Kathy Luz Herrera, a union electrician, brings a working person's perspective to county government. Always mindful of the interests of diverse groups and of the importance of differences in opinion, she is committed to working toward more than “majority rules” decisions. Herrera is deeply committed to retaining the quality of life in Tompkins County. She is an avid supporter of livable wages, literacy, and making living and shopping in Tompkins County more affordable.
In 2007, Herrera serves as Chair of the Facilities and Infrastructure Committee, which is responsible for Facilities, Bridges and Highways, Airport, Weights and Measures, Solid Waste/Recycling, Utilities, Public Works Administration, and Information Technology Services. She has also been appointed to the Budget and Capital Committee, and to the Health Department Building Committee.
Herrera has been a member of the Board of Directors of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) for over 5 years, and serves as Chair in 2007. In this era of rising energy costs, TCAT continues to provide transportation solutions for County and area residents.
As State and Federal funding for local programs continues to shrink, Herrera is seeking to alleviate the impact on working and middle class residents. She is aware that the continued vitality of Tompkins County is largely dependent on economic development and serves on the Board of Directors of the Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Her IDA involvement allows Herrera to demonstrate her commitment to the creation of more good-paying jobs in Tompkins County by supporting job creation projects. Herrera also pays keen attention to proposed density projects, emphasizing the importance of community benefits when awarding tax abatements to qualified projects. As an advocate for the poor and underemployed, Herrera also works to support and retain programs that allow motivated people to acquire skills and better their economic status.
Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Herrera has lived in the 5th Ward since 1988. She and Jill, her partner of more than 25 years, have owned a house in Fall Creek since 1992. Herrera enjoys walking in the neighborhood, camping, snorkeling and riding her scooter around the County. |
