Proposition
Should a local law be approved that would amend the Ithaca City Charter and the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in order to (1) eliminate the position of Building Commissioner and (2) assign the Building Commissioner’s powers and duties to and amongst the Director of Planning and Development, the Director of Zoning Administration, and the Director of Code Enforcement? Yes or No
Ward 1 Alderperson, Four-year term
Cynthia Brock (Democratic, Working Families)
Did not respond to request for information
Ward 1 Alderperson, Two-year term
George McGonigal (Democratic)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I’ve lived in Ithaca for about 30 years, first on South Hill, and since 1995 on Hector Street on West Hill. I am self-employed, running a small lawn mowing operation, GMcG Landscaping, since 1994. My daughter, Lorna, grew up here and attended Ithaca City Schools.
I served the First Ward on Common Council for a short time in 2011, finishing the last six months of Maria Coles’ term. I currently serve the City as a Fire Commissioner and as a member of the Ithaca Youth Bureau Advisory Board.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I decided to run for a couple reasons. I would like to contribute to making the many neighborhoods in the First Ward safer, while developing more recreational opportunities for youth within the ward. Parents should not have to be afraid to let their kids play outside.
And, I want to be an advocate for local small businesses and for local labor, throughout the city. They both should play major roles in the City’s growth and development. As part of that advocacy, I would encourage development projects that address local needs and preferences; development that is in scale with surrounding neighborhoods.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING? The biggest challenge facing Common Council is, in my view, how do we grow the tax base in Ithaca in a way that provides the services we need and want, without compromising the character of our city and the quality of life that should be part of living in the Finger Lakes.
Ward 2 Alderperson, Four-year term
Seph Murtagh (Democratic, Working Families)
Did not respond to request for information
Ward 2 Alderperson, Two-year term
J.R. Clairborne (Democratic)
Did not respond to request for information
Ward 3 Alderperson, Four-year term
Donna Fleming (Democratic)
Did not respond to request for information
Ward 3 Alderperson, Two-year term
Ellen McCollister (Democratic)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: My family and I are 30 year residents of the Bryant Park neighborhood. My husband, Cornell faculty member and economist Robert H. Frank, and I raised our two sons here, where they attended our excellent local public schools. I’m a former Cornell University alumni affairs & development officer, retiring over a decade ago to devote more volunteer time to City issues. I served for nearly a decade on the City Planning & Development Board before running for Common Council in 2009.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: As someone who represents a neighborhood close to the Cornell campus, I believe it’s important for residents (renters and homeowners alike) to have an advocate for safe, quiet, clean streets, and quality housing. More broadly, while I support many development initiatives, such as the Commons rebuild and higher-story downtown development, I believe that responsible growth is based on a sound land use plan that recognizes the value of strong, historic neighborhoods and sense of community in a growing city.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: I’m not facing a challenge for the position itself but the City certainly confronts ongoing challenges. Nearly two-thirds of the City’s land is tax exempt. I’m concerned about the tax burden City property owners face and believe there are more opportunities for shared services or collaboration with other municipalities in the County, and with CornellUniversity and IthacaCollege.
Ward 4 Alderperson, Four-year term
Graham Kerslick (Democratic)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: As a resident of Ithaca since 1983 I have enjoyed being involved with many local community groups including as a board member for the Kitchen Theatre Company and the GreenStar Coop. I also enjoy hiking, swimming, and gardening. I am currently the Executive Director of the AtkinsonCenter for a Sustainable Future at Cornell. I am a member of the city’s Planning & Economic Development Committee, City Administration Committee and of the Tompkins County Recreation Partnership Board. I am also Council’s liaison to the city’s Community Police Board and Rental Housing Advisory Commission.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: Working with Common Council Colleagues, City staff and the public I’m proud of our accomplishments over the past two years. We have worked to make City government more accountable and efficient, encourage sustainable development, protect the character of our neighborhoods, rebuild infrastructure and restrain property tax increases. I am seeking reelection because there is more to do in all of these areas.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: Our City needs to diversify and strengthen the local economy if we are to achieve a truly sustainable community that includes greater public participation in city planning and government.
Ward 4 Alderperson, Two-year term
Stephen Smith (Democratic)
Did not respond to request for information
Ward 5 Alderperson, Four-year term
Deb Mohlenoff (Democratic)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I have been employed in higher education locally for over 20 years. I worked at Ithaca College and now TC3 as Director of Student Activities and the Student Center. I enjoy serving my community and have experience on several local non-profit boards. This year, I am chairing the Alzheimer’s Gala, participated in the SPCA March for the Animals, and am on the campaign committee for the United Way. My husband, Mark Spadolini, is a 20 year career firefighter with the City of Ithaca and we’ve lived in Fall Creek for over 15 years.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: I have been energized by the work of the Mayor and the current city council. At the end of my 1st 4 year term, I am seeing so much in progress, and have been such a part of that progress, that I feel there is much to do before I am ready to step down. Our city has a new energy and the momentum is growing for big change. I am looking forward to continuing the important work of the GPA committee – looking at city organizational infrastructure and the continued development of the city’s strategic plan and performance measurements.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: One challenge will be continuing to balance the desire for growth of the tax base, while still preserving our neighborhoods and communities. With the completion of the city’s comprehensive plan, we’ll hopefully be able to provide better direction for zoning changes, economic development, and enhancing the quality of life in Ithaca. When the redesigned Commons is opened, it will be exciting to begin to design the next phase of economic development for our city.
Another challenge we continue to face is the issue of public safety. As crime increases in the city, as well as emergency incidents, we’ve not been able to keep pace with a fully staffed emergency services workforce, as these departments are unfortunately our most costly. I hope to continue to work within the city’s budget to begin to restore our emergency services staff to a complement that allows for more flexibility, less overtime, and additional services for the community.
Ward 5 Alderperson, Two-year term
Josephine Martell (Democratic)
RELEVANT PERSONAL INFORMATION: I’ve spent the last 15 years of my career doing public policy, communications and development work in the animal welfare/conservation fields and on women’s issues. I have a Masters in public policy from Tufts veterinary school and am a PhD student in Natural Resources at Cornell, though I am currently on temporary leave to raise my three young children that I share with my long-time husband Will Glennon. I am deeply committed to social progress, conservation issues and women’s and family policy. I am also a vegetarian and life-long runner. I currently work part-time as a consultant doing communications, policy and grant-writing work and am the Director of Communications for the Rhode Island School of Design EPSCoR program.
WHY ARE YOU RUNNING FOR OFFICE?: To serve my community, make a difference and to encourage other people, especially young women, to become civically engaged.
WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO TACKLE IN THE POSITION YOU ARE SEEKING?: I think the most difficult, known challenges facing council right now relate to zoning and budget issues. However, I’m also interested in looking at issues that pertain to housing affordability, rental conditions and taxation.
