Thanks to all who voted!

I want to say "thank-you" to all those who supported what I stood for in this election. We gave the voters all we could in this race. Though disappointed in the results so far, including the low 36% turnout, I will wait for the 96 absentee ballots to be counted before I have more to say. I would welcome your thoughts. To email me, you may click HERE.

Read Ithaca Journal article... Hear WHCU debate...

On Thursday (10/29) the Ithaca Journal ran a good article on this race which you can read by clicking here. WHCU also held a live debate you can listen to. Just click here and then click on the two parts identified as "TC Leg Dist - Oct 28, 2009."

Read my Campaign Newsletter...

To read what I have mailed to all 2008 voters click here [1.0 MB].

Facing Hard Realities &
Moving Forward with a Fresh Approach

Recently the Ithaca Journal ran two articles which provided a wake-up call for all of us. The First Article reported unemployment in Tompkins County has never been higher than it was in June and July, 2009. Low compared to the rest of the state and nation, the 6.7 and 6.3% rates were historically high for our area and translate into a 100% hardship for those individuals and families who are unemployed at this time. I recently talked to a Cornell employee who says everyone in his workplace is worried about keeping their jobs. Jobs at Cornell! Higher local unemployment is a hard reality.

The Second Article announced a report which says the county's spending level is "unsustainable" and "It's time for Tompkins County legislators to make some unpopular decisions, including slashing staff and programming." What a blunt assessment of our county's ecomonic situation! Many articles are also warning that public pension costs will rise dramatically in the near future, adding large and fixed funding burdens to all levels of govenment and our schools — creating upward pressure on taxes across the board.

It is clear our county government needs a fresh approach which takes new realities into account. The years of sufficient government funding to meet every need is over. My opponent served for 12 years in this legislative seat, in the 90s and earlier this decade. I thank him for his service. But these difficult times call for us to move forward with a new approach.

On the "About" page of this website is information about my life and public service. The point is not to focus what I have done, but to provide enough so you will know where my principles and ideas come from... believing in voluntary public service, working for Tompkins County and for local small businesses, seeing where taxes are spent, and where they come from. I've discovered how many things can happen when volunteers band together over common interests and passions. I've seen the help non-profit groups can offer, beyond what taxes can fund.

I have been involved in the creation of 3 local 501(c)(3) non-profit groups which continue to grow and serve the community. I am pleased to say that none of those three has ever taken government funding. Not one dime.

Each of us have had our own unique experiences. I happened to be born in the third world. I've also spent hours talking to men in our county jail. Those experiences, and others, have taught me how truly fortunate I am. And my Christian faith has taught me not to assume credit for life's blessings. I care a lot about our common future. We must lessen the burden of government in these times so individuals and groups can do more of the good work they do best. For our children and for those less fortunate than ourselves, we must see that our govenment is trimmed back! We must once again make it sustainable and affordable. Working together, I believe we can.

I am a candidate to serve as your Dryden/Freeville county legislator because I believe we are in a critical time for our community, county and country. Although we've been through hard times before, what we're living through is unprecedented in its scale. Record state and federal deficits threaten to destabilize our county budget and services at a time when many of our neighbors are in great need. Too many of them will depend on the services of our county government to get by.

It is time for individuals, families, and communities to band together and help each other beyond government programs and funding. We should ask "not what your county can do for you, but what you can do for [your neighbors and] your county" — to paraphrase a famous Democrat.

We should all look for ways we can give out, and give back, within our abilities. We can all serve our community or neighbors in some way.

You may review my career of community service on the "About" page. It has been my good fortune to call Dryden home for 42 years, and this has been a wonderful place for Nancy and me to raise our 3 girls. These times can lead to a brighter future if we learn to help each other, grow through our challenges, reward personal responsibility, encourage initiative, and constantly search for more sustainable solutions to meet our needs.

I plan to build on the good service Mike Hattery has given to Dryden and Freeville over the last 4 years. I believe a determined and vocal county representative can have an important influence on other Republican and Democrat legislators. We must find a reasonable and sustainable balance between goals and resources, and establish the right priorities.

I pledge to be your voice in our county government. I will do that by asking you what you think, and keeping you informed on county issues. I look forward to being able to serve you. Please vote on Tuesday, November 3rd.

Jim Crawford
353 Main Street
Freeville, NY 13068

Home Phone: 347-4393