POTSDAM -- Toni Kennedy, a Democrat, has submitted a petition to run in the September primary for a seat on the Potsdam Town Council.

Kennedy is running against Democrat incumbent Jim Grant.

"I was really inspired by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez who showed the world that if you really want to get into politics, just do it," Kennedy said in an emailed announcement.

Ocasio-Cortez (D-Queens), a 28-year-old waitress, garnered an upset Democratic primary victory over Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens) in the 14th Congressional District in New York City.

“Besides their age, both candidates share similar progressive values and energy. Toni Kennedy is a registered nurse at Northern Lights as well as serving as a board member on the Potsdam Central School PTA. She most recently volunteered for Patrick Nelson (D-Stillwater) on his run for Congress, and for Senator (Bernie) Sanders (I-Vermont) in 2016 for President. Her primary focus is environmental justice,” her announcement says.

"My hope for Potsdam is for it to be a net zero town. We need to establish a solar community so everyone can benefit from renewable energy. I believe climate change needs to be tackled at all levels including local,” Kennedy said in a prepared statement.

The announcement said “her platform also includes education, housing, local economy, and civic engagement.”