Mayor David: “Not Considering” Running for Broome Executive
Binghamton Mayor Richard David says he is "not considering a run" for the office of Broome County executive.
Republican party sources in recent weeks have said David has been raising money in preparation for a possible bid for the county office.
People who have indicated they are familiar with the mayor's thinking have said he has quietly started laying the groundwork to run for the post.
But on Tuesday David insisted that's not the case. Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, he downplayed such speculation.
The mayor said "right now my focus is on the city of Binghamton," noting he was just reelected in November.
David said he continues to hold fundraisers but he said that's not with an eye to the 2020 county executive race.
The mayor said the money could be used to support Republican candidates in next year's city council elections in an effort to ensure the part maintains control for the rest of his term as mayor.
Because of term limits, David can not run for reelection to the mayor's office.
Asked whether he would commit to serving his full four-year term as mayor and not run for county executive, the mayor said he doesn't "have a crystal ball." But, he said, his "intention right now is to serve out" his term - the next three years and eight months - as mayor.
David said "if any opportunity presents itself" in the future, he would "evaluate it and make a decision then."
Democratic county executive Jason Garnar, who took office last year, was not available Tuesday afternoon to discuss a possible challenge from the mayor.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com
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