IHS Social Studies teacher Kyle Erickson is running for a four-year seat on the Tompkins County Legislature. She seeks to represent the new District 13—formerly District 7—which includes towns of Danby and Caroline. If elected, Erickson has said she plans to prioritize the needs of rural families, working parents, and young people.
Two other candidates are running for the position: Irene Weiser and Matt Sullivan. Like Erickson, Weiser and Sullivan have expressed support for increasing accessibility of cell and internet services to rural residents of District 13. Weiser, a former Town Councilperson endorsed by the Working Families Party, has stated that he aims to prioritize environmental issues and victim services in the role. Longtime paramedic Sullivan emphasizes his plans to improve the county’s rapid response emergency medical services program. Current Legislator Dan Klein, who has served the district for over a decade, is not seeking reelection. The Democratic primaries this year will be held on June 24, and the general election will be held on November 4.
District 13 is one of the most rural districts in Tompkins County, and its residents have faced consistent barriers to services that other constituencies have not. Erickson says she hopes to “make life more livable” for the residents of District 13 by strengthening broadband and internet access and providing more reliable emergency services.
In response to recent federal funding rollbacks, Erickson emphasized the need for creating collaborative solutions. “More than ever, we need to work together and think creatively,” she stated. Erickson points to her strong community ties as an essential asset in addressing the district’s most pressing issues.
Erickson, a working parent, has expressed that she believes it is essential for working parents to be represented by someone in a similar stage of life. She plans to address the needs of working families in the district by financially supporting and expanding existing services like healthy food programs, childcare, and affordable housing developments.
Having been a teacher at IHS for a decade, Erickson would bring unique knowledge of young people and their families to the position. According to Erickson, expanding access to high-quality mental health supports for young people in her district is among her top priorities.
By running for Tompkins County Legislature, Erickson states that she wants to show her students that “local government can make a difference […] when leaders listen and take action based on what they learn from the people they serve.” She hopes that by modelling the importance of civic engagement, she will inspire her students to tune into their local government and understand its value.
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