Regular-Mom-Runs-for-Office-and-Wins

After four months on the job, I've finally gotten a few moments to change my website from a campaign site to a Legislator site. It's been an intense and busy winter and I haven't had much chance to reflect on what I've been doing. The steep learning curve has kept me running fast.

This story of regular-mom/citizen-runs-for-office-and-wins is not something that happens to me (or most people) everyday and I want to remember this experience. As a writer, I figured what better way to do that than keep a blog. Maybe it will help people understand what the job is all about. Maybe it will be a way for me to connect with constituents. Maybe it will help me find more insight. Here's hoping it'll be at least slightly entertaining for all involved. 
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The four other new Legislators and I have been spending a lot of time getting to know the County. That means meeting with every Department and Agency head, reading at least as many documents as I read in Grad school, and visiting facilities and touring buildings that are integral to County functioning. As I said, it's been busy, but I have to say that it has also been great fun. Deb Dawson, Shawna Black, Anne Koreman, and Henry Granison have made this hard work worth all the effort. We have gotten to know and appreciate each other well. I think I'm very lucky to have joined the Legislature with such a knowledgeable, active, involved, dedicated crew. I'm so grateful for them. 

Here are a few highlights from the past four months...

After being sworn in January 2, I got settled at my seat at the table.

Toured the proposed Chainworks development in the District 12 South Hill area, to see what lays in store for this massive old factory.

Learned the ins and outs of the County property assessment Grievance process in preparation for sitting on the Town board in May.

Attended the NYSAC conference in Albany in January to learn how to be a good Legislator.

Supported my son and his classmates in their school walkout to honor the students lost at the Parkland shooting.

Spent half a day touring the County's highway and bridge projects with Highway Director, Jeff Smith.

Celebrated the re-dedication of the Waterloo hydro-electric power plant, with a little goofing off along the way.

Cheered on Senator Schumer and the Alcohol and Drug Council as Tompkins County received funds for a new detox center.

Met the Governor!

Met with TC3's President Montague and toured our awesome community college campus.