I am endorsing Kyle Erickson for the Tompkins County Legislature seat representing the towns of Danby and Caroline, a seat I have held for 12 years. After talking with all three candidates, I believe Kyle will do the best job representing the district while working constructively with her colleagues on the County Legislature.

One thing I have come to understand is that being an effective legislator is all about relationships. The ability to get positive things done for the community is based on being a good communicator and working well with people. Simply put, one legislator cannot accomplish anything if they can’t get their colleagues on board.

Kyle has phenomenal communication and people skills. Respectful working relationships are at the center of her work as a teacher where she cultivates collaborative relationships with students, parents and colleagues. I have run across people associated with Kyle’s teaching, and they absolutely glow when talking about her.

Kyle knows what it takes to raise a family here in Tompkins County. Kyle has a job, she has a four-year-old son, and she is a union member. As a teacher, she interacts with hundreds of students and their families from across our district as part of her day-to-day. The Working Families Party nomination was decided before Kyle entered the race. Otherwise, I believe she would have gotten it.

Kyle understands the job of County Legislator. She has been attending meetings and talking with current and former legislators, which deepens her understanding of details of the job. She has also been attending the Danby and Caroline Town Board meetings.

The other two candidates in this race both have good qualities. Irene is smart and dedicated and Matt brings his experience in emergency medical services to the race. I have a lot of experience with Irene and do not feel she has the interpersonal skills to succeed as a legislator. Matt was registered with the Libertarian Party until a few months ago. Although many of us may have some libertarian views on particular issues, this party’s platform is extremist, and`far from core Democratic values

I am also not confident Irene and Matt fully understand the role of a County Legislator. Matt’s campaign platform does not match the actual responsibilities and limitations of the job of County Legislator very well. I have also not seen Matt at County Legislature or Town Board meetings, which is one of the ways that a person begins to understand the job, and develop relationships with local decision makers. Irene has served in local government before as a Caroline Town Board member, but she quit her term early because the work of local government did not match her interest in state and national issues. The Legislature needs members who understand and are focused on the work that the county actually does.

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If you are a Democrat in Danby or Caroline, there is a primary election for the next local representative to the Tompkins County Legislture.

Early voting is June 14 to 22 at Ithaca Town Hall or 72 Brown Rd. (near the airport) Election Day is June 24, with polling stations at the Brooktondale Fire Hall, the West Danby Fire Station, and the Danby Fire Station.

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I know some people will consider parts of what I have to say as “negative campaigning”. I feel it is my obligation to report what I have seen. I mean no disrespect to anybody as a person - I am just judging their fitness to hold elected office.

I am Dan Klein, and have represented Danby and Caroline on the Tompkins County Legislature for 12 years. I am the Chairman of the Tompkins County Legislature. I also spent 6 years on the Danby Town Board.

danbydan@hotmail.com