Mayor Daryl Bennett borrowed from his mentor, former mayor and longest-tenured city politician Jack Doris, as he wrapped up a Wednesday morning speech in which he declared his intention to run for a third term this fall.

"I'm not running against anyone. I'm running for the City of Peterborough," he told a crowd of more than 80 supporters - Doris included - squeezed into the lobby of the Venture North building at George and King streets.

What goes on inside the building, which contains Peterborough Economic Development and the Innovation Cluster, reflects the community's strengths and indicates its promise for a brighter future, Bennett said.

"Organizations and entrepreneurs come together in this inspiring place to build businesses, to build community and to build on the exceptional quality of life we enjoy in the Peterborough region," he said.

Bennett cited growth, housing and jobs as key factors in his decision.

"Rather than opposing the construction of new neighbourhoods and businesses, we need to work together to protect the community's interests while allowing growth, investment and job creation," he said. "That takes leadership and positive, progressive thinking, not entrenched ideologies."

Bennett discussed his support for growth through new housing developments in the city, Cleantech Commons, the casino and hotel and new retail stores and restaurants, including Mastermind Toys, Starbucks and Giant Tiger.

The city "is only one small part" of the "substantial momentum" in the community, Bennett said, crediting community groups, businesses, volunteers and residents "who are the major source of our success.

"The city needs to be a positive partner. It needs to listen to the contributions of interest groups, while at the same time considering its implications for the overall community," he said. "That takes leadership, faith in our community and fortitude."

Bennett also highlighted his support for hubs for artists, a review of heritage preservation and urban design guidelines and the protection of the city's green tree canopy.

His future goals include the addition of serviced development lands and improvements to the city's transportation network, including roads, trails and bike lanes.

Governments create environments for jobs to be created and the city needs to set policies that promote and protect the overall interests of the community, Bennett said. "We need to be responsive, reliable and decisive."

The mayor also pointed how the city's corporate reorganization is already making it more efficient and effective.

"This is a reflection of leadership, progress and momentum that we are achieving together. We have done all this while bring very respectful of you, our taxpayer," he said, citing operating budget increases of 2 per cent from 2013 to 2016, 1.72 per cent in 2017 and 1.85 per cent 2018 and a recommended 1.87 per cent for 2019.

"We control the cost of operation the best we can and we continue to search for new revenues to reduce the burden on the property taxpayer," Bennett said. "We want to keep moving in that direction . our work is not done."

Bennett was first elected in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. Born and raised in Peterborough, he is an owner of the Liftlock Group of companies.

Bennett and his wife Jewell have two sons and a daughter and seven grandchildren.

He has served as a board member and chairman of the Community Futures Development Corporation and on the board of governors at Trent University and the board of directors of Sacred Heart College.

Prior to his political career, he supported the push to save Market Hall and the PRHC capital construction campaign.

Bennett joins Coun. Diane Therrien and business owner Cameron Green on the ballot.

Therrien, who declared May 3, welcomed the mayor to the race.

"I look forward to engaging in debate with him about our views on the issues that matter to members of our community," she stated in a release.

The deadline to file to run for council, including mayor, is Friday at 2 p.m.

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NOTE: Daryl Bennett will host a campaign fundraiser Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Peterborough Naval Association.