Susan Wilks Candidate for Chemung County Legislature in the 7th District
Meet the Candidate
Susan Wilks is an attorney with a master’s degree in science, and a career that includes in-house legal roles at Corning Incorporated and Philip Morris International in Switzerland. After decades of navigating complex legal and organizational challenges in the corporate world, Susan Wilks is bringing that invaluable experience home to serve the residents of Chemung County’s 7th District.
Now retired from corporate practice, Susan Wilks is running for Chemung County Legislator with a clear and urgent focus: breaking the cycle of foreclosures that destabilize neighborhoods, erode Chemung County’s tax base, and undermine long-term economic health. She believes that the county deserves a smarter, more sustainable approach—one that protects homeowners, strengthens communities, and ensures predictable revenue for essential public services.
Throughout her legal career, Susan Wilks became known for tackling difficult problems with analytical rigor and collaboration. Those same skills now drive her work to address the root causes of insecure housing and unstable tax revenues. As a candidate for County Legislator, Susan Wilks is committed to thoughtful, grounded policies that keep families in their homes, reduce costly churn in the property system, and create a more resilient foundation for Chemung County’s future.
After living on both coasts and in the southwest, and after a time living as a foreigner in Switzerland, Susan chose to return to Elmira—because Elmira is a beautiful place to live, filled with interesting people and abundant natural resources. As a resident of the 7th District, Susan Wilks understands both the challenges and the potential of our community. As County Legislator, she will bring steady leadership, practical solutions, and a deep respect for the people who call Chemung County home.
