Legislature candidates talk issues ahead of election

Tompkins County’s general election is Nov. 2, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The ballot includes many candidates running for seats on the Tompkins County Legislature. Tompkins Weekly sent a series of questions to candidates in two of these races, which they answered over email. Below are their responses. Any questions regarding the election should be directed to the Tompkins County Board of Elections at (607) 274-5522.

Town of Dryden, Districts 2, 6, 7 & 9 (County Legislature Districts 13 & 14)

TW: Why are you running for the County Legislature?

Mike Lane (Democrat, Incumbent): Serving the people of the Dryden and Freeville area on the County Legislature is both challenging and rewarding. While residents are sometimes less familiar with services provided by the county — everything from highways to social services and mental health — they are essential. During my years of service in county government, I have come to learn about and to work to improve county services. I want to continue to represent the people of District 14 so that the views that they hold are brought forward and acted upon by the county as a whole.

Thomas Corey (Republican, Independent): I love Dryden, and I want to keep it safe, healthy and unique. I seek the office to serve all the people, including those whose voices have been silenced by political feuding. For too long now, only one voice has held the floor and guided the policies of our County. That means that too often a significant minority has been ignored, and demonized. A vital democracy requires a vigorous debate; I will offer that fresh perspective. I believe that the best government is the one that governs least; that County government should be nearly invisible to the average citizen; providing help when needed and allowing the free exercise of commerce.

TW: How would you distinguish yourself from your opponent?

ML: I believe that my knowledge and understanding of local government, and my hands-on experience in elected office, make me the better choice to continue to serve the people of Dryden and Freeville. What I have learned by serving as Mayor of Dryden, and then as a County Legislator, including my four years as Chair of the Legislature, have aided me in making difficult decisions about county actions, finances and policy — especially during these difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic. I weigh every vote I cast as to how it will affect and ultimately help the most people of District 14.

TC: Unlike my opponent, I have raised a family, cared for a terminally ill spouse, and addressed the issues of addiction in a family member. These are the common life experiences of many of our community members and I understand them. Government should not be a burden but rather a necessary hand in times of need.

My opponent has served for decades in office, and has never missed an opportunity to raise taxes and increase the burden on our families. Recently, my opponent used his position to prevent our elected Sheriff, Derek Osborne, from attending a gathering honoring local Police, hosted by our NY Senator Peter Oberacher, in Dryden. He misrepresented the event as a violent gathering, and then attended it himself. At the 2022 Budget vote, he voted to increase taxes, and was overridden by his own Democrat majority. He is out of touch.

TW: What would you describe as your strengths and weaknesses as a public servant?

ML: I am strongly committed to county government and helping it function as well as possible. I welcome teamwork with fellow legislators of both parties to solve county issues. I do my homework and happily attend to the work of the committees to which I am assigned. My attendance record is second to none. I have chaired many standing and special committees and I always welcome public comment. I do my best, but sometimes I wish I had even more time to attend events and meet casually with residents of our district. People and the input they give me matters. It makes me a better representative.

TC: I have served in many elected positions; I championed causes as the VP of The Tompkins Chamber, including local Traffic Congestion solutions, Airport development, and Town/Gown Cooperation. As a Village trustee, I fought for Village water resources, preserving their quality, eliminated a duplication of services by closing the Village Court, kept taxes low. I think outside the box. I am not part of the academic elite. I support business development as part of the answer to social crises. I am generally not subject to group think. I may be a contrarian, but as a legislator, that’s not a negative.

TW: If elected, what are your top three priorities as a Legislator?

ML: Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The County Health Department and medical services have done a remarkable job, but we must hold down virus transmissions to get people back to work and to reopen, and keep open, schools and businesses.

Maintenance of quality public safety. The Sheriff’s Road Patrol must have reasonable funding for personnel, equipment, and adequate training to help deputies and corrections officers learn to defuse stressful and dangerous situations. The idea of “defunding police” is unacceptable and won’t be supported.

With Tompkins County growing, our transportation system needs upgrading, from highways and airport to electric buses. Attention must be paid to the Route 13 highway in Dryden. We need to advocate for safety improvements such as those proposed by the county’s Route 13 corridor study.

TC: 1. Tompkins County prepared a damning “Reimaging Public Safety” report. The ultimate effect of this plan will be to place extra burdens on the understaffed Sheriff’s Dept and potentially reduce law enforcement in rural areas. I would push back on any attempt to demonize policing or co-opt the authority of the ELECTED Sheriff.

2. Property taxes in NY are oppressive. They drive away business and discourage family formation. Tompkins County is maintaining a gargantuan $54 million surplus; Surpluses are your tax dollars. They should be returned to the people.

3. Business Development. Tompkins hosts one of the largest collections of tax exempt property in NYS. Tax exempt entities consume public services, but pay nothing towards their upkeep. Tompkins should hire a full time business development professional to attract new business.

TW: How do you plan to address the needs of the different cultures, socioeconomic statuses, etc. that are in the districts you hope to represent?

ML: One of the greatest strengths of Tompkins County, and the Freeville and Dryden communities, is their commitment to the welcoming of diverse people. We strive to treat everyone the same, and to be inclusive in jobs, housing, services and friendships. Tompkins County delivers services to assist those in need, such as in public and mental health, and social and economic support.

We can always strive to do better. Translation services is an area where we can help people from different language cultures understand their rights and responsibilities to become successful and productive members of our community.

TC: These are the foundations of success for all: 1. A safe, healthy environment with opportunities for good employment, 2. Education to advance your skills and knowledge, 3. Reasonable taxes and no oppressive over-regulation. I will not divide my constituents into contending groups of the needy. We are all equal.

TW: How are you best suited to address the economic and social impacts of COVID-19?

ML: My service on the County Legislature has positioned me on the front line of decision making to help our county respond to COVID-19 transmissions. Many people have been hurt by the loss of jobs and businesses. County legislators have devised and are funding a $7 million COVID-19 recovery fund. Applicants for funding will be helping people get back on their feet, with such things as economic development, affordable housing, more available daycare opportunities, and other essential human services.

TC: I believe in science. I believe that everyone should be vaccinated; I am. But, I also believe in private enterprise. Recovery from the pandemic must come from below. You cannot effectively cure economic and social displacement with wads of money and rhetoric. It is only a stopgap.

Business must adapt on its own, in its own time. Government can assist, but should be extremely restrained from imposing its solutions on businesses; that is a recipe for disaster. Mental health services and their outreach should be supported by government. A safe and healthy environment in Tompkins will lead the way out of COVID.

TW: What would you like potential voters to know about you?

ML: I am a life resident of Dryden, a graduate of Dryden schools, and I have my legal practice here. This is my home, and I am proud of the wonderful people of our community and their commitment to one another. I serve as a Trustee of The Southworth Library Association.

TC: I am an actor, director and producer of theatre. I am not a lawyer. I attend church. I enjoy an adult beverage. I have spent many, many hours helping my children solve their life problems (who hasn’t?). I fix my own vehicles, and I love Dryden.

Town of Dryden, Districts 1, 4, 5 & 8 (County Legislature District 13)

Editor’s note: Working Families candidate Samantha Lushtak did not respond to Tompkins Weekly’s request for participation.

TW: Why are you running for the County Legislature?

Greg Mezey (Democrat): I am running for Tompkins County Legislator in District 13 because I am passionate about improving the quality of life for all of us in Tompkins County. I have the finance, governance, and community experience required to contribute to an efficient and effective legislature that listens and learns from all community voices. We are at a critical juncture right now in Tompkins County. It will take all of us working together to find solutions to the issues facing the community. As your Legislator, I will work towards consensus and ensure your voice is heard.

TW: How would you distinguish yourself from your opponent?

GM: I won the Democratic Primary and have the endorsement of the current and retiring District 13 Legislator, Martha Robertson. Additionally, I have the endorsement of Dryden Town Supervisor Jason Leifer and Town of Dryden Councilmembers Jim Skaley and Dan Lamb. Due to New York State election rules, the person listed as my “opponent” is on the ballot on a different party line, even though she has expressed to me and publicly that she is not campaigning, and she respects the outcome of the Democratic Primary.

TW: What would you describe as your strengths and weaknesses as a public servant?

GM: I would be happy to answer this question and reflect once I’ve had time to serve as Legislator. I’ve learned a lot from this campaign and always self-reflect and strive to improve. I welcome feedback and look forward to serving my community to the best of my abilities.

TW: If elected, what are your top three priorities as a Legislator?

GM: Recovery Fund — Ensure the successful implementation of the almost 7 million dollars Tompkins County Recovery Fund to support initiatives and organizations that can make a meaningful impact in our community.

Housing — Increase our local housing stock with a variety of housing types that respect our local community character, focusing on affordable housing options so that everyone who wants to can afford to live in Tompkins County.

Health and Family Services — Improve the capacity of and accessibility to affordable childcare options. Ensure residents in Tompkins County have greater access to nutritious food while supporting local agriculture.

TW: How do you plan to address the needs of the different cultures, socioeconomic statuses, etc. that are in the districts you hope to represent?

GM: It is essential to the success of the county that Legislators understand the different needs of the constituents they represent. I hope to continue immersing myself in the community and getting to know, understand and learn from as many residents as possible. It’s also important to take a step back and evaluate all the needs of the community and prioritize those most critical. I firmly believe that if the Legislature is working towards improving the quality of life for all in Tompkins County, we can only do that if we listen and learn from all community voices.

TW: How are you best suited to address the economic and social impacts of COVID-19?

GM: Community recovery is a priority for me; it is a multifaceted issue that spans many areas [within] our county government. We need to continue developing bold strategies and making meaningful investments in rebuilding our community to be stronger post-pandemic. Continuing the work of the current Legislature on the Recovery Fund will help address some of the impacts of COVID-19 on our community. I’ve always believed that necessity is the mother of invention, and this pandemic only highlighted how true that is.

I look forward to partnering with our community to support innovative and creative solutions to build a strong Tompkins County. It’s the county’s role to perform those functions not provided as well by individuals, the private sector, other levels of government, or the not-for-profit sector. I’m ready to get to work to ensure we utilize the learnings from the past 19 months to rebuild a stronger Tompkins County.

TW: What would you like potential voters to know about you?

GM: I returned to Tompkins County a few years after graduating from Cornell and have planted my roots in Dryden with my fiancé Ryan, our two dogs, and a backyard flock of chickens and ducks. I’m an entrepreneur at heart and will work as hard as possible when I’m passionate about something. I’m passionate about improving the quality of life for all in Tompkins County. I look forward to getting to know as many members of our community as possible and would encourage everyone to reach out to me.