NORWICH – John Orzel, a Democrat from Whitney Point, has collected the required number of petition signatures and plans to announce his candidacy for the New York 52nd Senatorial District at 10 a.m. July 15 from the Chenango County Courthouse steps.

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, emphasized Friday that while his opponent had done “an outstanding job” in terms of securing millions in member items for the district, he would like more than just money.

“Anybody can do that (raise money). I want more than that. I want someone to go up to Albany to actually address some of the fiscal problems that our state is facing. I see the pork; I want the beef, too,” he said.

If elected, Orzel said he would make “an honest attempt” to corral the state’s spending and borrowing. He said he would also back the appointment of a nonpartisan, independent commission to redistrict the entire state.