FAIRFIELD — At-large Councilman Erick Cook has made official his plans to run for mayor of this city of 45,000 in November. He filed a petition last week with the Butler County Board of Elections.

        Don Hassler, a former councilman, also has taken out petitions for mayor and City Council but has not decided which position he will seek, if any.

        Mr. Hassler, who began serving on council in 1981, vacated his seat in 1999 because of term limits.

        Mayor Robert Wolpert, whose latest stint as mayor began in 1993, cannot run for re-election to the $6,500-a-year position because of term limits.

        Mr. Cook said that if elected, his focus will continue to be the expansion of parks and recreation programs, support of schools, and police and fire services.

        Mr. Cook, a retired Fairfield City School District administrator and now an adjunct professor at Miami University-Hamilton, is president-elect of the Fairfield Rotary Club. He is serving his first four-year term on council.

        Mr. Hassler said two years ago when he left City Council that he would consider running for mayor.

        Candidates have until Aug. 23 to file for a seat on City Council.

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