A fourth York City resident is throwing his hat in the ring for the chance to be mayor.

David Moser said he's hoping to offer an alternative choice to the three Democrats who will compete in the May 21 primary for their party's nomination.

Among his opponents is current Mayor Kim Bracey, who is seeking re-election.

"A lot of people are upset with the current administration," Moser said. "I think I can do better."

Moser, a Libertarian, has until Aug. 1 to collect 100 signatures and file a petition with the county elections office so his name can appear on the ballot in November.

As he collected signatures Friday on Continental Square, Moser said he's planning to file his petition next week.

His competition in November will be the winner of a Democratic primary that pits Bracey against York City Council President Carol Hill-Evans and newcomer Joe Beltrante. Other candidates could also emerge.

Moser, 35, is no stranger to local politics. He serves as chairman of the York County Libertarian Party.

He ran last year for the 95th state House District against then-incumbent Rep. Eugene DePasquale, a Democrat.

DePasquale won re-election, defeating Moser with nearly 83 percent of the vote. (DePasquale later resigned to take over as the state's auditor general, triggering the need for a special election scheduled for May 21.)

Moser also ran unsuccessfully in 2011 for a spot on the York City School Board.

A complete campaign platform is forthcoming, Moser said. But he offered a few priorities Friday.

If he is elected mayor, Moser said he would insist on changes to the Redevelopment Authority, a board of volunteers who work with city officials to acquire and re-purpose blighted properties in the city.

Moser, who owns Hot & Fresh Advertising, said he believes the city should more aggressively market the properties to buyers who would then pay property taxes. Too often, he said, city-owned properties are reserved for well-connected developers.

As for fixing the cash-strapped city's finances, Moser said he would start by making sure all payments are made on time. For example, the city has for the past five years avoided running out of cash by missing the Dec. 31 deadline to pay into its retired employees' pension fund. But that triggers an 8 percent interest rate.

Moser said he supports the police department's community policing method of fighting crime. But, he said, he doesn't believe it's been implemented as aggressively as the community would like.

As mayor, Moser said he would surround himself with experts and consider everyone's input.

"I'm not going to tell you I have all the answers. But I feel I carry a certain common sense and street smarts," Moser said. "And I know we have to pay our bills."

- Erin James may also be reached at ejames@yorkdispatch.com.