Democratic city committeeman John Tonello, a resident of Elmira's historic Near Westside, announced today he is running for mayor.

"It's time for a new face, new energy and new ideas," said Tonello, 38. "People tell me they want a business-savvy mayor with a can-do attitude who can forge alliances and not only envision growth, but make it happen. I am that person. My candidacy itself indicates bold change, not business as usual."

In a brief speech to supporters gathered in downtown Elmira's Wisner Park, Tonello said he wants to help restore a sense of hope and opportunity to the city.

"A heart still beats in Elmira. I can feel it," he said. "People I talk to say they want to experience that sense of hope again -- not by traveling back in time, but by moving forward to the future. They want to reconnect Elmira to its historic roots, to the founding families that built it, and to the children that hold its promise."

Tonello has experience as a journalist, communications manager, information technology developer, and business consultant. He's held management positions at Corning Inc., Accenture, Gannett Co., and other large corporations; Syracuse and Cornell universities; and small businesses. He also has run his own small business and understands what it takes to encourage growth and investment.

"Vision and action are required to move Elmira forward," he said. "I envision store fronts and city streets brought back to life through steady investment. I envision graceful Victorian homes returning to their former glory through the care of committed newcomers of all ages and means. I envision neighborhoods where police and residents work together to solve problems through new community partnerships."

Tonello also said he will put his nearly 20-year career in communications to good use as mayor.

"The mayor's job is as much about communication as it is about deliberation and action," Tonello said. "I'm good at reaching out to people and finding common ground. I know how to build consensus and partnerships, and I know how to initiate and manage change. I understand, too, that being mayor isn't always the science of the ideal, but the art of the possible."

Tonello has formed a committee made up of Democrats, Republicans and independents to help steer his campaign for mayor, a seat vacated in March when three-term incumbent Stephen Hughes voluntarily stepped down. "Elmira is a diverse city with real problems and real potential," Tonello said. "My goal is to unite the people of the city to improve the quality of life and reach out to everyone."

Tonello, who first moved to the Southern Tier 25 years ago, graduated from Corning-Painted Post West High in 1984, earned an associate's degree in Liberal Arts from Corning Community College in 1985, and received a bachelor's degree in journalism from Syracuse University in 1987. He currently works for Cornell University, where he manages communications for the Graduate School. Former employers include the Syracuse Post-Standard and the Star-Gazette.

"I've never run for office before, but I've volunteered to help others run, and I covered many campaigns as a newspaper reporter," said Tonello. "I understand that city government is about listening to neighbors, responding to people's needs, improving the climate for business, serving the interests of the city, keeping a watchful eye on spending and taxes, and being a tireless advocate for improvement."

In addition to his work in journalism, Tonello has spent much of the past 10 years working in new media and technology. He helped The Wall Street Journal, World Kitchen, and Corning Inc. develop Web sites, and later formed a communications consulting firm called Gray Street.

"I have strong credentials and meaningful experience in business, higher education, communications and technology," Tonello said. "I also know what I don't know, and I'm not afraid to ask brighter minds for help."

Tonello's entry into the race sets up a Sept. 13 Democratic primary, which he said is healthy for Elmira and the Democrats. "The Democrats in this race are by far the better choice to be the next mayor of Elmira," he said. "I see this moment as an opportunity to invigorate the city and the party, and open the choice to all Democrats, not just a few.

"I'm a proud Democrat, and I'm proud of the strong record of the city leaders who have come before me and brought us this far," he said. "This race is about the future -- our future. It's about bringing new optimism about jobs, urban revitalization, and public safety to the mayor's office. It's about drawing youth and energy to our neighborhoods. It's about passing the baton to a new generation of passionate Democratic leaders."

John Tonello Biography

Age: 38
Home: West Gray Sreet
Family: Divorced
Education: Corning-Painted Post West High (1984), Corning Community College (A.S. liberal arts, 1985), Syracuse University (B.S. journalism, 1987)
Community activities: Democratic city committeeman; Member, Chemung County Democratic Committee; Member, Elmira River Festival planning committee; Former member, Pastoral Planning Committee for Chemung-Schuyler area Catholic churches
Hobbies: Musician, amateur historian, freelance writer, Pioneers fan

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