A union electrician, Herrera brings a working person’s perspective to county government. 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.

In 2009, Herrera was appointed to the Legislative Direct Report Review Committee, which conducts personal dialogues with Legislative direct reports to assist in maintaining and improving service to Tompkins County and its residents.

Herrera was reappointed to Tompkins County’s Industrial Development Agency (IDA), in 2009, working to support and retain programs that allow motivated people to retrain, acquire skills and better their economic status. Herrera’s IDA involvement helps bring and retain good-paying jobs to Tompkins County.

She also focuses on downtown density proposals, emphasizing community benefits when awarding tax abatements to qualified projects.

First elected in 2001, Herrera’s legislative philosophy derives from being a Latina weaned on the civil rights movement, over 27 years in non-traditional work, and being a lifelong Democrat.

Since 2001, Herrera has served on the Board of Directors of Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT), serving as Chair in 2007, Vice-President in 2006, and as a member of the Transit Services Committee in 2009.

Herrera has served for over four years on the Board of Trustees of Tompkins Community Action (TCA), a non-profit organization assisting low income families and children. This year Herrera is Chair of the Development Committee, and a member of the Executive Committee.

Herrera is a proponent of good green jobs, sustainable economic development including tourism, livable wages, and making living and shopping in Tompkins County more affordable.

A native Texan, Herrera and Jill, her partner of more than 25 years, have lived in Fall Creek since 1988 and owned a house in Fall Creek since 1992. Herrera enjoys walking in the neighborhood, camping, snorkeling and riding her scooter around the County.