Good afternoon. Thank you all for coming today.
When my family moved to the Southern Tier 25 years ago, my earliest memories of Elmira were about seeing movies at the 1-2-3 around the corner from here on College Avenue, joining big crowds for Pioneers baseball games at Dunn Field, and watching Elmira Little Theatre productions in the Clemens Center's huge Powers Theater.
As a kid, Elmira always struck me as a busy, vibrant place that people loved. People still tell me stories about outings to Eldridge Park, dancing all night along the river at Rorick's Glen, and grabbing a bite to eat at the Iszards Department Store Tea Room.
All these things are reminders of what Elmira was, reminders of boom times, and times before Agnes and the Flood. Times of growth and opportunity. It was a time when Elmira was full of energy and hope.
Today, the Tea Room is gone and the theater and baseball crowds aren't what they used to be, but a heart still beats in Elmira. I can feel it. 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.
Since moving back to this area 10 years ago, I have come to love this city more than ever. I love the people I've met here. So when people tell me Elmira has lost sight of its future, lost its sense of purpose, and its vision, my instinct is to try and help -- despite the obstacles.
I want to make this city better. I want to be a driving force for all those who believe in Elmira's resurgence.
That's why I'm here today to announce that I am running for mayor of Elmira, and I am seeking the Democratic nomination to lead this city -- to lead all of us -- into the future.
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 envision a bustling downtown where business is welcomed and encouraged. 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.
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. 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.
I believe in Elmira as I know you do. Together, we believe in Elmira's future. I hope you will join me in this great effort to become your next mayor.
