JASON'S KEY ISSUES: supporting community centers, local businesses, and tourism; stabilizing local taxes; improving broadband access; maintaining Dryden's independence.

Jason Leifer is a Dryden attorney who currently serves on Dryden's Town Board. He was elected to a one-year term in 2008.  Jason received his
JD from New York Law School and his BA from
the University of Maryland, College Park.

He and his wife Cynthia, have two boys -- Ryan and Daniel. Jason is a member of the Dryden Kiwanis Club, the Tompkins County Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association. He also plays softball in Dryden's adult co-ed league and coaches Kiwanis T-Ball.

“I try my best to listen to residents and balance the interests of Dryden's diverse neighborhoods. I want to make decisions that will promote prosperity and benefit the entire town.  I want to ensure that the price of growth in Dryden does not include sacrificing the rural character and small-town charm that attracted so many of us to Dryden in the first place.

"Since my election in 2008, I have worked with the Dryden Recreation Commission to propose a recreation capital reserve fund.  The purpose of this fund is to save money to develop Town recreation facilities that have been talked about by residents for many years.  Recreation facilities will improve the quality of life in Dryden and will attract new residents and businessesI have worked to improve the business climate in Dryden. 

"This summer I introduced and won passage of a real property tax assessment exemption for capital improvements made to residential properties.  The point of introducing this law was to improve the Town’s housing stock, spark investment and business activity within Dryden, and reward homeowners for investing in Dryden.  I saw a problem, proposed a solution, and convinced Board members that it was a good idea to stop the madness of penalizing people who want to improve their homes with an immediate sharp rise in their property tax bill. 

"Other business friendly initiatives I have supported are Dryden’s participation in Tompkins County Area Development and the IDA program developed by Councilperson David Makar.  Both programs are available to assist Dryden businesses with low interest loans and/or grants for business expansion and capital investments.

"I have always been a strong supporter of our community centers and recreation programs. Since becoming a Board member I have been active in managing the Town’s grant program -- ever mindful that while the Town must make sure that grant funds are spent wisely it must also respect the independence our community organizations.   Our community centers, along with our local service organizations, are anchors for our community."

 

To Contact Jason:

Jason Leifer: jleifer@gmail.com or call 233-4839