Manny Rico, a former city councilman, has announced his intention to retake the Chattanooga City Council District 7 seat.
District 7 includes Alton Park, Downtown, East Lake and St. Elmo.
Rico, who owns a monument engraving company, served as the district's councilman for two terms, from 2005 to 2013.
He faces Erskine Oglesby Jr. and incumbent Chris Anderson in a three-way race for the seat. Anderson defeated Rico in a four-way race four years ago, in what Rico has described as a "perfect storm" of circumstances.
"I consider it a civic obligation, serving as an ambassador to the city," Rico said.
Rico said he considers his key strength to be his committed involvement to the community's welfare, citing his service to groups such as Red Cross, Human Rights and Relations, Blood Assurance, WTCI, Metro YMCA, Goodwill, Hamilton County Health Council and several other organizations.
"I want to make Chattanooga better," Rico said.
He said he understands the mayor sets the city's agenda and wants to work with the administration to fund public safety and other needs. However, it his connection to the community that has played the biggest role during his time as a councilman, Rico said, emphasizing he has maintained those collaborative relationships while away from the office and will continue to do so.
Rico said many district residents have encouraged him to seek office again.
"A lot of people have told me they are not getting represented," Rico said previously. "I am always accessible."
Elections for the Chattanooga mayor and city council members will be held March 7.
Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @pleach_tfp.