The candidate
About Me
Why I'm running for Mayor of Elmira.
My name is John Hunter Booth, and I’m running to be the next Mayor of the City of Elmira. Born and raised here, Elmira is my home, and I want to give it a fighting chance. Like many residents, I’m frustrated with the current state of our local government. This campaign, and my future administration, will be about putting the right people in the right positions, making responsible decisions, and doing the hard work necessary to turn our city around.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Institutional Economics, as well as an MBA with a concentration in Accounting. Professionally, I work at I.D. Booth, our family-owned plumbing and electrical wholesaler, which has served this community for more than 150 years. My role includes managing a team of over 100 people and negotiating 8 figures worth of purchasing contracts.
Growing up in Elmira, surrounded by a family with deep roots in the city, I was raised on stories of its glory days: a bustling downtown, thriving commercial districts, a strong manufacturing base, and neighborhoods full of community. It is difficult to look around at our hometown today and see how much we have lost. There is a saying in our family that Elmira is stuck in 1972. Unfortunately, too often, it feels like that is still the case.
I believe Elmira can do better. We have the history, the people, and the potential to build a stronger future. But turning things around will require strong leadership, responsible financial management, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. I’m running for Mayor because Elmira deserves a fighting chance, and I’m ready to put in the work to help make that happen.
Questions people ask
Straight answers
The questions I actually get asked. Answering the hard ones in public is worth more than avoiding them.
What are your priorities?
Lower Taxes. From day one, my administration’s priority will be to strengthen the City’s financial position and put us on a path toward lowering property taxes. We cannot expect to revitalize our local economy or attract long-term investment while facing an unstable fiscal outlook and a high tax burden. By improving financial management, controlling spending, and building a more sustainable budget, we can work toward meaningful property tax relief while ensuring the City continues to provide the essential services residents depend on.
Will you raise taxes?
I’m not running to raise your taxes. I’m running because they’re already too high.
The first goal of this campaign is to get the city into a position to lower them. We are never going to attract long-term investment here while we’re punishing the people who already live here. Elmira has the second-highest city tax rate in New York State — what are we getting out of it?
How can I reach you?
Email booth4mayor@gmail.com