Neighbors, not business, should set the agenda for neighborhoods. Neighbors and local businesses should form partnerships to dissuade inappropriate commercial intrusion. We need to slow traffic down in our downtown neighborhoods and encourage bicycling and walking. We need to entice people to walk downtown by giving them more to walk to. The Cayuga Green development is a good step towards bringing more people to the heart of the city. We need a dental clinic downtown that will accept Medicaid. City government needs to be a leader in supporting a living wage for all workers in the County.
I work as a health educator at Planned Parenthood of Tompkins County. I spend most of my time working with young people in schools, community centers and incarcerated facilities. I am a volunteer facilitator for the Leadership and Multicultural Alliance Project (LMAP) through the Multicultural Resource Center. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Mens Center of Tompkins County, a new organization serving men and their families. I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University in Womens Studies with a focus on government and politics.
Too many candidates today ask for our support when they are campaigning and then forget us after Election Day. My campaign is not just for this election. My campaign is a model for effective city government. I support ward forums for us to discuss our concerns. I believe in bringing government to the people by scheduling meetings where and when real people can attend. We need responsive and respectful city government.
