News

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

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

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.

Recent Headlines

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Kendrick Lamar leads 2026 Grammy nominations, followed by Lady Gaga, Jack Antonoff and Cirkut

Not like us? More like him: Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammy Award nominations, announced Friday.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

The 2026 Grammy Award nominations are about be announced. Here’s what to know

Nominees will be announced during a video livestream on the Grammy website and the Recording Academy's YouTube channel on Friday at 8 a.m. Pacific and 11 a.m. Eastern.

3 days ago in Features, Trending

Rockefeller Christmas tree is harvested from upstate New York and begins trek to Manhattan

The towering Christmas tree that will light up Rockefeller Center this holiday season is on its way to New York City.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Bruce Springsteen performs at New York Public Library gala

Bruce Springsteen was among six honorees Monday night at the New York Public Library's annual "Library Lions" gala, which pays tribute to "outstanding achievements" in arts, culture, letters and scholarship.

5 days ago in National, Trending

Dick Cheney, one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in US history, dies at 84

Dick Cheney, the hard-charging conservative who became one of the most powerful and polarizing vice presidents in U.S. history and a leading advocate for the invasion of Iraq, has died at age 84.