Local News: August 31, 2023

- Tompkins County Legislator To Challenge Webb For State Senate Seat -

Republican Tomkins County Legislator Mike Sigler plans to challenge Democratic State Senator Leah Webb in next year’s election. Webb represents the 52nd district which includes Tompkins, Cortland, and part of Broome County. Sigler is in his fourth term representing Lansing in the Tompkins County Legislature. He told WSKG Public Radio one reason he’s running is because the state isn’t treating towns and counties fairly. He cited this year’s decision to not pass along millions of federal Medicaid dollars to counties as one example of the imbalance.

- Tompkins County Seeking Over 300 Election Workers -

Tompkins County is looking for over 300 new election workers. The county Board of Elections says they need people to work in three elections in 2024. The Board needs inspectors and poll site managers. A link to details is on our website, WRFI dot org slash news.

- Broome County Settles Lawsuit with Transgender Woman, Changes County Policies -

Broome County has settled a lawsuit by a transgender woman accusing the county jail of discrimination and abuse while she was incarcerated for six weeks in 2021. NPR reports that Makyyla Holland’s complaint alleged that she was denied medication, beaten by corrections officers, and forced to live and shower with male inmates. Her complaint included evidence that her treatment was part of a pattern of behavior and policies in the county jail. Holland will receive $160,000 as part of the settlement. The county will also change its policy relating to transgender people. From now on, the county must house people consistently with their gender identity and allow access to gender-affirming care. The new policy is similar to one reached in a Steuben County settlement in 2020.