SPARKS – After sitting on the City Council for nine years, Ron Schmitt has filed his intentions with the county recorder to run for mayor.

“It is time we set a new direction and a new focus for the city as we move into the future,” Schmitt said.

The current Sparks Mayor Pro Tempore will be running against incumbent Geno Martini and Gene Newhall, both on the nonpartisan ticket.

Win or lose, Schmitt's current council seat will not be in jeopardy. If Schmitt loses the election, he will remain in his current council seat. If he wins, the new mayor will appoint a new council member, whose appointment must be ratified by a vote of the existing city council.

In addition to the mayor's seat, the council seats representing Wards 2 and 4 are up for re-election.

Currently, Ward 4 Councilman Mike Carrigan is running unopposed while Phil Salerno is being termed out of his job representing Ward 2. Five candidates are vying for Salerno’s position.

The filing period for all non judicial offices closes Friday.