Headlines for December 27, 2022

Ithaca Considering Labor Liaison Role

Ithaca is considering a plan to create a “labor liaison” to observe negotiations between the city and its employees’ various bargaining units. The resolution says the liaison would provide Common Council with an understanding of the most pressing issues facing city employees. Under the proposal the mayor would nominate an alderperson annually to serve as labor liaison pending approval by Common Council. The liaison would sit in on labor negotiations and report back to Council but not participate actively. According to the Ithaca Voice, the proposal moved out of the City Administration Committee on Wednesday and will be considered by the whole council at its first meeting in 2023.

NY Lawmakers Limit Outside Income, Approve Pay Hike

New York State Democratic legislators approved a proposal to simultaneously raise their own pay and limit outside income for state Senators and Assemblymembers. The Times Union is reporting that the raise will go into effect in January and will make New York lawmakers the highest paid in the country. At the same time, over largely Republican opposition, they imposed what they called the only limit on outside income for members of a statehouse. The new starting pay for legislators will be $142,000 a year up from $110,000. Outside income from some sources will be limited to $35,000 per year. According to Specrtrum News, several good government groups said the limit on outside income doesn’t go far enough. They say it still poses risk of conflict of interest for legislators representing private interests with business before the state.

Ithaca Firefighters Take Heat on Christmas

And, on Christmas night, Ithaca Firefighters proved they can really take the heat. According to 14850.com, the department’s “D shift” was called to a West Hill apartment complex after some residents experienced smoke and burning eyes. It turned out someone was roasting hot peppers. No injuries were reported, with hope, the peppers were delicious.