ALBANY, NY — Jen Metzger, a councilwoman in the Ulster County Town of Rosendale, announced on February 16 that she is considering a run for the senate seat currently held by Sen. John Bonacic in New York’s 42nd state senate district. A press release says that she is expected to make a formal announcement about her candidacy in March.

She is also the director of Citizens for Local Power, an organization that helps communities in the Mid-Hudson region move to renewable energy technologies by “representing residents and small businesses at the New York State Public Service Commission.

“There is a pervasive sense that state government is corrupt and is not serving the interests of the people as well as it should,” said Metzger. “We need new representatives in the legislature who are there for the sole purpose of improving the lives of New Yorkers and addressing the challenges our communities face.”

Noting that the current senator has been in that seat for 20 years, Metzger added, “The state senate is not supposed to be a lifelong occupation. We need people in office with a fresh perspective, an understanding of our communities’ needs, and the energy and principled commitment it takes to meaningfully improve the quality of life of the people in our district.”

When asked if Bonacic will run again this year, a spokesman said, “Sen. Bonacic is focused on the legislative session and will make a decision on running for re-election at the appropriate time.”

The district comprises all of Sullivan County and parts of Orange, Ulster and Delaware counties. Bonacic, a Republican who typically also runs on the Conservative and Independence lines, has been serving the district since 1998.

Metzger, 53, is a Democrat who in her last two elections has been endorsed by the Democratic and Working Families parties.