Archive: News

Looking backward and looking ahead, the Tompkins County Legislature took a few minutes to reflect, as it marked the end of 80 years in its home on the second floor of the Tompkins County Courthouse.  The Legislature deliberated for the final time in its Courthouse space Tuesday, which it is leaving to accommodate needs of the New York State Court System.  On August 6, it will reconvene in its new legislative chambers on the second floor of the historic Governor Daniel D. Tompkins Building—formerly known as the Old Courthouse.

Many legislators reflected on the Chamber’s history, and on the long and careful process that brought the County to preserve the historic Old Courthouse for its new Chambers.  They thanked the Capital Plan Review Committee, staff, and HOLT Architects for their work in making the necessary Legislature relocation reality.

Chair Martha Robertson remarked, “We didn’t choose to do it…We didn’t take the easy way out…This has been a series of moves, a series of decisions, to do this in the most effective way, with an eye toward the next 80 years.”

Attending the nostalgic ceremony were former Chairs Stuart Stein, Barbara Mink, and Mike Koplinka-Loehr, and former Legislators Eric Lerner and Jeff True, who reflected on public service in the Chamber, and how things had both changed and remained the same.  Mr. Stein, who served on the board for 20 years and as Chair for three, said that he has fond memories of the place, and credited the Legislature for “moving to a room that is historic and inspiring, and will inspire you to do more of the wonderful things you do here.”   Mr. Koplinka-Loehr expressed appreciation that the new Chambers will provide much more room for the public.

Legislators took down the County Seal and removed the flags gracing the Chamber.  In helping to take down the seal, Legislature Vice Chair Mike Lane, Chair of the Legislature’s Capital Plan Review Committee remarked, “It’s historic.  We are decommissioning it in this room and will re-commission it in the new Chambers.”

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