Jennifer is a member of the Tompkins County Green Party and has also been endorsed by the Tompkins County Democratic Committee.

Jennifer carefully studies the issues, giving unflagging support to workers' rights, social justice, and human rights. Her upbeat attitude is an asset in making difficult decisions about environmental issues and funding for public transportation; she excels at respectful dialogue, even with those who may disagree with her.

--Kathy Luz Herrera
County Legislator

Jennifer combines a clear vision with an understanding of how city government works. Her relationships with staff members and elected officials are strong. I'm looking forward to serving with her because I know she will work hard for you in City Hall.

--Maria Coles
fellow First Ward Common Councilwoman

Our community context

I understand the issues currently facing the City and will continue to listen to your views about them. I also strongly value and will continue to encourage an inclusive, respectful process at all levels of City government, and to create ongoing connections among diverse groups. Our ward is strong in neighborhood groups (including the South Hill Civic Association, the West Hill Civic Association, the South of the Creek Civic Association and others) which are important venues for elected officials to discuss issues with neighbors and for promoting community conversations.

I was born and raised in Oregon, moved to Ithaca in 1998 and am now Executive Director of Ithaca Carshare. My wife Gail Blake and I own our home on Wood Street in the South of the Creek neighborhood.

Experience on local boards and committees

  • City of Ithaca Common Council - 2007-present
  • City of Ithaca Bicycle/Pedestrian Advisory Council - 2001-present (including as chair)
  • TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) board - 2008-present
  • City of Ithaca Commons Advisory Board - 2003-present
  • PEGASYS Access Oversight Committee (representing the City on this intermunicipal body with the Village of Cayuga Heights and the Town of Ithaca) - 2008-present
  • City of Ithaca Board of Public Works - 2002-2007
  • City of Ithaca Planning and Development Board - 2004-2007
  • Intermunicipal wastewater treatment plant oversight committee - 2004-2005
  • GreenStar Council - 2000-2005, including terms as President and as Personnel chair (during adoption of a Livable Wage policy)
  • Recycle Ithaca’s Bicycles (RIBs) Advisory Board - 2005-present

Supporters

  • Common Councilwoman Maria Coles
  • Common Councilwoman Mary Tomlan
  • Common Councilman Eric Rosario
  • Common Councilwoman Robin Korherr
  • County Legislator Pam Mackesey
  • County Legislator Kathy Luz Herrera
  • City Planning Board chair John Schroeder
  • David Kay, member, City Planning Board
  • Larry Roberts, chair, Disability Advisory Council
  • Joe Wetmore, downtown businessperson, Downtown Ithaca Alliance board member, Commons Advisory Board member and fellow Tompkins County Green Party member
  • Ken Deschere, leader of Ithaca's South Hill Industrial Pollutants group
  • Timothy Weber, leader of Ithaca's South Hill Industrial Pollutants group
  • Lynn Truame, Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Committee
  • Jonathan Cook, Tompkins County Green Party chair
  • Regina Deschere
  • Katherine Lockwood
  • Wendy Skinner, SewGreen coordinator
  • Joe McMahon
  • Gail Steinhart
  • Elizabeth Field

and many others.