On September 8, the U.S. Department of Labor reported weekly applications for unemployment benefits increased to 414,000.  The August job report released September 2 showed no net job growth.  According to the Economic Policy Institute the ratio of jobless Americans to openings is about 4-1, a level it has been at or above for two years and seven months.

 

Nor is Tompkins exempt from economic problems.  The Ithaca College Index of Economic Activity locally fell 3% in July.  The median home sales price dropped about $8,000.  The County lost 2,000 jobs in July, as stated in the Journal, September 2.

 

In the face of these economic numbers and the small pay increases most Tompkins people have received, the cap busting county budget idea put forth by some of our county legislators must be rejected.  What will it take for our spend and tax incumbent majority to realize that the desires of the governments they serve must give way to the needs of the people they represent?  There is a real disconnect there between government and people.

 

It is time for our county legislature to stand up, live within the cap, and find creative ways to cut the budget.  We can’t afford business as usual.

 

                              James Drader

                              Chairman, Tompkins County Republican Party

 

The above is written for and on behalf of the Tompkins County Republican Party.