The Sangamon County Auditor says his experience at the county level makes him most qualified to be the city's top executive.
Spring rain held off at Lincoln Park as Paul Palazzolo officially announced his intent to run for mayor of Springfield next year.
Palazzolo served as Sangamon County Auditor since 2002 and says he has a track record of transparency.
Four years ago he said he was running for mayor, but dropped out after failing to get the backing of the county's GOP organization. The mayor's office is officially non-partisan.
Palazzolo says he respects Mayor Mike Houston, but says he will bring a new era to city government.
"I don't think it's about being different than him. I think it's what my talents and skills bring to the role. I mean every person that serves as mayor brings in a new chapter to the city. It's not necessarily--it's a different chapter that brings unique talents and skills and that's what I would add to the roll," Palazzolo said.
City Treasurer Jim Langfelder has also said he will run while Ward 6 alderman Cory Jobe says he'll wait to see what Houston decides. Houston has yet to announce if he'll make a bid for re-election. When he first took office in 2011, Houston said he would only stay for one term.
