NORWICH – John Orzel, a Democrat from Whitney Point, used the steps of New York State’s oldest operating courthouse – the Chenango County Courthouse – to announce his candidacy for the New York 52nd Senatorial District this morning.

The district, which spans from Waverly to Norwich, has been represented by Republican Sen. Thomas W. Libous for the past 22 years. Orzel, who is 65, said he would make “an honest attempt” to corral the state’s spending and borrowing. The Triangle Town Board councilman and former teacher said he would also back the appointment of a nonpartisan, independent commission to redistrict the entire state.

The Chenango County Board of Elections announced that Sara L. Paddock, 31, took out a petition to run for the office of supervisor in the Town of Columbus.