Anna Kelles

Anna Kelles was born in Trumansburg, New York. Kelles earned a bachelor's degree in biology and environmental studies from Binghamton University in 1997 and a Ph.D. in nutritional epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008. Her career experience includes working as a professor, a nonprofit director, and a human rights activist.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a county legislator, scientist, and educator. Growing up on a dirt road outside of Trumansburg, on the west side of Cayuga Lake, my playground was the forest and my work was the farm up the road. Early on, I was taught to value every person, whether it was a hungry neighbor or refugees from Tibet. I learned early what it means to love the place where you live - and that you have to work hard every day to make it better, for everyone in the community.

I studied Biology and Environmental Studies at Binghamton University, and after years working in South America, earned a PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology from UNC Chapel Hill. As a professor, an environmental non-profit director, a human rights activist and now a Tompkins County legislator, I have used my public health training to advocate for our community.

I've spent my entire adult life in public service, as a public health educator, community organizer, and environmental activist. As a county legislator, I've fought for and passed legislation on the issues I promised to address when I first ran in 2015: strong protections for the environment, affordable housing, human rights, and criminal justice reform.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Governance should not be a series of business deals and transactions. When we govern fairly, everyone gets what they need to reach their full potential. No one goes hungry; everyone has healthcare; and everyone has the opportunity to obtain the education they desire, find a job, or start a business. And, the planet is honored and sustained for the future. This is what "Policy for the People" means and this is what I will fight for in Albany.Right now, we're facing the greatest challenge of our lifetimes. This crisis has made clearer than ever the critical need for universal healthcare and childcare. New York should lead the way into a green future with good paying, local jobs in wind and solar, rebuilt infrastructure, and new approaches to housing that work for everyone.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I will fight to reduce health care costs in New York by cutting insurance premiums and prioritizing preventative care and prioritizing a transition to the New York Health Act and a single-payer system.

I will work to increase access to affordable childcare. We must invest in our future with sufficient state aid to families as well as meet the tremendous need for increased staffing and childcare center development. New York State should invest heavily in achieving universal childcare, both for the sake of our children and to ensure that New York remains a good place to raise a family.

We must make strong investments in our renewable energy and conservation sectors, which will create good-paying, union jobs for Upstate New York. I will fight for increased investments in renewable energy technologies and green building technology, electrification of our transportation systems as well as water infrastructure updates, and economic support for sustainable agricultural practices.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

As a legislator, it has been my mission to keep my constituents as informed as possible so that we can work together to create the priorities that I fight for. When I have to vote on controversial issues I put the extra time in to educate my constituents on what my stance is and why I'm taking that stance instead of simply and quietly making a vote. Sometimes my explanations incite further debate, but ultimately it means that my relationship with my constituents is genuine and meaningful. My record shows that I am not afraid to do the hard work, take the hard vote, get the job done, and keep the promises I make.

There is no substitute for hearing from all different sectors of our community - both urban and rural - about their concerns and needs. I will actively reach out to residents from throughout our diverse district to listen to their concerns, and will use their input to help guide my actions representing the people of the 125th district.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My degree is in epidemiology - I'm trained to look at whole systems, to understand how individual parts interact to affect an outcome. This helps me see how a comprehensive approach can achieve the intended outcomes. If there is an issue I need to understand better, I research tirelessly, I engage with stakeholders, and learn everything I possibly can in order to make informed and fair decisions. If there is an area of government I am weak in I intentionally prioritize it to broaden my competence. I am an independent thinker and decision-maker; doing what's right is not always easy or popular. However, I am guided by a deep, core commitment to serving the people I have been elected to represent with honesty and integrity, no matter how challenging.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Cleaning horse stalls at a local farm in Trumansburg, NY. It gave me a chance to be near one of the most majestic animals that exist and learn to defend my physical boundaries daily with the resident rooster.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

One Fine Day by David Byrne sung live with Brooklyn Youth Chorus at a National Sawdust Gala in Brooklyn.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think it is an absolute benefit for the state legislature. Experience at a municipal level connects a legislator intimately with local challenges and needs of the constituents they represent. As a county legislator, I have years of experience navigating the nuances of legislative procedures and coalition building to effectively champion legislation, often with bipartisan support.

What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?

Economic recovery from this COVID-19 crisis that is equitable and sustainable is and will be our greatest challenge. Creating an economy and infrastructure that is environmentally sound and meets or exceeds our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals is both one of our greatest challenges and our greatest opportunities. Efforts to green our economy with investments in both green infrastructure and building a robust green workforce should be key focus areas to both meet our environmental goals and help us recover economically from this crisis.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

This is one of the most important roles of a public servant and legislator. The ability to both champion a cause while truly listening to all points of view is a hallmark trait of a bridge-builder. This is not to say that a legislator should compromise their values in the face of opposing points of view. Truly listening and being open to learn however, can create solutions that are stronger than any one person can create alone. by the nature of democracy, legislation cannot move forward into law without a majority vote, so the ability to build coalitions is a key trait of an effective legislator. As an academician and legislator, I have had years of training refining my thoughts, debating, and most importantly learning as part of teams. I have found these traits invaluable in my government tenure.