June 12, 2008

Elmira Mayor John Tonello to seek 53rd District senate seat

ELMIRA -- Second-term Elmira Mayor John Tonello announced Thursday he is running for the 53rd District state senate seat, seeking to challenge the status quo in Albany, bring a nonpartisan approach to the state capital and oust 30-year veteran George Winner.

"As mayor, I've learned how important it is to collaborate across all levels of government in order to make real progress," Tonello told a gathering at Elmira's Wisner Park. "As mayor, I've seen first-hand real and huge opportunities for positive change and growth. My commitment to these opportunities has led me to want to be in the best position to help them be realized. That's why I want to be your senator."

Tonello, who ran unopposed for mayor in 2007, said the hallmarks of his administration -- fiscal responsibility, transparency, open communication, and bipartisanship -- are what's needed in Albany to better serve the five-county district.

"By working collaboratively across party lines, we erased a $3.1 million deficit and ended a decade of deficit spending," said Tonello, 41. "By communicating and listening, we helped restore Elmirans' faith and trust in their government, and by putting politics and partisanship aside, we have set the standard for intermunicipal cooperation in New York State -- helping to keep spending and taxes down."

The mayor said 53rd District cities like Corning, Elmira, Hornell, and Ithaca; and villages like Bath, Elmira Heights, and Penn Yan have been stymied by the state of New York politics.

"We're simply not getting the help, representation, and support we need from Albany," he said.

In addition to his job as mayor, Tonello, a Democrat, works as Director of Communications for Cornell University's Graduate School. He graduated from Corning-Painted Post West High School in 1984, and from Corning Community College in 1985 before going on to earn a degree in journalism from Syracuse University in 1987.

Tonello has worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, a Web developer, a technology manager, and as a media relations professional for such companies as Accenture, Corning Inc., and Gannett Co. and for three universities, including Cornell, Rochester Institute of Technology and Syracuse University.

"I have the right experience in government, industry, and higher education to bring practical ideas and solutions to Albany," he said.

Read John's announcement speech