LANSING, NY (607NewsNow) — A lifelong Tompkins County resident is running for office. 

Jamie Perkins announced his candidacy over the weekend for the District 8 seat on the Tompkins County Legislature. Perkins, who lives in Lansing, explained his decision to run.

“I’m running for County Legislature because I have young children, and I want to make this community a better place for them and for all of Lansing’s residents, “Perkins said. “I met personally with many of my Lansing neighbors, collecting nearly three times the number of required signatures. I listened to my neighbors’ concerns and will work to address these concerns as a county legislator. We all deserve a living wage, affordable housing and a safe community, and I look forward to representing my neighbors’ interests once elected.”

Perkins, who’s running as a Democrat, adds he also wants to retain Cargill as a key employer in Lansing. He previously served as a trustee and mayor in the village of Groton.