Democratic Primary June 24

Democratic Primary June 24

Gepe Zurenda for Ithaca Common Council

Ward 5

About Gepe:

Gepe (pronounced “Jeep”) is a native of Elmira, NY and has been an Ithaca resident for the past 39 years. While currently a clinical social worker, he has also worked in manufacturing, both on the assembly line and in management. Gepe has always prioritized giving back to his community, and has previously served on the Ithaca City Planning Board, Board of Family and Children’s Services, and at the Advocacy Center. He was a founding member of Ithaca Community Recovery and served as Treasurer of Cornell’s Center for Religion, Ethics, and Social Policy. Gepe hopes to continue his service to the Ithaca Community on Common Council, where he will work hard for greater affordability and inclusivity. Read more about Gepe in his own words here.

Gepe’s Platform

•Make Ithaca more affordable by lowering Ithaca’s property tax burden for renters and homeowners

•Informed and inclusive decision-making

•Secure an equitable Memorandum of Understanding with Cornell

•Implement zoning changes to expand housing stock

•Better define the roles of City Manager, Mayor, Council

•Apply performance metrics for the City Manager

•Increase timely property inspections and code enforcement

•Focus on county-wide climate initiatives

•Support student advisory board, student-faculty research program, and internship opportunities

What are your hopes for Ithaca? What do you think Common Council should prioritize? Please let Gepe know!

Would you like to contribute to the campaign?