UTICA — Surrounded by his wife and four children, Utica Councilman Joe Marino announced his plan to run for mayor Wednesday — making him the first candidate to throw his hat in the ring for the 2019 election.

“I’m here today to officially announce my candidacy for mayor of the city of Utica,” the Democratic candidate said. “We need a mayor who will work with everyone to make smart choices for our city. A mayor must protect the Utica and Uticans of today while encouraging the Utica of tomorrow.”

Standing in the main room at Breezes Banquet Hall in North Utica, Marino said he plans to continue the opportunities in front of the city now, including the redevelopment of downtown and necessary work in the neighborhoods.

Two of Marino’s priorities should he be elected include bringing financial stability back to the taxpayers and returning city government back to the people, he said.

“We’re at a crossroad,” Marino said. “If we continue on the current path, I’m concerned with the excessive debt and rising property tax burden we’re placing on our families and future generations. We need a mayor that values our great city and doesn’t sell it short for a simple headline or announcement. We need someone who doesn’t operate out of fear for the next election but has the courage to negotiate for what’s best for uticans, not themselves.”

Marino, an accountant by trade, currently serves as the council representative of Utica's Fourth District, a seat he has held since 2012.

He chairs the Common Council's Finance Committee and co-chairs two others: the Economic Development, Municipal Housing, Urban Renewal Agency and Downtown Utica Development Association Committee and the Government Relations and IT Advancement Committee. He also serves as treasurer for the Greater Mohawk Valley Land Bank.

Mayor Robert Palmieri is currently serving his second, four-year term, but is eligible to run again for a third term after city lawmakers moved in 2017 to establish maximum terms of 12 consecutive years.

Palmieri has not yet announced whether he will seek re-election, saying he plans to focus on the city's budget process for now.

“I’m proud of our administration’s accomplishments over the past seven years,” Palmieri said in a statement. “By building relationships and working collaboratively, Utica has achieved its strongest financial and economic position in decades. Our credit rating has been upgraded by every financial institution, we’ve secured six consecutive budget surpluses, reduced the size of government, sold over 600 properties which has yielded millions in private investment, transformed downtown and significantly expanded our tax base.”