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Common Council in Ithaca, Cortland to see mix of new and old faces

4 weeks ago in Community, Election, Government, Local, Politics

Ithaca City Hall Photo: Saga Communications

ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — A former Ithaca city alderperson is heading back to office.

Jorge DeFendini has won a seat representing the 1st Ward on the Ithaca Common Council. The only other contested race this year is in the 5th Ward, where Cornell student Hannah Shvets gained over 64% of the vote. The Tompkins County Board of Elections must certify the results.

In Cortland, former mayor Brian Tobin has won a seat to fill a vacancy in the 1st Ward. He says he’s looking forward to the work ahead.

“I am looking forward to tackling the challenges our city faces with the other seven members of council and the mayor,” Tobin wrote on Facebook. “I will closely follow the decisions they make between now and December 31st, including budget planning for 2026.”

In Ward 5, Thomas Conlon beat John Banewicz, Sr. That race will also fill a vacancy on the Cortland Common Council.

Results will be made official by the Cortland County Board of Elections.

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