BINGHAMTON, NY (WSKG) — Binghamton City Councilman Joe Burns announced his bid for mayor on Thursday.
The Democrat represents Binghamton's 5th District, which includes the south side. Burns was raised in the city and previously worked in film and television as an assistant director. His father, the late John Burns, was elected to be the city's mayor in 1957 before going on to serve on former U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy's U.S. Senate campaign and in New York Governor Hugh Carey's administration.
In a video posted to his campaign’s Facebook page, Burns said the city’s leadership should capitalize on the changes brought about by the pandemic to recover from the economic crisis stronger than before.
“Your next mayor will not only need to ensure public safety, maintain the roads and bridges, upkeep the parks, and manage your sewer and water service,” Burns said in the video. “They will also have to oversee from this pandemic, while keeping taxes stable, getting Binghamton back to work and open for business.”
In January, Binghamton Deputy Mayor Jared Kraham announced he will run on the Republican ticket. Kraham has been a part of Mayor Rich David’s administration since 2014.
The last Democrat to serve as mayor was Matthew Ryan, who served two terms from 2005 to 2013.
Burns said he plans to visit businesses and neighborhoods around the city to hear residents’ concerns in the coming weeks.
“From Juneteenth to all things green on Parade Day, we are one city—one Binghamton,” Burns said.