County Clerk Adam Bello officially launched his campaign for Monroe County Executive Saturday morning. A large crowd of supporters and local Democratic leaders gathered at the Workers United Hall for the announcement.

“I think Adam is someone who truly listens," Rochester resident Stephen Devay said. "He truly wants to understand where people are coming from and the issues they are facing, and then taking his knowledge and experience to get things done and accomplish them.”

Bello won the November election for county clerk after being appointed to the position earlier in the year, and served as Irondequoit town supervisor before that.

“My message is simple: we can do better," Bello said. "It’s about new ideas, new leadership and new energy. And I think with the team around us, we can tackle some of these problems with the resources that we have.”

In his speech, he talked about addressing financial reform, childhood intervention and poverty in the county, and the opioid crisis.

“What we really should be talking about is how we’re spending the $1.2 billion this county does spend, and how it has not had the real effect of impacting people’s lives in meaningful ways.” Bello said.

His supporters say they are attracted to the fresh approach Bello offers.

 “I find with him I see possibilities. And that’s what excites me," Brockport resident Karen LoBracco said. "What I see is leadership, and effective and efficient management.”

Bello hopes the road to county executive continues to be through the county clerk office like for his predecessors: Maggie Brooks and incumbent Cheryl Dinolfo.

“Some sling mud, others get things done," Dinolfo said in a statement following the announcement. "That’s how County Executive Dinolfo cut the property tax rate for the first time in a decade – saving taxpayers millions – helped secure nearly 20,000 jobs, and returned the County’s credit ratings to all ‘A’s’. She has no time for Albany-style politics as usual.”

Voters will decide this November.