Irene Stein was a great leader, a role model—and a dear friend Linda Hoffman, Chair, Tompkins County Democratic Committee TCDC lost a great leader and dear friend last month. Irene Stein, who passed away March 26 at the age of 92, was a TCDC member since the 1960s and our chair from 1990 to 2019. During that time she encouraged generations of members to invest their time and talents into building the local party and advancing Democratic goals, whether via elected office or local committees. Irene was also a driving force in improving the lives of local elderly residents. She started at the Tompkins County Office for the Aging in 1985 and served as Director from 1996 until her retirement in 2006. In 1996 she helped found the Democratic Rural Conference as a counterweight to New York City and surrounding counties in New York State party politics. Irene served as DRC chair from 2008 until she retired in 2019, making sure the needs and voices of Upstate New Yorkers received their share of state party attention and resources. A fuller account of Irene’s active political, professional and family life can be read here: https://www.ithacajournal.com/obituaries/bps138427. A community celebration of the lives […]
Continue readingCategory Archives: Town of Ithaca
Summer 2022 Update from Tompkins County Board of Elections
Primary Elections The June 28, 2022 Primary is no longer a Federal Primary This primary is for registered Democrats and Republicans in Tompkins County. The contests are: Candidate for Governor (D & R) Candidate for Lieutenant Governor (D only) Candidate for City of Ithaca 4th Ward Alderperson (D only) Absentee eligibility for this election includes: civilian, permanent, UOCAVA, and military. Absentees must also be enrolled in the party having the primary. The Federal Primary is currently scheduled for August 23, 2022 It is not yet known which parties will have a primary for the Congressional Representative Candidate(s) or which district number will be the final approved for Tompkins County Voters. When the district information and dates are settled, we will share that information with the public. This primary date may include Candidate for State Senator. Federal Voters are eligible to vote for Candidate for Congressional Representative only. Civilian, permanent, UOCAVA, and military absentee voters are eligible to vote for both contests in this election. Special Election for Representative in Congress 23rd (current) District It is expected that an election would be held for the remainder of the term (through 2022) for Representative in Congress, 23rd District, a seat vacated by Tom Reed. All […]
Continue readingAttention Absentee Voters: Important Information Regarding Changes
New York State has recently enacted a law that will change the ability of voters who have applied for an absentee ballot to vote in person on the voting machine. In the past, voters who applied for an absentee ballot could change their minds and vote in person on a voting machine either during early voting or on Election Day. Their absentee ballots, if completed and sent in to the Board of Elections, would then be set aside unopened. With this new law, voters who have applied for an absentee ballot may still go to the polls on Election Day, but they will no longer be able to vote on the machine. If they wish to vote in-person, it will be by affidavit ballot only. If you have any questions about this law, please call the Board of Elections at (607) 274-5522. Qualifications To Vote By Absentee Ballot 1. Absent from your county on Election Day. 2. Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability, 3. Unable to appear because you are the primary care giver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled. 4. A resident or patient of a […]
Continue readingMeet the Congressional and NYS State Senate Candidates, Feb 20-21
Please join us for two NYS Candidates Fora: NYS Senate 53rd District Candidates Forum, Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., and 22nd Congressional Candidates Forum, Monday, February 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. Both fora will be live-streamed via YouTube links listed below. The format will involve each candidate delivering an opening statement with a series of question and answers. Each candidate will deliver closing remarks to finish. NYS Senate 53rd District Candidates Forum – Sunday, February 20, 2022 – start time 7:00 p.m. Meet the candidates running for the NYS Senate 53rd District: Leslie Danks Burke, Lea Webb, and Ammitai Worob. https://youtu.be/1V8PQWUi1DA 22nd Congressional Candidates Forum – Monday, February 21, 2022 – start time 7:00 p.m. Meet the candidates running for 22nd Congressional District: Francis Conole, Vanessa Fajan-Turner, Sarah Klee Hood, Steve Holden, Chol Majok, Josh Riley, and Sam Roberts. https://youtu.be/JZ62URdaRMw We truly hope you will join us for both of these events.
Continue readingA Statement of Gratitude for Tee-Ann Hunter’s Service
The Town of Ithaca Democratic Committee would like to congratulate Tee-Ann Hunter on her retirement from the Town of Ithaca Board and thank her for her many years of distinguished public service. Tee-Ann served on the Board for over 12 years, after having served for 6 years as Town Clerk. During her tenure on the Board, Tee-Ann became a knowledgeable and accessible representative, often prioritizing residents’ concerns in the formulation of public policy. Tee-Ann recognized the nutritional and general wellness benefits of gardening and catalyzed the creation of the West Hill Community Garden, which, with modest Town support, provides agricultural opportunities for members of our community who might otherwise not have ready access. Her love of the natural environment, her sense of its fragility, and of its value to the larger community inspired her to re-energize the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization, transforming it into a thriving and forward-looking State-relevant planning entity. Tee-Ann also took a keen interest in sound long-range fiscal policy, championing the use of asset management practices and capital improvement planning as a way of efficiently anticipating and preparing for large-scale expenditures. Likewise, her appreciation for and understanding of land-use planning and architectural aesthetics made her a […]
Continue readingA Statement of Gratitude for Pat Leary’s Service
The Town of Ithaca Democratic Committee is grateful for the service of Pat Leary, who retired in December after a total of 24 years as a member of the Ithaca Town Board. Pat was first elected in 1985 and served two four-year terms. She was elected again in 2005 and served four terms. Pat was appointed Deputy Town Supervisor from May 2008 through December 2009. During her tenure Pat served on a variety of committees, including the Budget, Planning, Codes and Ordinances, Public Works, Sidewalk, and Short-Term Rental Committees. In each of these roles she worked tirelessly to ensure the quality of life of Town residents. Pat was particularly dedicated to making affordable housing available to Town residents and believed neighborhoods within the Town should foster a sense of community. Pat was committed the well-being of the Town’s staff. She felt that as an employer the Town has a moral obligation to treat its workers fairly and never forgot that Town employees are often called upon to do difficult work under dangerous conditions. As a result, Pat strongly advocated for living wages and good benefits, as well as a safe and satisfying work environment. Pat will be missed by her […]
Continue readingPeter Stein
It is with deepest sadness, we write to you this evening of the passing of Peter Stein on Friday, September 17th, 2021. Peter was a life-long member of the Tompkins County Democratic Committee and the TCDC representative to the NYS Democratic Committee. Many of us remember Peter’s contributions as the committee parliamentarian and his passionate interventions during our meetings. He was also a County Legislator from the Town of Ithaca for almost a decade, and before that a member of the Ithaca Town Board. He had a deep understanding and commitment for social justice and the need for Democratic principles within governance. Professionally Peter was an esteemed professor emeritus in the Cornell Physics and Nuclear Studies Department with publications and research that were seminal to his field. Peter was married for 65 years to Irene Stein, our long-time Chair of the Tompkins County Democratic Committee. Our entire committee extends our deepest condolences to Irene and their children, grandchildren, and newest great grandchild. Due to the current situation, there is no memorial service planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the Alzheimer’s Association, or Cornell University. A link to Peter’s […]
Continue readingNovember 2, 2021 is Election Day: News from the Tompkins County Board of Elections
In Tompkins County more than 300 people are needed to work as election inspectors and operate the polls on Election Day. In order to be a Democratic Poll Watcher you must be 17 or older, a registered Democratic voter in Tompkins County (or pre-registered if under 18), and enjoy people and service to others. https://www2.tompkinscountyny.gov/boe/pollworker Voter Registration for the General Election MAIL REGISTRATION (N.Y. Election Law Section 5-210(3)) Applications must be postmarked no later than October 8, 2021 and received by a board of elections no later than October 13, 2021 to be eligible to vote in the General Election. IN PERSON REGISTRATION (N.Y. Election Law Sections 5-210, 5-211, 5-212) You may register at your local board of elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act, on any business day throughout the year but, to be eligible to vote in the General Election, your application must be received no later than October 8, 2021. If honorably discharged from the US Military or have become a naturalized US Citizen after October 8, 2021, you may register in person at the Board of Elections up until October 23, 2021. CHANGE OF ADDRESS (N.Y. Election Law Section 5-208(3)) Notices of change of address from registered voters […]
Continue readingStatement from NYS Democratic Chairman on Incoming Governor Kathy Hochul
New York will finally have its first female Governor and we could not be in better hands. From assisting her mother run a transitional domestic violence shelter to helping make the property tax cap permanent, Kathy Hochul has always and relentlessly fought for the people of New York. Her experience at all levels of government – Town Board Member, County Clerk, Congresswoman, and Lieutenant Governor, makes her uniquely well-equipped to effectively govern the State at this time. I am confident that incoming Governor Hochul’s empathy, work ethic and authentic concern for the welfare of its citizens will make her an outstanding Governor for our State. Jay S. Jacobs NYS Democratic Chairman
Continue readingSchool Board Elections May 18th
Tompkins County school district elections are going to take place on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. Here are links to information: Dryden School District – polls open 7:00am to 9:00pm at Middle School / High School Auditorium Budget, Candidates, Where to vote Ithaca Times Overview of Candidates Groton City School District – polls open noon to 9pm at Groton Central School District Office Budget, Candidates Ithaca City School District – polls open noon to 9pm: Complete information, including where to vote Budget Lansing School District – polls open 7:00am to 9:00pm at Elementary School Teacher Center Budget info, candidates, newsletter Newfield School District – polls open noon to 9:00pm Budget Where to vote Tompkins Weekly Overview of Candidates Trumansburg School District – polls open noon to 9:00pm Where to vote, budget, and candidate statements Ithaca Times Overview of Candidates
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