NORWICH – A small crowd gathered before the venerable Chenango County Courthouse on Thursday to hear John Orzel officially announce his candidacy for Senator of New York’s 52nd District.

The Democrat from Whitney Point is taking on incumbent Republican Sen. Thomas W. Libous, who has held the post for 22 years.

“I know I am climbing a very, very steep mountain, but I think it’s time for a change,” he said.