Kathy Luz Herrera (Democratic, Working Families)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION:  I work as an Electrician at CornellUniversity and am a proud 25-year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). My partner Jill and I have owned a home in Fall Creek since 1991. The skills I honed as a human rights activist, mediator, and union leader have served me well on the Legislature. I’m also pursuing a degree in Industrial and Labor Relations at CornellUniversity.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?:  Public service was ingrained in me from a young age, as I grew up during the Civil Rights movement in an activist family. I bring the priorities of my district’s residents to the table while being mindful of the needs of all TompkinsCounty’s diverse communities.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: The learning curve for CountyLegislators is steep. It’s more than the interplay of the various municipalities or the funding streams from grants, federal and state budgets, although these are key elements. The County’s role in the community takes some study as it varies from context to context. Respecting home rule and improving our services while controlling costs is demanding. It’s also fulfilling when we get it right. A work in progress!