Meet the Candidates

If the next "Meet the Candidates Forum" is as lively as the last, you won't want to miss it.


We joined Republicans candidates and a League of Women Voters moderator at the Neptune fire hall to meet the public. It's great to see so many people come to hear about Dryden voter issues.


I was glad to be able to provide some clear town budget information. Only two people in the audience indicated that they already knew that nearly one-third of the town income is from sales tax. I've been analyzing the budget (here and here) to see if we're spending money (and time and effort) in ways that truly reflect our priorities. Aside from the $1 million we spend to support the 120 volunteers who provide emergency services in Dryden, townwide spending is nearly equally divided between roads and "everything else," including recreation, public works, administration, planning and building, courts and town clerk responsibilities.

David and I both spoke about our work over the past year with the fire departments. And David took the floor to describe his plans with Tompkins County Area Development and other agencies to support business in Dryden with a new micro-grant program and reactivation of the revolving loan program.



Joe Solomon (second from the right) will be a newcomer to the town board. He's been attending meetings as a spectator, a real testament to his interest and commitment. As an engineer, he can't help being attuned to the infrastructure issues under discussion.


Justice candidate Jason Leifer (on the right in the photo) talked about his commitment to fairness in the courts. His experience as a lawyer and public defender in Tompkins County are what inspired him to run for this important office.

Join us Tuesday, October 2 at 7:00 PM at the Etna fire station and October 28 at the Varna fire station to learn more.