Roanoke City Councilman David Trinkle became the first candidate to officially announce that he's running in next May's municipal election.

Trinkle, during a news conference at the main library branch downtown this afternoon, confirmed that he'll run as a Democrat in a bid to win a second council term.

In 2006, Trinkle ran with Councilwoman Gwen Mason and former Councilman Alfred Dowe on an independent "For the City" ticket that swept the election.

Dowe has since left council and Mason, who attended Trinkle's announcement today, has yet to decide whether she'll run for a another council term.

Trinkle, a geriatric psychiatrist,  was flanked by Mason and several other Democratic leaders today, including Mayor David Bowers, Vice Mayor Sherman Lea, Councilman Rupert Cutler, and Commonwealth's Attorney Don Caldwell.

Cutler, who has already announced he won't seek re-election next year, introduced Trinkle.

"David Trinkle is comfortable with making hard decisions and supporting programs that are needed, despite the fact they may be controversial," said Cutler, adding that a proposed city-wide stormwater fee is an example of that.

Trinkle said he will focus on economic development, including job creation, as well as finding adequate funding for schools.

Three council seats are up for election in May. Democrats will decide their nominees in a March 2 primary.