Tompkins County Legislature Discusses Protests and Upcoming Elections

A heated discussion on the role of the National Guard in civil unrest highlighted the Tompkins County Legislature meeting on June 17, 2025. Legislators voiced strong opposition to deploying military forces for crowd control, emphasizing that local police are equipped to handle protests and demonstrations. One legislator recalled a poignant moment from history, referencing a past incident involving a young woman and her father’s defense of her character, underscoring the importance of protecting citizens' rights to free speech.

In addition to this significant debate, the meeting included several administrative updates. Chair appointments were made to the Tompkins County Workforce Development Board, with Suzanne Circoni, Caitlin Hetrick, and Carol Miller stepping into business representative roles. The legislature also announced that the next meeting would be held on July 15, skipping the first Tuesday in July.

Elections were a key focus, with a special election set to fill a vacant county legislature seat in District 3, alongside various Democratic primaries across the county. Early voting is currently underway at the Ithaca Town Hall, leading up to Election Day on June 24. Additionally, the Tompkins County Board of Elections is inviting residents to vote on designs for "I Voted" stickers, showcasing creativity from local students.

The meeting concluded with a reminder that the newly elected representative for District 3 will join the legislature at the end of the month, taking on important committee assignments related to facilities, infrastructure, and health services.