A former Binghamton city official has entered the race for Broome County Executive. As our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, with several months to go, Tarik Abdelazim and the current executive are already making their key issues clear.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

ENDICOTT, N.Y. -- More than half a year away from election season, Tarik Abdelazim officially entered the race for Broome County Executive on Monday.

"Today I’m here to announce my candidacy for Broome County Executive to offer residents a clear choice come November, because I believe in better, I believe in Broome,” said Tarik Abdelazim, (D) County Executive candidate.

Abdelazim stepped down from his position as director of Binghamton's Planning, Housing and Community Development earlier this month. He will run against current County Executive Debbie Preston, who won a special election last year.

In response to Abdelazim’s announcement, Preston said, “I’m dedicated to working day in and day out for the people of Broome County. I look forward to a spirited and issue-oriented campaign."

And one of those issues is already being made clear in the form of a response by Preston's campaign manager.

"Over seven years while Tarik Abdelazim held one of the top positions at the City of Binghamton, property taxes have skyrocketed, roads have gone unplowed and they've wasted taxpayer dollars debating national issues that they had no control over,” said Bijoy Datta.

And the issue for Abdelazim is what he calls two competing visions.

"One vision is driven by passion and shared values to benefit all Broome County residents, instead of one focused on big money to benefit a few,” said Abdelazim.

He says he'll focus his passion locally.

"We can rebuild and strengthen our neighborhoods — through broad, inclusive partnerships — to improve public health, boost housing markets and protect against future threats, ensuring a sense of security for all,” said Abdelazim.

With more than six months to go, the two candidates are already squaring off.