Jon Mackey, a retired Philadelphia police officer and local business owner, has announced his intention to seek the Democratic nomination for City Council in the May 21 primary.

Mackey, 42, was also elected and served on the government study commission on Home Rule, which was tasked with exploring a new form of government in the city under state Home Rule law. More recently, he was appointed to serve on the zoning hearing board.

“Both experiences have provided me with a front row seat into how our city functions,” Mackey said.

If nominated and elected, Mackey said he would use his skills to explore opportunities for city growth not yet explored.

Fresh eyes are needed, he said.

“More importantly, we need people behind those eyes to believe everyone in the city deserves to be equally represented,” he said. “I believe with all my heart that Williamsport, the city I love, can be a shining example to the entire country that a democratic, bi-partisan government can work for everyone.”

Mackey said he would work hard to identify the real needs of the city for the people living in it, no matter what neighborhood they live in.

Accountability will be his watchword, he said.

“I will make sure that everyone at City Hall, including myself, is held accountable for their actions,” he said.

“We need to modernize,” he said, continuing, “we need to applaud the work of the people currently in elected and appointed positions who are doing their jobs, and doing them well, and we need to fill the seats of the people who are not.”

A graduate of Pennsylvania College of Technology, Mackey met his wife in the laundry room of the Village residence hall more than 20 years ago.

A retired Philadelphia police officer, who has seen the best and worst people have to offer, Mackey served as president of Cochran Primary school’s parent-teacher organization for two years.

“Everyone deserves equal access to success,” he said.

Mackey is a husband, father and has a family that remains committed to the city for the long haul.