Local News for Thursday, February 2, 2023

Newfield Board Chair Asked to Resign

The chair of the Newfield school board was asked to resign during a January 19th meeting. The Ithaca Times reports that board member Melissa Rynone accused board chair Christina Ward of violating policies on communication outside of board meetings. The accusation involves emails and other communications from the chair about the cost of a proposed board retreat. Rules require that public expenditures should only be discussed in a public meeting. Ward did not respond to the allegations directly and did not offer her resignation. The next board meeting will be February 9th.

Advocacy Center Unionizes

Workers at the Tompkins County Advocacy Center have unionized. The Center is a nonprofit that helps victims of domestic and sexual violence. The organization's management agreed to recognize the union voluntarily which means no unionization vote is required. The Ithaca Voice reports the workers will become part of the Communication Workers of America local chapter based in Elmira. The announcement comes shortly after Executive Director Heather Campbell announced her resignation after working at the Center for 25 years.

State to Pay for Cuomo Defense in Harassment Case

New York state will pay for private counsel to defend former governor Andrew Cuomo in one of his sexual harassment lawsuits. According to the Albany Times Union, Attorney General Letitia James announced the decision on Wednesday. A judge ruled the state must cover legal fees for the case which stems from sexual harassment and inappropriate touching allegations made by a state trooper in Cuomo’s protection detail.