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31 Lansing Democrats voted Monday to make Katrina Binkewicz their candidate for Town Board.  When Kathy Miller won the Town Supervisor seat last year Republican Andra Benson was appointed to fill the first of two remaining years in Miller's term as Town Councilwoman.  Binkewicz will challenge Benson in November's election.

"I enthusiastically endorse Katrina," Miller said before Monday's vote.  "I had only been in office (as Supervisor) a month when she came in to say, 'What do you need?  How can I help?'  That's pretty amazing.  She was the only one that did that."

Binkewicz was elected to the Board in 1999, serving a term beginning in 2000.   More recently Miller says Binkewicz has expressed a special interest in preparing an emergency preparedness plan for the Town.

Binkewicz has NYS certification in Biology, General Science, Special Education, and Art.  She holds a MAT in science teaching and a MS in horticulture form Cornell University. She owned her own landscape business in Washington, DC and in Lansing for more than 20 years.

In a written statement answering 14 questions before the caucus, Binkewicz wrote, "When I ran in 1999, I was passionate about the development of a functional and aesthetic town center, about clean water (lake and aquifer protection), and about preserving the handsome old town hall and reinventing it as a library. I am still passionate about these things. In addition, I am committed to preserving a diverse Lansing community with respect as a fundamental right for all; whether you are old Lansing, New Lansing, city or farm born, economically challenged or economically blessed- we need to be considerate and respectful of each other. Diversity is strength. Diversity enhances a town’s culture. The Town needs to be creative and thrifty in order to keep taxes low and the community needs supported."


"Most of you know her from her long time residence in Lansing, and from her service on the Town Board starting in 200, twelve years ago," said Dan Konowalo in his nominating speech.  "She served valiantly.  Among other things she worked with Kathy Miller and others to turn that building into our community library."

Marlaine Darfler seconded the nomination.  Binkewicz answered questions after Democrats had a chance to read her written answers.

"There is a need for practical, simple, data supported process and solutions," she said.  "A lot of what we love about an old town is tied into the natural beauty that is integrated into where people live.  We can't forget that as we develop a comprehensive plan."

The vote for Binkewicz was unanimous.

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