As released by the Papenfuse for Mayor campaign.

HARRISBURG - Successful business and community leader Eric Papenfuse will formally announce his candidacy for Mayor of Harrisburg at a reception at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2013 at the Midtown Scholar Book Store, 1302 N. 3rd St., Harrisburg, PA 17102.

The announcement comes after widespread speculation about his candidacy and after a diverse coalition of community leaders pledged its support. Papenfuse will use the occasion to hear from Harrisburg residents about their concerns for the city. He also will introduce members of his campaign team and lay out his election platform in the mayor’s race.

“I am running for Mayor of Harrisburg because I am dedicated to making our capital city a welcoming, vibrant and progressive place to live, work and play,” Papenfuse said. “I believe the city needs competent, committed and caring leadership now more than ever.”

A long-time Harrisburg resident, Papenfuse and his wife Catherine own the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, which has become a meeting place for community leaders, political activists and residents of Harrisburg.

“Our bookstore has become a place where people from Harrisburg’s diverse communities can come together to talk over the many problems facing the city, and work together to solve them.

“That’s why I’ve chosen as the motto for my campaign – ‘Together, We Can,’” Papenfuse said. “Harrisburg needs a leader who can bring people together for the common goal of turning the page in our city’s troubled history and making a better life for us all. I am that kind of leader.”

As founder and CEO of the Midtown Scholar Bookstore, Papenfuse has created more than 200 jobs in the past decade. His current staff is a diverse workforce of more than 60 employees. His company is among the region’s largest national and international shippers.

In addition to running a successful business, Papenfuse is a former public school teacher and taught Latin at Central Dauphin East and Linglestown Junior High schools.

Papenfuse lives in Harrisburg with his wife Cathy and three children (Clara, 10; Everett age 8, and Chauncey, 4).

“I am ready to accept the challenge to lead Harrisburg out of a period of hopelessness and despair into a new era of prosperity, pride and promise,” Papenfuse said. For more information about the Papenfuse for Mayor campaign, visit www.papenfusefor mayor.com

Archive video: Eric Papenfuse October 14, 2007