ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — A scientist at Cornell is running for office in Ithaca. 

According to the Ithaca Voice, Dr. Nathan Sitaraman announced Monday he’s running for a Third Ward seat on the Common Council. Sitaraman, a self-described progressive, says he wants to focus on addressing systemic inequality and improving infrastructure.

Alderpersons Rob Gearheart and Jeffrey Barken, who currently represent the Third Ward, are not running. Barken is leaving his post in June.