Eric Massa, a Democrat running for Congress in New York's 29th District, today endorsed John Tonello for mayor of Elmira.

Massa, a 24-year veteran of the U.S. Navy who served in Desert Storm and as congressional liaison officer and military aide to Gen. Wesley Clark, said Tonello's work for Fortune 1000 companies like Corning Inc. and Accenture, for major universities like Cornell and Syracuse, and in his own campaign thus far show he has the right experience.

"John Tonello is exactly what Elmira needs to get back on its feet and moving forward again," Massa said. "Elmira needs a strong, fair-minded leader willing to implement innovative ideas and challenge the status quo. John has demonstrated he has these qualities."

"John is committed to making the city government serve all the people of Elmira and not a select few," Massa continued. "He will fight for developing local jobs and living wages, and he will fight for the rights of a workforce that reflects the ethnic and racial diversity of the city of Elmira."

Tonello's background as a journalist and manager set him apart, Massa said. "John is a strong communicator and a consensus-builder, able to bring together diverse groups of people to work together for change. That's exactly what Elmira needs. John's experience and resolve will ensure he is leading the fight for our community."

Tonello's other endorsements include Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, the Chemung-Schuyler Labor Assembly, Carpenter's Local 281, and Laborer's Union Local 1358.

More information is available at www.massaforcongress.com.