Cantelmo Casts His Mayoral Bid

Continued from page 1 MAYOR

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As alderperson, Cantelmo said his most notable accomplishments include his efforts to codify Ithaca as an abortion sanctuary city and establish a pay transparency law.

Working with Planned Parenthood and local activist group End Abortion Stigma, Cantelmo said he was able to secure a new amendment and article in the city code that declares Ithaca a sanctuary city for reproductive rights.

“Even though our federal government has failed us, there was an opportunity at the local level for us to stand up for our residents in the face of what I have called really one of the most significant human rights rollbacks in this country, certainly in my lifetime,” Cantelmo said.

Cantelmo said his effort at crafting and passing a salary transparency law in Ithaca, which took effect Sept. 1 — over a year before the statewide transparency law is set to take effect — is a step toward reducing discrimination in the hiring process.

“There’s a lot of evidence that shows this helps reduce the gender pay gap and helps reduce racial pay gaps. It also improves employee morale and retention because people are not ending up in a situation where they join a company, and then six months later, they learn that they are the least paid of their colleagues by $15,000,” Cantelmo said, referring to research also cited in the statewide legislation. “So it’s really a plus side for everyone at the table. And it creates, I think, a much more equitable environment.”

As mayor, Cantelmo said he would prioritize completing the goals of the Ithaca Green New Deal and reimagining public