Reporter staff

Auburn City Councilman John Partridge announced Monday that he will run for Mayor of Auburn in the fall 2013 election.

“It is the perfect time to make a positive change in leadership at City Hall,” Partridge said. “We are standing at a key economic moment in the future of our city that calls for responsive leadership that will listen to and serve the community.”

Partridge is the fourth candidate to officially enter the race, joining Deputy Mayor and City Councilmember Nancy Backus, Iraq war veteran Scot Pondelick and locksmith Frank Lonergan.

Pete Lewis has decided not to pursue a fourth term in office.

Partridge, an Auburn native, led the successful effort to help Auburn get its own animal shelter.

Partridge began his first term on the City Council in January 2010. He is active regionally as chair of the King County Law, Safety and Justice Committee, and nationally on the committee for Public Safety Crime Prevention.

He is also owner of Partridge Insurance.

“Four years ago, I chose to prepare myself by learning the business of the city, bringing fresh perspectives, and gaining understanding of its needs. Whether you are a resident or business owner, you should expect to be heard, be safe, and have well-maintained transportation routes,” Partridge said.

Auburn, Partridge said, needs to move forward in a responsible way that does not saddle the next generation with a debt it can’t afford.

City Hall, he said, must be in-touch with the citizens, exercise fiscal restraint and focus on those it serves.

“I am ready and excited to lead the charge for the City of Auburn,” Partridge said.

Partridge said his vision as mayor would be to see Auburn continue to emerge as a destination and not a pass-through.

The City, he said, should direct government to be about business, not to compete with business. And it should maximize its strengths by enabling private/public partnerships and minimize debt and taxes by managing priorities to seek efficiencies.

“I will listen to our citizens, council members, and staff, and make city government empower Auburn to succeed. There is a new day coming in Auburn,” Partridge said.

This year, Partridge celebrates 30 years of marriage to  his wife, Shirlee. The couple have raised three daughters, all of them Auburn High School graduates.

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For more on Partridge, visit www.auburnwa.gov.