Cross to challenge Murphy in Dryden village mayoral bid

By Kevin L. Smith

Trevor Cross has lived in Tompkins County for more than five years.

In the short time that he has lived in the area, he’s noticed that there needs to be more awareness about housing.

“A few years ago, it occurred to me how tenuous housing really is,” Cross said. 

It’s what led Cross to join the tenants’ union in Ithaca, spread tenant advocacy and even help fellow tenants handle a rent collection dispute with a landlord.

“[That dispute] was a pretty cut-and-dry case,” Cross said.

When others saw and heard what Cross does for people, they encouraged him to run for mayor in the village of Dryden. Cross, who’s lived in the village for over a year, has been told he’s a “very vocal person.”

“Dozens of people have come to me about different things. I’ve been told I’m very approachable,” Cross said.

Cross will run as a Democrat. Before being placed on the ballot for the village mayoral election on March 18, Cross will go up against incumbent mayor Mike Murphy in a special Democratic caucus near the end of January.

Murphy intends to run for a fifth and final term in the spring. Cross listened to the pleas of individuals wanting him to run for mayor, so he decided to take action.

“It’s sort of shocking to me. I never thought I’d find myself in this endeavor,” Cross said.

Cross graduated from the now-defunct Cabrini University in 2014. He worked at the University of the Sciences of Philadelphia, also defunct, for three years as a lab tech before he became a graduate student at Cornell University.

As a grad student at Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cross focused on microbiology and endobiotic stress responses in certain opportunistic pathogens.

Cross is currently a postdoctoral associate at the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell. While he loves working with life sciences, Cross is looking to shake things up professionally.

“This is sort of a sign,” Cross said. “The last several years I’ve really shown interest in being a [public servant]. A calling is such a strong term, but I do feel like I’m being called to do something.”

Cross finds the village “charming, delightful and incredibly nice.” Some day, he could make the village his permanent home, especially since he’s moved five times in the previous seven years.

For most of his life, Cross has been passionate about housing awareness and affordable housing. Cross, living in a variety of different places, was reminded of his upbringing with his mom when they would move from one place to another.

“That led to me opening my eyes on how to deal with [housing] at so many different levels,” Cross said, noting that housing is a “personal motivation.”

Cross labeled his views on housing as “affordable housing and beyond.” He is preparing to ask questions and get answers on the topics that people want to know.

“The fact that housing is really seen as a commodity and a very for-profit industry for such a basic human need really activates me,” Cross said. “It’s one thing I think about every day now.”

Cross noted that “it’d be a dream” if the village could continue to expand on housing projects like, for example, the Dryden House for Women or Ezra Village.

Other than housing, Cross would like to make the village website be more efficient with public notices, forms and more. He also wants meeting agendas available online a day or so before the scheduled session.

“These are some things I want to tighten up,” Cross said, noting a social media presence and possible monthly meet-and-greets.

Cross is ready for competition with Murphy, while also being satisfied with the best outcome. Cross also noted that, depending on the result, he hopes for continual engagement and feedback from people.

“It’s people’s opinions that’s making me realize that this is possible — and ideally helpful,” Cross said. “In the spirit of healthy democracy, I think having [competition] at these levels is good in general. I’m perfect with whatever the result is.”

Dryden Dispatch appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Send story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com.

In brief:

‘Coffee with the Superintendent’ is Jan. 13

Dryden Central School District (DCSD) superintendent Josh Bacigalupi will host “Coffee with the Superintendent” on Jan. 13 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at Dunkin’ Donuts at 36 North St. in the village of Dryden.

The event is an opportunity to meet and have a conversation with the district superintendent.

For information, contact DCSD at 607-844-8694.

Yoga for Life held every Wednesday in Freeville

Village of Freeville resident Michelle Dardia hosts a Yoga for Life session every Wednesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Freeville United Methodist Church at 37 Main St.

The drop-in fee for the session is $10. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. Some experience is helpful but not required, as the sessions are committed to being accessible.

Variations and modifications are offered, and extra mats and blocks will be available at each session.

For information or questions, contact Dardia at dollysdaughter@hotmail.com or 607-279-4785.