Yesterday, Jamison Moore ’04, Democratic candidate nominated to represent the 4th Ward constituency in the Common Council conducted an introductory press conference outside the front entrance of Cascadilla Hall in Collegetown. Just hours before the deadline for independent candidates to petition in order to appear on the Nov. 6 ballot, Moore runs for the city government position unopposed.
The 4th Ward covers most of Collegetown along with parts of West Campus and consists of both students and permanent residents.
Touching on a common student concern, Moore promised to “improve the standards of living for the residents of the 4th Ward,” should he win the election next month.
“This is through working with students and permanent residents to foster greater community in the ward, by improving quality of student-targeted rental housing in Collegetown, and bringing active representation to everyone who lives here,” he said.
Moore said that he will make an effort to be involved and listen to his constituents.
“I will knock on every door at least once and try to talk to everyone,” Moore said.
Michael J. Moschella ’02, Student Assembly Vice President of Finance, who helped nominate Moore and who also spoke at the press conference, said, “student involvement [in local politics] isn’t just a buzz phrase. It’s a way of life.”
In addition to meeting the traditional requirements of a 4th Ward representative, Moschella said that Moore will alleviate the worries about students’ ability to follow through on a commitment to an active role in city government. That assurance was an attempt to silence the widespread criticism that befell student candidates for local political office following the abrupt resignation of Josh Glasstetter ’01 — who vacated the 4th Ward seat last month.
According to Jane V. Pedersen, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Moore will be uniquely capable to “bridge the gap” between permanent residents and students. With Carolyn Peterson, a long-time Ithaca resident who is also running for Common Council, the candidates will bring “new perspectives and tested experience in a true collaboration,” Pedersen said.
However, on issues of city development, Moore did not take a clear stance during the introductory press conference.
“The possible effects will have to be evaluated and given careful consideration,” he said.
Moore’s record of political involvement includes being an active member of the Cornell Democrats and a volunteer on the 2000 campaigns of several Democratic candidates in eastern Pennsylvania. Those experiences, Moore believes, will aid him in his own campaign.
Moore is 18 years old and a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences, currently majoring in English. While his permanent home is Venice, Calif., Moore believes that the City of Ithaca is “[the students’] home for some of the most important years of [their] lives.”
Archived article by Liz Novak