Jim Dennis (Democratic)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I have lived in Tompkins County for 42 years. Retired from teaching in the Ithaca City School District in 2004. I now reside in Trumansburg with my wife, Karen Powers. Served on the City of Ithaca Common Council for 13 years in the 70’s and 80’s. Have served on the Tompkins County Legislature for eight years beginning in 2006. I have represented District #15 which is comprised of The Town of Ulysses and the northern half of Enfield. The new District #5 adds a small portion of the Town of Ithaca while keeping Ulysses and Enfield. During my years on the county legislature I have served on the Public Safety, Facilities and Infrastructure, Health and Humans Services committees. In the past I chaired the Personnel Committee and I have led the Budget, Capital and Personnel committee for the last four years. Currently Vice-Chair of the Tompkins County Industrial Development Agency.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?:As a proven leader in two levels of local government I recognize that Tompkins County is a place where economic development is a topic that every elected official should be thinking about. We have nearly 40% of our property off the tax rolls and that means we constantly have to look for ways to keep our economy strong. I view the educational institutions in the county as the generator of ideas that can turn into tax paying businesses and that should be encouraged. I have been a voice in county government that seeks out the practical way to get something done that is necessary and still maintained my progressive views. We are essentially a $170 million dollar human service agency that touches every life in the county and we are obligated to deliver these services everyday and taxpayers have to bear the burden in paying for them. I try to keep that perspective as I make decisions.
Laurie Murray (Republican)
Did not respond to request for information
