Help Improve Local News and Information
Published on March 14, 2025
Tompkins County residents need reliable sources of information for their community to be successful. The Tompkins County Public Information Advisory Board (TCPIAB) is looking for new members to improve the flow of public information from local news media and foster civic engagement between county residents and their governments.
A 2024 guest editorial from TCPIAB published in local media noted reduced local news coverage as media organizations have seen their venues decline. That loss makes it harder for Tompkins County residents to be well-informed about their communities and engage in civic activities from voting to volunteering.
In 2025, TCPIAB is examining ways to support local media to provide vibrant, in-depth and reliable community news reports. The board seeks to fill several vacancies with county residents interested in expanding the supply of community news and information. It meets monthly to advise county leaders on effective ways to disseminate information, encourage meaningful public involvement in county issues and support transparency in government activities.
Any resident of Tompkins County can apply for the three-year term. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and experience in public information, media, and community relations are encouraged to apply. The Tompkins County Public Information Advisory board includes Paul Boyer, Bruce Estes, Linda Holzbaur, Patty Poist, Larry Roberts, and Kate Supron. Non-voting board members include Tompkins County Legislator Amanda Champion (D-Town of Ithaca, District 12), Tompkins County Communications Director Monika Salvage, and Kay Wagner, liaison to League of Women Voters of Tompkins County.
Applicants must complete an Advisory Board Application form to indicate interest in serving on the TCPIAB Board. The form may be obtained from the Clerk of the Legislature office at the Governor Daniel D. Tompkins Building (Old Court House), 121 E. Court Street, Ithaca. The entrance is on the Dewitt Park side of the building. You can also download an electronic application form.
Applications may be dropped off at the Clerk of the Legislature office, mailed to the Clerk of the Legislature, emailed to legislature@tompkins-co.org, or faxed to 607-274-5430.
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