[John made the following comments at a rally in Wisner Park Sunday, Nov. 6. More than 50 supporters were on hand, including current city council members; council candidates; and Democrats, Republicans, and independents.]

The Star-Gazette has done all it can in the last few days to confuse voters and try to influence the outcome of the Elmira mayor's race in a way that ignores both readers and voters.

I'm here today to set the record straight.

The Star-Gazette editorial board has it wrong. I resent the accusation that I lack the experience or passion to be mayor. Tell that to the voters who supported me in the September Democratic primary. Tell that to the thousands of Elmirans who've urged me to run, and personally asked me to be their voice. How dare anyone say I'm unwilling to fight for the people of this city.

Steve Hughes has confirmed he is not a candidate. This year, there is only one mayoral candidate who is qualified to lead this city forward. Only one mayoral candidate who has listened to voters, not special interests. Only one mayoral candidate who can build on past successes and set a clear vision for the future.

I am that candidate.

I'm willing to make hard choices, even if the Star-Gazette isn't. Why? Because we have a lot of work to do to lead Elmira into the future. There are no simple answers. There are no quick fixes. Only together, through collaboration and consensus, can we keep our neighborhoods safe, retain and attract businesses and jobs, and rebuild our neighborhoods.

Being mayor is about reaching out to people. Not special interests, but interested citizens. I'm supported by Democrats, Republicans and independents; members of local unions; business people, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer; and thousands of fair-minded, hard-working Elmirans who want a better future.

I believe Elmira has come a long way. I want to build on past successes. My campaign and the campaigns of all the Democratic candidates -- Terry McLaughlin, Jim Hare, Brent Stermer, Tom Petro -- have been positive and issues-based. Our ticket has experience and vision. We all believe in making Elmira better. And we're all going to fight for that.

The mayor's race is about the future. It's about getting people involved. It's about standing up for the people of this city and doing what they've asked all of us to do: To listen, to work with them, and to help make their lives better.

That's exactly what I intend to do as mayor.

Please turn out in force Tuesday. Join me -- join all of us -- in setting Elmira on a clear path to the future. Thank you.