Local News: August 7, 2023

Tompkins County Seeks Residents To Apply For Vacancies On Community Services Board 

Tompkins County Whole Health is asking residents to apply for vacancies on its Community Services Board. The volunteer board is responsible for developing services for people with mental illness, substance abuse, and developmental disabilities. The 15 board members serve 4-year terms. You can find details about how to apply here. 

Tompkins County Legislature Opposes Seneca Meadows Landfill Expansion in Resolution Revote

The Tompkins County Legislature passed a resolution opposing the Seneca Meadows landfill expansion last week. The resolution failed in its first vote in the July 18th meeting. Chairwoman Shawna Black was absent for that vote. She called for the resolution to be reconsidered and this time it passed with an 8-6 vote. The landfill is located in Waterloo in Seneca County. The Finger Lakes Times reports the town of Seneca Falls could get over $175 million over 15 years in host fees from the landfill operators. The state has to approve the landfill’s expansion before the agreement can go into effect.  

State Board Of Elections Approves Controversial New Voting Machine

The state Board of Elections voted to allow counties to use a touch screen voting machine beginning with the 2024 elections. The Albany Times Union reports the state wants the makers to fix potential security issues in the software to allow votes to be verified by hand count. Critics of the technology say it could lead to voter fraud. Proponents say it will make voting easier for people with disabilities like eyesight problems.