Former Millcreek police chief Tom Carlotti tells Erie News Now he is running as a candidate for magisterial district judge for the city of Erie's 3rd and 4th wards.

Carlotti said he has committed much of his professional and personal life to keeping the community safe and prosperous and believes serving as a local district judge would allow him to continue that commitment.

"I feel honored to offer my candidacy to the voters and for the chance to serve my neighbors," said Carlotti in an email to Erie News Now.

Carlotti spent 32 years with the Millcreek Township Police Department before he retired. He currently teaches at Mercyhurst University's municipal police academy in North East.

He is a lifelong resident of Erie and graduated from Gannon University with a degree in criminal justice.

Carlotti has cross-filed to run on both the democratic and republican ballots.

The seat is currently held by Tom Carney.

In 2016, the majority of Erie's 4th ward was merged with the 3rd ward as part of the state's restructuring of district judge duties. This will be the first time the residents of both will elect a district judge to represent the newly combined ward.