EAST PROVIDENCE — James Russo, a lawyer, East Providence native and active member of both the athletic and political communities in city, let it be known through social networking and local media outlets earlier this week his plans to announce his candidacy for the position of elected mayor in 2018.

Mr. Russo, who most recently chaired the Charter Review Commission seated to coalesce the document with the city’s voter approved change to the elected mayor form of government, joins Roberto “Bob” DaSilva and Nicholas Oliver as announced candidates.

Mr. Russo’s statement is as follows:

“In recent weeks, I have received inquiries as to whether I was going to run for the office of Mayor of the City of East Providence in 2018. To answer this question before the holiday season gets into full swing and end any speculation, I have decided to run and will formally announce my candidacy for this office in mid-to-late January. In the meantime, I will be doing the usual things candidates do before this type of event; building a campaign team, fundraising, etc. I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who encouraged me to run and provided their counsel in helping me make this decision. Your support and friendship mean the world to me.”