Mike Lane (Democratic, Protecting Dryden)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I am a life resident of Dryden. I am an Attorney, and opened my law office in Dryden in 1979. I previously served as Mayor of the Village of Dryden for 10 years, and am completing my fourth term as a Tompkins County Legislator. Currently, I serve as Vice Chair of the Legislature, and Chair of the Capital Plan Review Committee. I previously chaired the Industrial Development Agency, and both the Government Operations, and the Planning, Development, and Environmental Committees. I worked with others to bring about the VirgilCreek flood protection project for DrydenVillage. I am a Trustee of the Southworth Library and a member of the Sertoma Club.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I would like to continue to serve the people of the Dryden and Freeville area as their legislator because these remain troubled times for our County. While we have seen a slight improvement in the local economy, we have much farther to go on the road back from recession. In these difficult times, a legislator needs to be experienced, knowledgeable, hard-working and possessed of common sense. I believe I have those attributes, and the ability to confront and weigh the needs of our residents against what taxpayers can afford. That requires attention to detail, patience, and the willingness to compromise. When necessary, I have the ability to say “no.” Thanks to the people of our District and the confidence of colleagues on the legislature, I have served in positions of leadership, and helped to steer county policies. As a representative of the people of District 14, I bring their voices to the table in every county debate and in every county decision that affects us.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: Making hard decisions. We must provide basic county services, everything from safe roads and bridges, to Sheriff’s road patrols, mental health, and family security. We must reasonably provide for the needs our young people and seniors in particular. We have to protect our environment, including our drinking water aquifers. We need to invest in the creation of good paying jobs through targeted economic development initiatives. By doing so, more people can afford to stay in Tompkins County, work hard, raise their families and enjoy a full quality of life. TompkinsCounty, and the Town of Dryden are filled with a diversity of capable, energetic people. We are blessed with first class educational institutions, including our community college. I am confident that by working together we can become even stronger and can share an even more prosperous future.
Nancy Werany (Republican, Independence)
Did not respond to request for information
