Jim Palmer Announces Re-Election Campaign for Chemung County Legislature

Serving as your District 7 Chemung County Legislator has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Today, I am proud to officially announce my campaign for re-election to serve one final four-year term.

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

When I first ran for County Legislature, I promised to bring common sense, accountability, and a strong voice for the people of District 7. Over the past four years, I have worked hard to keep that promise and deliver results residents can see.

During my first term, I have focused on the basics that matter most to our community: protecting taxpayers, supporting public safety, improving local parks and public spaces, strengthening infrastructure, and making sure the Town of Elmira has a strong voice in county government.

Results from my first term include:

• Voted NO on pay raises for County Legislators because I believe public service should be about serving the people — not ourselves.

• Voted YES on term limits in Chemung County government because accountability, fresh ideas, and responsible leadership matter.

• Worked to secure funding for security lighting at Pirozzolo Park to help make one of our local parks safer, brighter, and more welcoming for families, athletes, and residents.

• Helped secure funding for a new pool canopy to improve the Town of Elmira pool experience for children, families, and residents who use it during the summer months.

• 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.

• Supported road reconstruction and resurfacing efforts because safe, reliable roads are one of the basic responsibilities residents expect from county government.

• Supported Park Station dam improvements to help protect and maintain one of Chemung County’s important public recreation areas.

• 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.

County government should always stay focused on the people it serves. That means supporting our fire and police departments, maintaining safe parks and public spaces, investing in roads and infrastructure, protecting taxpayers, and making decisions with common sense.

With my background as a teacher, coach, small business representative, husband, father, and grandfather, I believe strongly in service, teamwork, and doing what is right for the community. I have always tried to listen first, work with others, and put the needs of residents ahead of politics.

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

I am not just asking for your vote — I am asking for the opportunity to finish the work we started. Over the coming months, I will be out across the Town of Elmira listening to residents, answering questions, and hearing what matters most to you.

My commitment remains the same: to protect taxpayers, support our local communities, strengthen public safety, improve infrastructure, and keep District 7 moving in the right direction.

Let’s keep the focus where it belongs: on the people, not the politics.

— Jim Palmer
Chemung County Legislator
District 7