Will Burbank (Democratic, Working Families)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I was elected to the Tompkins County Legislature in 2008 and represent District 12, which covers the southwest portion of the Town of Ithaca, including parts of West Hill, InletValley and South Hill. Prior to that, I sat on the Town of Ithaca Town Board for six years and served as Deputy Town Supervisor.
I currently chair the Economic Development Committee and have been working to promote a vibrant and sustainable local economy and decent-paying jobs with benefits. As a member of the Planning, Energy and Environmental Quality Committee, I have been addressing issues related to land use, fracking and climate change. And as a member of the Health and Human Services Committee, I have been working to support local human services. I studied international relations at AmericanUniversity and have a masters degree in teaching social studies from BinghamtonUniversity. I serve as a substitute teacher at the LehmanAlternativeCommunitySchool and helped organize the Ithaca Substitute’s Association.
My wife, Ellie Stewart, and I have lived in the Glenside neighborhood on West Hill for more than 20 years. We have two grown children and one wonderful grandchild. Ellie and I also enjoy hiking, bicycling, gardening, and volunteering as ushers with local theaters.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I have spent most of my adult life working on issues related to economic and social justice, peace and non-violence and care for the environment. I was a community activist for many years before being elected to public office. I know how very frustrating it can be to interact with government, from the outside. It can be just as frustrating working for positive change from the inside, as an elected official, but I’ve learned a fair amount and made real progress during my twelve years of service. If re-elected, I will continue to give it my best.
I am a progressive Democrat and am running on the Democratic Party line. I am a proud union member and was honored to also receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: Preserving needed services while keeping property taxes under control.
In recent years, the state and federal governments have been shifting the burden of paying for infrastructure and vital services from taxes based on income to property taxes and fees. This has really put the squeeze on homeowners who have been struggling to make ends meet. It has also led to large structural deficits in our public library and transit system and resulted in the underfunding of the non-profit organizations that help maintain the quality of life in this community.
My hope is that our system of taxation will eventually shift back to a more progressive form. But, until this happens, we will be keeping things together as best we can. That is our biggest challenge.
