OGDENSBURG -- A retired pipe fitter is hoping to become a member of the city council.

Timothy P. Davis says he is dismayed by city’s economic state and hopes to make a difference.

“Over the past number of years, I have observed the lack of employment opportunities here in our city. This is made evident by the frequency in which our children are being forced to leave the area in order to seek gainful employment. The large number of vacant bulging and undeveloped waterfront here in the city also make it less attractive for business and for future residents,” he said in his letter.

Davis says he represents a vested interest in establishing new businesses and supporting existing business owners.

“We need fresh ideas that target how to keep Ogdensburg as a proactive and progressive work force in the upstate economy,” he wrote.

Davis says he is involved in the Kiwanis organization and has coached little league baseball in the past.

He was a union pipe fitter for 35 years, where he eventually worked as a supervisor.

“In that position I was to estimate and bid on jobs, while also managing some projects. I have been involved in some of the largest area developments, which included construction of the Ogdensburg co-generation plant and other area co-gens,” he wrote. “I am proud to say I am from Ogdensburg and I am ready to tackle the challenge of building a healthy and prosperous community.”