City Councilman Derek Slaughter has announced he is seeking the Democratic nomination for mayor of Williamsport in the May 21 primary election.

Slaughter spoke Tuesday evening to supporters at a reception at the Peter Herdic House Restaurant, where he chose to launch his campaign.

“The health and vitality of our city is something I think about every day,” Slaughter said with wife, Vanessa, and their children Jayden, 7, and Chloe, 5, by his side.

As a city native, Slaughter said growing up in Lycoming County’s largest community taught him many life lessons.

“Who I am as a person is partly the result of the opportunities that were made available to me as a kid growing up in Williamsport,” he said.

As mayor, he said, his goal would be to “give back.”

“I want the best for every child, for every person in Williamsport,” he said.

Slaughter has been vocal about many of the administration’s policies and expenditures.

He was the lone councilman to vote against the 2019 budget.

“Our city government must be transparent in its actions; it must be effective and efficient in its processes,” he said, promising to examine issues from all angles.

For the city to grow, some issues must be addressed, he said.

“If we are to attract and nurture businesses that provide sustainable jobs for our citizens, our government must modernize and streamline its functions,” he said. “I believe I can provide the leadership needed to do that.”

Slaughter has promised to run a campaign that brings in others’ ideas.

“I will run a campaign that I, and many others believe, we must do to keep our city solvent and viable for the future,” he said.

Acknowledging the city was strong and resilient, but in need of a new energy and focus, he said such tenacity to remain requires steady management and support.

A city native and resident, Slaughter graduated from Williamsport Area High School in 1999. In 2003, he graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor of science degree in information sciences and technology with a minor in Spanish.

In 2005, Slaughter earned his master of education degree from the University of Maryland.

Since 2006, Slaughter has taught in the Williamsport Area School District, where he also was head coach for the girls’ varsity basketball team for 10 seasons.

In addition, Slaughter is an adjunct math instructor at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. He remains on boards of the Greater Lycoming Habitat for Humanity and the Lycoming County United Way.

Slaughter said he would welcome the opportunity to share his thoughts with voters.

“I look forward to discussing my ideas and hopes for our city with everyone,” he said.