Petitions are a democratic tool for meaningful participation in policy making; but in Tompkins County; there is no meaningful participation – because it’s not a democracy.
“Petitions hold no merit.” — Unnamed county superintendent
Like those lesser-born of the past; laboring under royalty and at the mercy of repressive autocracies — the validity of residents’ requests is entirely dependent upon the approval of those in charge; those at the top.
Tompkins County’s Elite have it all their own way — they’re used to having it all their own way.
And with the “representative” power of 40,000 uninvolved student transients, and Legislative districting out of Gerrymandering 101: it’s not likely to change.
They decide. For you . . . and for themselves. Everything. Always. It’s a drug.