I want to thank all our friends and neighbors who came out for Ithaca’s No Kings protest on Saturday.

I want to take a moment to give a huge shout-out to the incredible staff and crews of our Department of Public Works

Rents in Ithaca are too high. The cost of owning a home is too high. And one of the biggest reasons is that our property taxes are too high, and still climbing.

Ithaca is made up of many groups and individuals. Together, we create the energy and character that make our city special. If we want it to remain that way, we must treat one another with kindness and keep safety at the heart of our community.

When we divide into camps and point fingers, we miss opportunities to solve real problems. What builds a better city is finding common ground and working together.

Taxes in Ithaca have gone up about 40% over the past three years. During that time, our population has not grown. Inflation was only around 9% over that period.

Good government starts with fairness. Every family deserves safe sidewalks to walk on, clean water to drink, and streets they can drive on without blowing a tire.

A common concern that almost all Ithacans can agree on is that housing in our city has become far too expensive.

In the context of Donald Trump’s authoritarian takeover of Washington, D.C, under the false pretense of a crime spree, concerns surrounding public safety in our respective communities have entered the national spotlight.

My name is Gepe Zurenda, and as an Ithaca resident for the last 38 years, I am honored to announce I am running to represent the 5th Ward on Ithaca’s Common Council.