Redrawn lines, Presidential choice, and the Ithaca referendum – election day is here

Today (Tuesday) voters across the country will elect a new president. Voters will also be electing representatives to Congress, and US Senators. In our listening area voters will be choosing between incumbent Derek Van Orden or his challenger, Rebecca Cooke for Congress; and Senator Tammy Baldwin is being challenged by Eric Hovde. Around the state there are a number of State Senate and Assembly races with the new legislative maps. As a result, voters in Richland County will be choosing a new State Senator. Senator Joan Ballweg was drawn into the district and faces a challenge from Sarah Keyeski. Senator Howard Marklein was drawn out of the Richland County district. In the assembly, Richland County will now be represented by one representative. Current representative Tony Kurtz, who has represented the city of Richland Center, is being challenged by Julia Henley.

Two other assembly representatives who also covered areas of Richland County, Travis Tanel and Todd Novak were drawn out of the district. Voters will also be electing local county positions, such as county clerk, register of deeds, and county treasurer. There is one race in Richland County and that is for register of deeds between Michelle Brown and Deb McCoy. Also on today’s ballot, voters in 121 school districts will be asked “yes or no” on referendum questions. Districts are seeking a total of over 4-point-2 billion dollars from local taxpayers for operations and facility projects.

Locally, the Ithaca School District is asking voters to approve an operational referendum in the amount of $1.3 million each year for its duration of four years. As its name implies, revenue received via an operational referendum is used to meet the costs associated with operating the district, which may include: attract and retain qualified teachers; Chromebooks for one to one instruction; access points to provide a reliable internet connection school-wide; additional safety operations; and a school bus, with the intention of returning to a bi-annual purchase rotation to minimize repair costs.

**Co-Author Adam D. Hess is an employee of WRCO, Civic Media, and the Ithaca School District.