| Holmes Appointed New Aging Office Director By unanimous vote (with two Legislators absent), the Legislature confirmed the appointment of Lisa Holmes as Director of the Tompkins County Office For the Aging. The County's Aging Services Planner since 1998, Ms. Holmes has served as the agency's Acting Director since the beginning of this year. County Administrator Stephen Whicher praised the new Director for "outstanding" service during her interim capacity. Ms. Holmes thanked the Legislature for its support, and, referring to her predecessor, long-time Director Irene Stein, noted that she has "big shoes to fill and challenges ahead." The new appointee added, "I look forward to working with all of you." Ms. Holmes holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and a Master's Degree in Political Science and Public Administration from Northeastern University. She was one of four finalists interviewed at the culmination of a search process that spanned more than six months. Contact: County Administrator Stephen Whicher, 274-5551 Brothers Honored as Distinguished Youth Fourteen-year-old Donald and 17-year-old Peter Quinn-Jacobs, of Sodom Road in Dryden, were chosen as the August recipients of the Tompkins County Distinguished Youth Award. Nominated by local resident Linda Finlay, the two were commended for four years of unwavering participation in the Ithaca Peace Vigil. Finlay's letter states, "the boys began vigiling in August of 2002 and have been at it every Wednesday morning since, through sub-zero temperatures and rain and heat" and, in doing so, serve as "an inspiration." The Tompkins County Distinguished Youth Award is cosponsored by A & B Engraving, Bangs Ambulance Service, Purity Ice Cream and Cayuga Radio Group. Contact: County Legislature Office, 274-5434 Action on Real Estate Transfer Tax Delayed Again The Legislature once again postponed action on the proposed local law that would create a local tax on the transfer of real property, since the Governor still has not yet signed enabling state legislation it needs to consider the change. Local realtors Renata Ballard and C. J. DelVecchio urged the Legislature not to impose the tax, calling it a "regressive" tax that would increase the burden for lower income households. If approved, the transfer tax would supplement the current $4 per thousand New York State transfer tax, already paid by the sellers of real property, with a $2 per thousand local tax, which would produce $500,000 in anticipated local revenue each year. Contact: Michael Koplinka-Loehr, Chair, Budget and Capital Committee |