ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) -- An Ithaca martial arts instructor announced on Tuesday that she is running for Common Council.

Deborah Fisher is seeking a seat in Ithaca's 5th Ward. Fisher first moved to Ithaca in 2022. She is the Chief Instructor of Ithaca Aikikai, a dojo that trains in various disciplines.

According to Fisher, if elected, she plans to help the city develop more affordable housing, implement a progressive tax and fee structure as well as getting Cornell University and other big players more invested in Ithaca's future.

She also says she is running to be a local voice that can stand up to policies and procedures being enacted by the new presidential administration.

"I am running for Common Council because this is a unique political moment that demands my skills. This federal government is actively hostile to the people it is supposed to serve, and I teach people how to fight for a living. We need brave local leaders who are ready to meet this moment and protect the most vulnerable among us," said Fisher.

Fisher also works as a consultant. She previously was the founder and executive director of a non profit that supports artists working to enact social change.