Local News for Friday, February 10, 2023

Tompkins Gets $600K for Road Safety Planning

Tompkins County is getting $600,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to create a road safety plan. The money is part of the federal infrastructure bill passed last November. The Ithaca Voice reports that the grant will be matched by $150,000 from the 10 municipalities that are part of the program. The project includes analysis of crash and driving speed data. The public will also have opportunities to weigh in on which roadways they consider most troubling.

Ithaca Re-Starts Search for Police Chief

The City of Ithaca has hired an outside search firm to conduct a search for a new police chief. The Ithaca Voice reports Mayor Laura Lewis’s original pick for the post failed to be approved by Common Council. Lewis declined to say which firm will be conducting the search until the contract is finalized but adds it’s expected to be signed this week. Common Council allocated $50,000 for the search.

State Republican Sues Senate For LaSalle Vote

A Republican State senator is suing to force a floor vote on Governor Hochul’s nominee for chief judge. Last month, the nomination of Justice Hector LaSalle was voted down by the Democratic majority senate judiciary committee. Progressives have opposed LaSalle’s nomination since it was announced. Their objections stem from  some of his rulings involving unions and abortion rights. The Albany Times Union reports that Senator Anthony Palumbo, the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, filed the suit. Palumbo says he believes LaSalle has a constitutional right to a floor vote.