Why am I running for county executive?
“Many of you know me as the Chair of the Chemung County Legislature and the Chemung County IDA. Born and raised in Horseheads, I have a deep and enduring affection for Chemung County. This is my home. Attended Notre Dame High school and Springfield College. I worked outside the country for a few years in Puerto Rico. Then returned to Horseheads after the death of my brother to take care of my parents.
I have a driving ambition to see our community do well and grow. As an entrepreneur, I have built or been involved in building local businesses in the insurance, landscaping, and aviation industries.
The truth is that we have a big challenge facing us in Chemung County. At present and in fact for decades, Chemung County and the city of Elmira have been in a failing condition. We have relied on excuses and finger pointing to excuse our failures. This approach is not working.
We continue to decline; losing population, and vital community assets; like our schools, churches, service organizations and even our children and grandchildren, as they leave our community in search of better opportunities.
The downward trajectory of our county must stop. This is why I am saying YES to the many individuals and business owners that have asked and encouraged me over the last several months to consider running for Chemung County Executive in 2026.
We need to understand that no one is coming to save us – we must save ourselves – and I believe that if we work together – we can and we will be successful. That is why I am running. The old days of division and blame are over.
It’s an all-hands-on deck approach to working together as a team of individuals and leaders to create a plan for success. Our focus will be on jobs and career opportunities in all types of business to stabilize and reverse our population decline.
The economy is not the only concern in our county. It is also the quality of life that we need to continue to improve to make our communities a more inviting place to live. This includes all neighborhoods in Elmira – not just some of them – all of them.
Taxes in New York are always an issue. Reducing crime requires attention. Affordability is an issue. The future of downtown and all of Chemung county has to be considered.
We can meet all of these challenges together. This campaign will be about unity, not division and blame. I am asking for support as we work together towards a successful future. This is a positive vision for working together – the City of Elmira and all of towns and villages, for a brighter future. We will get there. Thank you!”
– Mark Margeson