Freshman councilman Steve Abercrombie will host a rally next week to announce his intent to run for what would be his first full term on Tracy’s City Council.

The retired Hayward cop was appointed in 2006 to finish the remainder of then-newly elected Mayor Brent Ives’ term as councilman.

Including Abercrombie, five candidates have so far said they’ll run for two open spots on the council in November.

Abercrombie will run against home inspector Larry Hite, retired Tracy police Capt. Mike Maciel, neighborhood activist Larry Gamino and incumbent Irene Sundberg.

Abercrombie said he’s running to make Tracy safer for kids, to draw more high-paying jobs and to curb crime.

"I feel like they’re all connected," he said. "If there are more career-type jobs here, then parents can be more involved with their kids," which he concluded would lessen crime in the city.

He said he plans to support the Mayor’s Community Youth Support Network, a group set up to provide classes, sports and other activities to keep teens busy after school and when school’s out in the summer.

"Doing stuff for the kids has always been a passion of mine," he said. "That’s why I voted for the Holly site for a sports park … I feel like we could accomplish our goal (to build a sports park for kids) out there a lot quicker."

He said he’s also looking at ways to save the city money without laying off city workers.

The kick-off barbecue will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 12 at Dr. Powers Park, at Lowell Avenue and Chester Drive.

Abercrombie said he’ll have free hot dogs and entertainment for kids.

WHAT: Steve Abercrombie’s City Council campaign kickoff

WHEN: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 12

WHERE: Dr. Powers Park, at Chester Drive and Lowell Avenue

INFO: 835-6480