Apalachin Man Seeking 52nd District Senate Seat

A second Tioga County resident has announced he wants to be on the November ballot for the special election for the state Senate seat previously held by Republican Thomas Libous.

51-year-old Richard Purtell said he wants to secure the Libertarian Party line.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Purtell said he was interviewed by members of the Libertarian Party state committee August 2 during a conference call.

Purtell said the committee endorsed him that night and the next day was spent getting petition forms prepared.

Purtell said he grew up in Susquehanna County. He said he worked in the solar energy business for a time during the 1980s before becoming involved in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry.

Purtell acknowledged he'll be lucky to collect enough signatures to secure ballot access. He said he and the Libertarian Party have some good ideas that he hopes will be discussed during the short campaign.

Purtell said the party stands for "ending the nanny state" to allow for more personal freedom and liberty.

Another Tioga County man, Denver Jones, also wants to be on the November 3 ballot for the Senate election. Jones said he has named his independent bid "The TaxPayers Party."

Democrats in the 52nd District are backing former Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala. Republicans are supporting Broome County Undersheriff Frederick Akshar.