It’s been a BUSY two months and I have a lot to share!

First, I walked from late July through mid-August throughout our entire 2nd Ward to personally collect all of the signatures required for my independent petition. Besides giving me a much needed physical workout(!), this process allowed all 2nd ward residents, regardless of party affiliation, to choose if they’d like me to have me on the ballot on November 6th, as well as share with me their hopes and concerns for our Ward and City. THANK YOU to all those neighbors – Greens, Independents, Republicans, and unaffiliated – who signed my independent petition while knowing that I’ve also welcomed my endorsement by the Democratic Party. I was required to provide a name for my independent bid and I decided on the “Common Good”, which to me best reflects the common concern of all residents – regardless of their political affiliation – for our Ward and City.

Second, I’ve been attending every public meeting concerning our future water source for the City (more on this later), as well as other key Common Council and committee meetings, to ensure I’m as well informed as possible. I’ve also been meeting with Department heads, including the City Comptroller, for their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities we’re facing.

Third, I’ve been attending community events hosted by organizations that provide key services to residents such the Fingerlakes Independence Center, Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services (INHS), and GIAC’s Commercial Driver’s License Program (more on this great program at some future point).

Finally, I plan to be at tomorrow’s (Thursday, Sept. 13th) public meeting concerning the on-going Coal Tar Clean Up project by NYSEG in our Ward’s Washington Park neighborhood. The NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation will be providing a progress report and possible future steps. The meeting will take place at 7 pm in the Greater Ithaca Activity Center (GIAC), Conference Room One (1), at 318 North Albany Street. If you can make it, please attend to learn more about the alternatives being weighed for this environmental remediation effort on the site bounded by Esty, West Court and North Plain Streets. You might know that this site includes the red brick Markles Flats building, which has been designated historic by the Ithaca City Landmarks Preservation Committee. How to proceed while preserving the Markles Flats building (which is owned by the Ithaca City School District) is the question. There are two options: one is to move the building, excavate the contanminated soil and then move the building back. Or, leave the building in place, seal it with a subsurface barrier, and then pump out as much contaminated soil as possible.

At the meeting we’ll learn the pros and cons of each approach. We’re also invited to provide comments on the plan. If you’re there and see me, feel free to say “hello.”

In the meantime, if we hadn’t had a chance to meet, or even if we did, I invite you post any comments, thoughts, concerns about our neighborhood and the City that you’d like to share! Thanks.