Shawna Black, Tompkins County Legislator
Deborah Dawson is the clear choice for District 7. Her past experience working with the federal government, service in the armed forces, and passion for her community make her a well rounded candidate.
In a time full of unknowns, it’s important that we have experienced and hardworking people navigating policy and budgetary shortfalls.
— Shawna Black
New York Working Families Party
On September 28, the New York Working Families Party officially endorsed Deborah. While no press release or media announcement was issued at the time, the endorsement is confirmed on the WFP’s national website, where Deborah Dawson is listed among the New York candidates on their “Our Candidates” page.
Peter Salton, Trustee, Village of Cayuga Heights
My name Peter Salton and along with being a resident of Tompkins County Legislative District 7, I am a 13-year Trustee of the Village of Cayuga Heights. As a private citizen, I have known Deborah Dawson ever since she showed up in my driveway carrying a nominating petition eight years ago. She’s approachable, pragmatic and is not afraid to dig into complex local issues.
Refreshingly, she will stay in her lane when it comes to the national issues by understanding that the County Legislature has scant jurisdiction over them.
As a colleague, I respect her knowledge of things financial. Her insight will be sorely needed in the next period of time as we stare down a complex morass of federal and state fiscal changes. Tompkins County has many issues to deal with and Deborah is highly qualified to address each and every one of them with talent and professionalism:
- The Center of Government
- Those who are unhoused and how to address their issues
- Handling environmental problems in realistic ways
- Relations between Cornell University and Tompkins County
- Keeping our infrastructure in good working order
- Working together with other local representatives.
Although Deborah’s campaign is a “write in,” her opponent, a Democrat, has withdrawn his candidacy. I strongly urge the Tompkins County Democratic Committee to review this unusual situation and along with me, endorse Deborah Dawson as its County District 7 Legislature candidate.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter D. Salton
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Tompkins-Cortland Building & Construction Trades Council
John Dennis, Former District 7 Ballot Candidate
As a candidate in this election since February, I would have been proud to offer my own experience and perspective in the Legislature. However, now that Legislator Dawson is in the race, I have chosen to defer to her proven record and greater tenure in elected office. Her leadership will be particularly important as Tompkins County confronts a difficult year ahead, marked by budget shortfalls, a hostile administration in Washington, and significant turnover within both the Legislature and several county departments.
– John Dennis
George McGonigal, Former City of Ithaca Common Council Member
During my ten plus years serving on the City of Ithaca’s Common Council, I got to interact with many local elected officials. I know the difference between happening and lame….
Deborah Dawson is very much a happening member of the Tompkins County Legislature. She pays attention to the tasks at hand. She works very hard, and she understands how the sausage is made…. She is by no means a push-over during budget season. At the same time, Deborah is very approachable, and is committed to helping all county residents, particularly those of us who often don’t receive enough help.
I am glad Deborah Dawson has decided to run for another term, and I endorse her wholeheartedly.
– George McGonigal
Christine Charles, Former President and current Second Vice President, UAW Local 2300
I am personally and enthusiastically endorsing County Legislator Deborah Dawson for reelection. As the former president of UAW Local 2300, I had the privilege of working directly with the legislator on issues that matter to working families in our community. Deborah is not afraid to ask hard questions and understands the challenges that come with meeting constituent’s interests with fiscal responsibility. Legislator Dawson has proven herself to be a reliable partner and tireless advocate for the people she serves.
– Christine Charles
Laura Lewis – Chair, TCAT Board of Directors and Former Mayor of the City of Ithaca
I am pleased to enthusiastically endorse Deborah Dawson for re-election to the Tompkins County Legislature. We have been colleagues for a number of years on the Board of Directors at Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT, Inc.). Deborah served as Board Chair in a year when there were a number of upper level staff searches and transition. She continues to demonstrate a thoughtful approach to all transit issues. In TCAT board meetings, Deborah regularly asks clarifying questions that help us move forward in decision making. Given the degree of change on next year’s Legislature, the experience and consistency Deborah would bring to the table is even more critical to addressing the challenges facing our community.
– Laura Lewis
Lorrie Scarrott, Former County Director of Finance
I am writing to express my endorsement of Deborah Dawson to represent District 7 in the upcoming election. I worked very closely with Legislator Dawson during my tenure as Director of Finance for Tompkins County, and during that time, I had the opportunity to see how very committed and knowledgeable as a government representative she is. Her impressive qualifications and many years of experience make her an ideal candidate for this role.
Deborah is a strong advocate for her constituents and works hard to balance both the needs of the residents and the financial constraints of government operations. She is a strong advocate for a balanced budget and appropriate fiscal oversight. Her work on the County’s budget, supporting and assisting in the development of the County’s Finance office, and willingness to work with other entities to problem-solve is commendable. She went above and beyond to be responsive and fiscally responsible.
I appreciated her willingness to listen; problem solve and take quick action on challenges that the County faced. She is a strong, common-sense leader with integrity and strong fiscal management skills.
I am sure that Deborah Dawson is the best choice to represent District 7 and encourage you to vote for her on Election Day.
Sincerely,
Lorrie Scarrott
Amanda Champion, Tompkins County Legislator
Having worked with Deborah Dawson for the past eight years on the County Legislature, I know she is the best Legislator to serve District 7. Deborah works hard, is dedicated to her constituents, and cares deeply about making Tompkins County government fiscally responsible and operationally excellent. Her leadership will be essential in the coming years of uncertainty and change. I urge residents in District 7 to write in Deborah Dawson’s name and reelect her to the Legislature.
– Amanda Champion
Ronny Hardaway, Mayor, Village of Lansing
As Mayor of the Village of Lansing, I am proud to endorse incumbent Deborah Dawson as the best candidate for Tompkins County Legislator for District 7 (formerly District 10). (Full disclosure: Deborah is also my spouse of 27 years.)
Over the eight years of her two legislative terms, I have witnessed Deborah’s deep commitment to both her constituents and to the overall well-being of Tompkins County. From across the room – or the other end of our sofa – I have seen firsthand her 24/7 dedication to the governmental, environmental, social, and financial health of our community. Few realize that before her first election, Deborah spent two years shadowing her predecessor, Legislator Dooley Kiefer, at countless meetings to fully prepare herself for effective service.
Deborah approaches every responsibility with diligence and care. Before each legislature, committee, or advisory meeting, she invests a great deal of time studying the extensive background materials – ensuring she is prepared to contribute thoughtfully and effectively. She regularly engages constituents and colleagues by phone, email, or in person to clarify perspectives and build understanding. Simply put, Deborah prepares thoroughly and participates passionately – always with her community service in mind.
As Mayor, I have observed Deborah’s intelligence, work ethic, and unwavering dedication to our public service. She brings her heart, her mind, and her values to every decision, ensuring that Tompkins County, her legislative district, and the Village of Lansing are well represented and well served.
With half of the 2026 legislators entering their offices with little or no experience – and with potentially overwhelming state and federal changes ahead – it is essential that District 7 voters preserve institutional knowledge and steady, hardworking leadership within the Tompkins County Legislature. Voting by write-in for Deborah Dawson on the November 4, 2025, ballots will return an experienced, thoughtful, and effective representative to that body.
– Ronny Hardaway