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.

The candidate used the venue to advocate for examining and possibly cutting back on the large number of public authorities in New York, saying many, such as the New York State Thruway Authority, have become “too independent and autonomous” and have “outlived their usefulness.”