This is an op-ed endorsement signed by current and former members of Ithaca Common Council (with two exceptions from the current membership: Jorge DeFendini and Jeffrey Barken). It was not written by The Ithaca Voice. To submit op-eds, please send them to Matt Butler at mbutler@ithacavoice.com.
“We current and former members of the Ithaca City Common Council are pleased to announce our endorsement of Laura Lewis to fill the one-year vacancy in this year’s mayoral election. Laura has stood out in the immensely challenging role of acting mayor during a period of transition and has provided our community with needed policy continuity.
Our endorsement is based, in part, on Laura’s demonstrated commitment to consensus-based decision-making and community dialogue. She has been a strong champion of the proposed City Manager reform, which will promote better administrative leadership and accountability, as well as reinforce local separation of powers from administrative and legislative responsibilities. Laura also continues to lead on public safety reform, implementing the Ithaca Green New Deal, and is a long-time supporter of affordable housing in the Ithaca community.”
George McGonigal, First Ward Councilmember and Chair, Public Safety Committee
Cynthia Brock, First Ward Councilmember
Ducson Nguyen, Second Ward Councilmember and Alternate Acting Mayor
Phoebe Brown, Second Ward Councilmember
Rob Gearhart, Third Ward Councilmember
Patrick Mehler, Fourth Ward Councilmember
Robert Cantelmo, Fifth Ward Councilmember and Chair, City Administration Committee
Michelle Berry, Former Second Ward Councilmember
Seph Murtagh, Former Second Ward Councilmember
Donna Fleming, Former Third Ward Councilmember
Ellen McCollister, Former Third Ward Councilmember
Graham Kerslick, Former Fourth Ward Councilmember
Dan Cogan, Former Fifth Ward Councilmember and Former Chief of Staff
Josephine Martell, Former Fifth Ward Councilmember
Deb Mohlenhoff, Former Fifth Ward Councilmember
Chris Proulx, Former Fifth Ward Councilmember