City Council President Jim Violette announced this week he would forgo another run for his City Council seat to seek the Democratic nomination for the mayor’s race this November.

Violette made his announcement at a meeting of the Westbrook Democratic City Committee Sunday afternoon. Speaking to the approximately 20 people in attendance, Violette said he wanted to run for mayor because he doesn’t feel the current Republican administration has done enough to spur economic growth in the city.

“I think we need to get the mayor’s office back,” said Violette. “In the last two years, there’s been no growth.”

Violette said there has been “tremendous” residential growth in the city in the past two years, but the pace of commercial growth has not kept up with residential growth. He said the city needs that commercial growth to help ease the burden on residential taxpayers.

Violette holds one of two at-large seats on the City Council. Republican Councilor John O’Hara holds the other seat.

At the meeting on Sunday, two residents – Michael Foley and Alex Stone – stepped forward and said they would seek the party’s nomination at the Democratic caucus for those spots on the ballot. Stone lives on Clifford Street.

“I think the city needs a new young voice,” said Foley, a Westbrook High School senior who is one of the student representatives on the School Committee.

Councilors Brendan Rielly of Ward 1, Drew Gattine of Ward 2 and Suzanne Joyce of Ward 5 will all be seeking re-election in their respective wards. Councilor Ann Peoples of Ward 4 will not be running again this fall.

The Democratic ticket will not be known until the party’s caucus, which will be held on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. in the Westbrook High School auditorium. For more information, consult the committee’s Web site at www.westbrookdems.com.