Glenn Law is back in Saline after spending the school year teaching elementary students in the Upper Peninsula, and with his return home, he’s made it official: He is running for mayor.

A City Council member from 2004 to 2011, Law, 47, had to resign his seat to accept the teaching assignment in Menominee.

“I do not make this decision lightly or in haste, but after careful thought and consideration,” he said in a news announcement.

Law will challenge current City Council member Brian Marl, who announced his run for mayor earlier this year. Marl was first elected to the City Council in 2008, and has been fundraising and campaigning for the seat.

"During my years on city council I routinely sought out how issues could be resolved by reaching consensus involving all parties. I plan to continue this cooperative effort as your mayor," Law said.

"As mayor, I will work hard to make sure the city is on a strong financial footing,” Law said via email, and his approach to the office will be “a positive and proactive one.” A resident of the city for 12 years, he’s married to Lorrie and has a daughter, Sarah.

“I will be a strong advocate for the city concerning matters, financial or otherwise that may come from Lansing. I want strong and open communication between all entities of government, whether it's cities and townships around the state, in Lansing as well as Washington D.C."

He said the city will face a number of challenges and it will take “someone with experience, principles, sound leadership and the determination to work hard to make things happen to see us through these difficult times.”

In May, Law announced he was considering a run for mayor, but didn’t make it official until Monday morning. He was first elected to the council in 2003.

Current Mayor Gretchen Driskell is running as a Democrat for the 52nd District legislative seat against current Republican State Rep. Mark Ouimet, R-Scio Township.

“I worked hard in reaching a consensus as a city council member and that is what I plan to carry over to the mayor's office. I have strong principles, real life experience and determination to confront the tough issues the city will face,” Law said.

Lisa Allmendinger is a regional reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Saline stories, visit our Saline page.