Republican View: A Call for fiscal responsibility in Tompkins County

October 7 saw the Tompkins County Legislature vote to renew the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) grant and the FLOCK Safety system of integrated license plate readers and gunshot detectors. Despite my predictions to the contrary, the legislature managed to get out of its own way and approve the renewal. This followed supportive comments from Legislator Travis Brooks on the GIVE program’s effectiveness in reducing gun crime and its deterrent effect. He described how individuals are now far more reluctant to drive around with a firearm in their vehicle. The county also receives $700,000 in youth employment funds that depend on accepting the GIVE grant.

On October 10, there was another death at the Asteri, with dispatch audio indicating a probable overdose. Then, on Saturday the 18th, an arson fire occurred in the stairwell of an apartment building in the 100 block of East Green Street, almost certainly the Asteri. During the City of Ithaca’s budget presentation, a representative for the conference center, which shares a building with the Asteri, reported a $1.2 million loss over its first year of operation and a projected $700,000 loss in 2026. The report also noted that problems at the Asteri have impacted operations, including more than 30 fire alarms since opening, some prompting full evacuations during conferences.

This was followed by disclosure of a $2.1 million error in the City of Ithaca’s proposed 2026 budget, creating a large hole in what was already a tight year. Mercifully, the council voted not to override the tax cap, sticking to the City Manager’s commitment made before the error was discovered. Numerous residents have addressed the council about the crushing burden taxes place on them, with some saying they plan to sell their homes and leave. A common refrain is that tax growth is on an unsustainable trajectory. Either government spending must be reduced, or new non-tax revenue found, to restore balance. Neither seems likely.

Both city and county governments have been asked to contribute an additional $500,000 each to TCAT’s 2026 operating budget. Cornell University, whose students make up about 70 percent of TCAT ridership, is expected to contribute the same amount. One legislator told me that TCAT is “insolvent.” Without more funding, routes will be cut, ridership will fall, and with it the federal subsidies that make up most of TCAT’s revenue. To avert this death spiral, the only apparent option is to keep pumping in more money to prevent collapse.

What is happening locally mirrors what is taking place in Washington. The national debt recently hit $38 trillion, growing exponentially as higher interest rates drive up the cost of servicing it. Every major economic indicator apart from the stock market is negative. Gold and silver prices are rising as the dollar weakens and its status as the world’s reserve currency slips. Federal subsidies that local governments depend on are not guaranteed forever. Whether at the local, state, or federal level, government has become comfortable spending money it does not have while avoiding accountability for the results. The public bears the cost through higher taxes, reduced services, and eroded trust. Unless elected leaders rediscover fiscal responsibility and face the consequences of their decisions, the economic unraveling we see today will only worsen.

By the time this prints, early voting will have begun. It is vital that every Republican show up and vote, no matter how outnumbered we are or how pointless it may seem. Voting is like a muscle; it must be exercised for its strength to grow. Cast your vote early or on Election Day, November 4.

In Tompkins County, Democrats not only have more registered voters, but more people willing to run for office. This must change. More Republicans need to step forward and take on the responsibility of public service. Run for school board, Legislature, or your local councils. The consequences of one-party rule are obvious, and a real alternative must be offered.

I am running for the First Ward of the Ithaca Common Council because I want people to have a choice on Election Day. I have done what I can to lead by example, despite the odds. Wherever you live in the county, you can help turn the tide.