One Auburn Democrat is looking to be the next person to represent New York’s 126th assembly district.
Auburn Public Theater was packed Tuesday afternoon as Ian Phillips formally declared his candidacy for New York’s 126th assembly district. Cayuga County elected officials were on hand to show their support for the school board president who is hoping to replace John Lemondes in the state assembly. Among those in attendance were State Senator Rachel May and Cayuga County Legislator Aileen McNabb-Coleman.
“You are the somebody who will fight for our families,” said McNabb-Coleman. “You’re the someone who will solve the problems and fight extremism. You are the person who will be courageous… I am so excited to support my friend Ian Phillips and make sure he becomes our next assembly member.”
May expressed her support for Phillips, saying she believes having him as her counterpart in the assembly will allow important legislation to get passed.
“I need a partner here in Auburn and Ian will be that partner,” said May “So both because of who he is personally and because of what he will represent, I am unbelievably excited to have Ian running.”
Describing himself as an optimist, Phillips said he believes there isn’t a problem the district is facing that can’t be solved by working together.
“I believe that the problems that we face are no match for the solutions within us and I believe in the American dream,” said Phillips.
While calling himself an optimist, he added that solving the area’s problems will require hard work. He believes that he will be able to work with elected officials throughout the district to create a better tomorrow. On particular issues, Phillips said he hopes to address the cost of living crisis, protect Owasco Lake at the state level, and bring more jobs to the region.
“I want to tackle the affordability crisis,” said Phillips. “I want to bring good jobs to the area in an equitable way and I want to protect our lakes and our drinking water.”
The 126th district covers parts of Cayuga and Onondaga Counties, including Auburn, Owasco, Skaneateles, and Camillus. John Lemondes has been representing the district since 2021.
