Political Views

World peace – one person at a time

Ithaca peace activism supports nonviolent solutions, nuclear disarmament, and global awareness through weekly corner gatherings.

Latest in Political Views
Democratic View: Rural Healthcare Is At A Breaking Point.  Here’s How We Fix It.

Josh Riley outlines the rural healthcare crisis and proposes bipartisan solutions to protect hospitals, workers, and seniors in Upstate New York.

Republican View: Ithaca’s election signals rising power of the city’s Marxist and socialist faction

Ithaca socialist politics shapes city council as Marxist, DSA members push progressive policies and labor protections.

Green Party View: History’s test is here again

Explore the Green Party immigration policy as history’s test returns. Learn how ordinary people can resist injustice and protect human rights today.

Letter to the editor: Lansing residents call for transparency, caution on proposed moratorium

Lansing NY town moratorium draws criticism from residents urging transparency and input from appointed committees.

Democratic View: When hope is not enough: An urgent call to action in support of our immigrant neighbors

Stacey Dimas urges immediate action to support immigrants in Ithaca, highlighting local resources and volunteer opportunities.

Republican View: A Call for fiscal responsibility in Tompkins County
Letter to the editor – Vote Lovejoy and Duthie for Lansing 

Lansing NY town board election: Vote Lovejoy and Duthie for honesty, transparency, and accountable leadership in local government.

Letter to the editor: Carissa Parlato for Ulysses town clerk

Carissa Parlato Ulysses town clerk seeks re-election to continue improving transparency, accessibility, and efficiency for town residents.

Charlie Kirk’s Assassination Exposes Deadly Political Extremism

Charlie Kirk political extremism column examines the deadly impact of radical leftist violence and the need to confront domestic threats.

Letter to the editor: Sigler and Dawson deserve re-election

Tompkins County legislature election: Endorsing Mike Sigler and Deborah Dawson for experienced, taxpayer-focused leadership.

Letter to the editor: Legislator Koreman endorses Olson for reelection

Tompkins County Legislator Anne Koreman endorses Katelin Olson for Ulysses Town Supervisor, highlighting her leadership on EMS, water, and climate initiatives.

Letter to the editor: Protecting Lansing – Support a construction moratorium

Support a Lansing NY construction moratorium to safeguard the environment, residents, and lakefront from large-scale development projects like TeraWulf’s data center.

Letter to the editor: Support for Tom Corey in District 10 race

Tompkins County District 10 election: Support Tom Corey for his experience, fiscal responsibility, and community-focused leadership.

Letter to the editor: Former Ulysses supervisor endorses Olson 

Former supervisor Nancy Zahler endorses Katelin Olson for Ulysses Town Supervisor, highlighting her experience, integrity, and dedication.

Letter to the editor: In Support of Katy Walker for Ulysses Town Supervisor

Lex Enrico Santí endorses Katy Walker for Ulysses Town Supervisor, praising her vision, transparency, and community leadership.

Lansing Town Board race heats up

The Lansing Town Board race intensifies as write-in candidates John Duthie and Joe Lovejoy challenge incumbents on transparency and zoning.

Election Day is coming up: Find out how and where to vote early

Learn how and where to vote early in Tompkins County before the Nov. 4 General Election. Accessible locations included.

Letter to the editor: Supporting Michelle Wright for Tompkins County Legislature

Michelle Wright brings leadership, positivity, and dedication to her run for Tompkins County Legislature, representing District 14.

Letter to the editor: Write in Joe Lovejoy and John Duthie for Lansing Town Board

Write in Joe Lovejoy and John Duthie for Lansing Town Board—leaders focused on transparency, teamwork, and putting community above politics.

Letter to the editor: In support of re-electing Katelin Olson for Ulysses Town Supervisor

Katelin Olson has led Ulysses with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and vision. Support her re-election for continued strong leadership.

Letter to the editor – Bringing accountability back to Lansing: Why I’m running for town board

Joe Lovejoy is running for Lansing Town Board to restore fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability for families and taxpayers.

Letter to the editor: Ward 5 voters: Support Gepe Zurenda for thoughtful, compassionate leadership

Gepe Zurenda brings compassion, fiscal sense, and community experience to his campaign for Ithaca’s Ward 5 Common Council seat.

Letter to the editor: Write in John Duthie and Joe Lovejoy for Lansing Town Board 

John Duthie and Joe Lovejoy are write-in candidates for Lansing Town Board, focused on growth, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.

Letter to the editor: Vote Wakeman for Tompkins County Legislature

Dan Wakeman is a thoughtful, experienced leader ready to represent Dryden with integrity and practical problem-solving.

Town residents form new group ‘Securing Lansing’s Future’

Securing Lansing’s Future introduces a new community group advocating business-friendly policies, sustainable growth, and economic prosperity.

Upcoming ‘meet the candidates’ events in Lansing

Lansing meet the candidates events will feature Joe Lovejoy and John Duthie, with community gatherings and pancake breakfasts this fall.

Newfield proposes $4.2 million budget with slight tax rate decrease  

Newfield budget 2026 plans $4.2 million in spending with a slight tax rate decrease, maintaining town services and supporting key departments like highways and fire.

Letter to the editor: Re-elect Katelin Olson for Ulysses supervisor

Re-elect Katelin Olson as Ulysses Supervisor to support transparency, accessibility, and secure grants for local flood prevention.

Green Party View: Does this make sense?

Todd Saddler leads the Chase Bank climate protest in Ithaca, highlighting fossil fuel investments and systemic climate issues.

Letter to the editor: Residents deserve transparency on TeraWulf’s proposed Lansing project

Residents demand transparency on the TeraWulf Lansing project, citing environmental risks, exaggerated jobs, and corporate pressure tactics.

County faces tight fiscal year with 1.4% tax rate increase 

Tompkins County proposes its 2026 fiscal plan with a 1.4% tax increase to manage rising costs and fund essential services.

Local residents to join groups across the country for ‘No Kings’ rally

Local residents join the No Kings rally in Ithaca on Oct. 18, taking part in a nationwide protest promoting democracy and civic engagement.

Letter to the editor: Standing up to Trump’s power grab — peacefully

Trump power grab threatens democracy. Robin Messing urges peaceful action and highlights an upcoming protest in Ithaca.

Mayor Cantelmo establishes Citizen Advisory Committee to review elected official compensation

Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo announces a citizen-led committee to review and recommend fair compensation for the Mayor and Common Council Alderpersons.

Highlights of the Legislature’s Expanded Budget Committee Meeting

Summary of amendments and votes from the Oct. 2 Expanded Budget Committee meeting, including Airport, TCAT, Sheriff’s Office, and Planning & Sustainability budget items.

Letter to the editor: Wakeman for Tompkins County Legislature 

Support Dan Wakeman, Deputy Mayor of Dryden and experienced civic leader, in the November election for Tompkins County Legislature.

Guest opinion: Choosing our priorities in a year of tight budgets

David Shapiro outlines challenges in funding public transit and new unarmed responder program amid tight city budget constraints.

Letter to the editor: Let’s stand with Dan

Support Dan Wakeman for Tompkins County Legislature—Dryden resident and proven leader with 14 years of public service.

Letter to the editor: Vote for proven local leader Wakeman

Dryden residents are encouraged to vote for Dan Wakeman, Deputy Mayor and experienced public servant, in the November county legislature election.

Affordability, housing and living wage take center stage at county legislature candidate forum

Tompkins County legislature candidates debate affordability, housing, and living wage proposals ahead of Nov. 4 election.

Katy Walker announces candidacy for town of Ulysses supervisor

Katy Walker announces her candidacy for Ulysses town supervisor, pledging transparent leadership, community focus, and support for local businesses.

Dennis ends campaign for legislative seat, endorses Dawson

Dennis endorses Dawson for Tompkins County Legislative District 7, highlighting her proven record and leadership in local government.

Democratic View: It’s time to end hostility and embrace humanity

Shawna Black urges communities to end political hostility by promoting civility, dialogue, and safety for public servants.

Building and Construction Trades Council endorses Sigler

Sigler endorsement grows as the Building & Construction Trades Council backs his re-election bid in Tompkins County’s District 8.

Charlie Kirk’s death and the cost of excusing violence

Charlie Kirk political violence highlights the dangers of excusing extremism and the need for accountability in Tompkins County.

Candidates for Lansing district, part 2: Deborah Dawson

Deborah Dawson Tompkins County launches a write-in campaign for the Seventh District Legislature seat this November.

Green Party View: Cornell’s panopticon, in defense of genocide

Explore Sriram Parasurama’s critique of Cornell surveillance and genocide, student activism, and university accountability.

Candidates for Tompkins County Legislature Lansing district, part 1: John Dennis 

Learn about John Dennis, Democratic candidate for the Seventh District of Tompkins County Legislature, and his plans for local government and community improvement.

Democratic View: Supporting the vibrancy of culture and art

Tim Murray shares a Democratic View on supporting culture and art amid funding cuts and challenges to humanities programs nationwide.

Republican View: Roadblocks, crime, and decline

In his Republican View column, Zachary Winn argues Ithaca faces rising crime, roadblocks, and downtown decline.

How Frederick Douglass’ excoriation of two-party politics speaks to us today

Bill Carini connects Frederick Douglass’ 1852 critique of two-party politics to today’s struggles, urging a moral, people-centered alternative.

Democratic View: Is public health dead? No, but it’s on life support

Public Health Crisis in 2025: Trump cuts hit Medicaid, vaccines, USAID. Learn about the resistance!

Republican View: Downtown is declining while Asteri implodes

Downtown Ithaca Asteri struggles with crime and business loss in 2025. Read the Republican view!

Green Party View – Congress: A club on the take

Congress lobbying corruption revealed by Rose Garrity. Learn how AIPAC influences U.S. policy in 2025.

Democratic View: Turn your climate change despair into your greater purpose

Climate Change Action transforms despair into purpose. Learn how to fight climate change in Tompkins County!

Republican View: Don’t let Israel drag America into another war

America Iran Conflict risks another costly war. Learn why U.S. involvement with Israel’s agenda could lead to chaos.

How Did We Get Here?

Victor Tiffany critiques both parties’ corporate policies & urges joining the Green Party for a pro-peace, pro-democracy revolution in the U.S.

Why it is important to vote in the democratic primary

Democratic Primary Vote on June 24 shapes Ithaca’s local elections.

The alarming normalization of political violence

Political violence in Ithaca, including murders & assaults, escalates without local condemnation.

Democrats and Republicans: “Hands (and bombs) off” Palestine!

Green Party’s Bill Carini urges halting U.S. military aid to Israel, condemning genocide in Palestine, in Tompkins Weekly column.

Democratic View – In Memoriam
Republican View – Time to tax the ivory tower 
Green Party View: A national issue has reared up in our backyard
Democratic View: A call to action from Tracy Mitrano
Republican View – Tesla dealership attacks are acts of terrorism  
A St. Patrick’s Day challenge for Congressman Josh Riley
Democratic View – Knock, Knock: Candidate Petition Time!
Republican View: Sanctuary policies and plea deals – The county is enabling dangerous criminals to walk free
Green Party View: Touching (military) base(s)
Democratic View – Bringing people into their own backyards
Republican View: Trump makes good on campaign promises 
Green Party View – Josh Riley in Congress: An Atrocious Start
Happy New Year, Republicans of Tompkins County!
Democratic View: Let’s Elect a pro-ERA Congress in 2026
Green Party View – Who, How And What Gets Our Votes?
Why I’m joining the Congressional Rural Health Caucus
Republican View – Rebuild public safety
Deja hue…the orange demon is back!
The Republic Still Stands
The Democrats have had their chance
Green Party View – A write-in vote for Jill Stein is a vote for democracy
Democratic View: We won’t go back
Republican View: Breaking down the budget season grind
Green Party View: Getting What We Deserve
Democratic View: Opinion – Three days in Hell
Republican View: Cornell’s conundrum
The Greens are more than just a political party
Opinion: Strong and Wrong – Hulk Hogan, Trump’s GOP, and Project 2025
Opinion: Take a stand – the choice is clear
Green Party View: Why Jill Stein?
Republican View: Do not enable Ithaca’s bad behavior
Democratic View: What does the Fourth of July mean to this democrat?
Green Party View: U.S. Border agenda — Attitudes about immigrants and migrants and a personal experience
Democratic View: ‘Nothing short of miraculous’ – How treatment courts work
Republican View: Recent revelations regarding 2023 murder shed light on city’s homelessness and drug problems
Green Party View: Jill Stein for president – a moral imperative
Democratic View: County Judge candidate offers commitment to justice and community, and brings experience, to that office
Vote ‘No’ on the Ithaca City School Budget
Opinion: Green Party View
Democratic View: A Fair and Just System
Green View: ‘Spoiler effect?’ Let’s eliminate that with ranked choice voting
Republican View: Ithaca’s ‘homeless encampments’ are about to go from bad to worse
What Voters Know about Marc Molinaro
Ready for a rematch?
This Year, Elect Climate Champions for a Change
Facing the challenges of 2024
A Year in Albany: Our freshman state senator assesses her first year in office, and looks toward 2024
The local reality of the migrant crisis
Reader of the PACs: Political Action Committees ain’t what they used to be. The differences shed light on an upcoming House rematch
A city problem threatens the County
“Moderate” Marc Molinaro: MAGA Champion
The Role—and Reach—of the New York State Supreme Court
Republican View
Susan Currie Reading to Emma
The fight for our right to read
A Century Is Enough: Let’s Pass the Equal Rights Amendment
Mike Sigler photo
Governing Through Crisis
Claudia Wheatley
This Fourth of July, Let’s Pledge to End the Impulse to Exclude
a photo of the State capital building in Albany, NY
Erosion of the home rule
Tracy Mitrano
June Is Local Primary Month. Here’s what they’re like, from a candidate’s point of view
The upcoming spring book sale acts as a fundraiser for Ulysses Philomathic Library. Volunteers have been busy preparing for the five-day book sale. Photo provided by Ulysses Public Library.
Republican View: Literacy
Catherine B. Cantelmo and Robert Gesualdo Cantelmo
What Women Want, and Need, This Mother’s Day
a photo of the State capital building in Albany, NY
NYS Budget, Days late, but not a dollar short
photo of Ann Sullivan
Molinaro the MINO (Moderate In Name Only)
Proposed State Minimum Wage Hike Will Mean Tax Hike
Tompkins County Legislator District 11 Shawna Black portrait photo
Connection, a Conference and Common Ground
East Palestine, Ohio Oil Spill
Who’s that knocking at your door? Someone with a petition!
Renewal is key as winter continues
Meet New York state senator Lea Webb
A call to get more involved in town politics in 2023
Pausing for a moment of gratitude this Thanksgiving
Riley will bring people-centered approach to help farmers
Republicans on the ballot this November
Democratic View: the Supreme Court asked for it
Republican View: Time to expand Ithaca as a sanctuary city
Climate legislation is finally here: time to vote
Republican View: Dr. Fauci’s leave brings the fall of Faucism
Max Della Pia and the battle for democracy
Republican View: Time to repeal, replace failed ‘bail reform’ law
Laura Lewis: a strong choice for Ithaca mayor
Republican View: Wokeness is the perfect alibi for white elites
Tompkins County Democratic primaries: Not one but two
Republican View: ‘Housing first’ will not solve homeless problem
Cryptocurrency industry slithers into our region
Republican View: Unsafe imaginings with public safety
Democratic View: Great need to expand state’s Bottle Bill
What’s at stake: Caroline considers zoning
Inflation continues to impact local families
Interim Democratic Committee chair shares plans
New York state’s climate action plan unrealistic
Jim Gustafson: A legacy to celebrate
Maintaining optimism amid a worldwide threat
Gratitude and grace for county leaders
Congrats to County Legislature election winners
We can protect women’s reproductive rights
Lansing Town Board candidates talk issues
Town of Lansing at turning point
Opinion: Dryden candidates share goals ahead of election
Democratic View: Dryden’s Rail Trail is a lifeline
2021 election candidates talk issues
Democratic View: Support Greenlee for Legislature
Republican View: Lee Zeldin to challenge Cuomo in 2022
State Legislature fails to act in face of climate emergency
Republican View: Support Randy Brown for Legislature
A view of Cayuga Lake, 2021
A new approach to health insurance
Building sustainable, equitable food systems
Republican View: The generational divide of marijuana
COVID response: prevention done right
Republican View: Fair police reform for all
Democratic View: Pot reform doesn’t go far enough
Republican View: Get involved in local government
Democratic View: The sting of systemic racism
Republican View: City to cut SWAT vehicle
Democratic View: Our priorities in a pandemic
Republican View: Elections in the new year
Democratic View: Mythmaking in America
Thanksgiving amid a year of loss
Democratic View: Looking ahead to 2021
Republican View: Coming together this election year
Make a plan to vote
Republican View: A plea regarding solar complexes
Republican View: Voting by mail vs. absentee voting
Democratic View: Preparing to vote this month
Questions to ask yourself
Returning students should be welcomed
Democratic View: Teach your children well
Rent forgiveness program harms landlords