Why I Am Running for Re-Election 

Serving the residents of District 7 in the Chemung County Legislature has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

When I first ran for this seat, I promised to bring common sense, accountability, and a strong voice for the Town of Elmira to county government. Over the past four years, I have worked hard to keep that promise.

Mary and I have called the Town of Elmira home since 1974. We raised our four sons here, and today we are blessed to watch our eight grandchildren grow up in this same community. For me, the future of Chemung County is not just a matter of public service — it is personal. This is our home, our family, and our future.

During my first term, I focused on the practical work of local government: protecting taxpayers, supporting public safety, improving local parks and public spaces, strengthening infrastructure, and making sure District 7 has a seat at the table.

I am proud of the results we have delivered for our community. I worked to secure funding for security lighting at Pirozzolo Park, helping make one of our local parks safer and more welcoming for families, athletes, and residents. I helped secure support for a new pool canopy, improving the Town of Elmira pool experience for children and families. I also helped secure funding for important Town of Elmira equipment, including repairs to the bucket loader used for town maintenance, public works, and services residents rely on.

I have also worked to promote accountability in county government. I voted NO on pay raises for County Legislators because I believe public service should be about serving the people — not ourselves. I voted YES on term limits in Chemung County government because fresh ideas, responsible leadership, and accountability matter.

Beyond District 7 projects, I have supported countywide improvements that affect residents every day, including road reconstruction and resurfacing efforts and Park Station dam improvements. I have also helped move forward funding connected to the John Jones Museum, the Friends of the Elmira Civil War Prison Camp, and Community Development Fund projects that support local history, tourism, community pride, and investment in Chemung County.

A lot of the important work in county government happens in committee, where budgets are reviewed, projects are discussed, and decisions begin. During my first term, I have served on the Budget Committee, Highway Committee, Health and Human Services Committee, Aviation Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee, and as Vice Chairman of the Environmental Management Committee.

Through these roles, I have worked with my fellow legislators to support responsible county government, maintain important services, strengthen local infrastructure, and make sure the Town of Elmira has a strong voice in decisions that affect our residents.

I am proud of what we have accomplished, but there is still more work to do.

I believe strongly in supporting our fire and police departments, maintaining safe parks and public spaces, protecting our natural resources, investing in roads and infrastructure, and creating opportunities that encourage families and young people to build their futures here in Chemung County.

That is why I am running for re-election to serve one final four-year term as your District 7 Chemung County Legislator.

My goal is simple: to continue the work we have started, protect taxpayers, support our local communities, and help keep Chemung County a place where people are proud to live, work, raise a family, and call home.

I remain committed to representing all residents of District 7, regardless of party affiliation. I will continue to listen, work cooperatively with others, and put people ahead of politics.

With your support, we can keep moving District 7 and Chemung County in the right direction.

Common sense. Accountability. Results for District 7.

— Jim Palmer
Chemung County Legislator
District 7