Statement

I'm a retired veterinarian, 34-year Caroline resident, and a 4-year Danby property owner. I served nine years on the Caroline Town Board, where I led successful efforts to ban fracking, protect our water, and expand broadband and emergency medical services. For 15 years, I’ve led Fossil Free Tompkins to shut down the Cayuga coal plant, stop new gas pipelines, and win millions in clean energy funding. And for years, I’ve challenged NYSEG to deliver fair rates and an affordable clean energy transition.

As your County Legislator I will prioritize fiscal restraint while securing the safety net, and protecting people’s freedoms. I’m especially passionate about planning for climate change related extreme weather events. Over the past few years, we’ve seen high winds, flooding, extreme heat, drought, a local wildfire, and hazardous air from distant fires. Before serious disaster strikes, the County must coordinate planning across emergency services, public health, human services, local governments, communications and community partners to keep people safe. And I’ll support our farms and strengthen our rural community, because I believe that when rural communities are strong, the whole county thrives.