There will be at least one contested City Council race this year as a challenger has emerged to take on Marcie Palmer for her seat in this fall’s elections.

Carol Ann Witschi, who was one of 13 candidates to be interviewed by the city in December to fill an open council seat, has officially announced her campaign. Witschi said she plans to file to run for Position 3, currently held by Palmer.

Though she said she has nothing against Palmer or her work on the council but had to pick a seat. But she did say that after Palmer’s 12 years on the council, she thought she could bring a new perspective to the position.

Witschi, 47, is originally from New York and has lived in the Renton Highlands for about five years. She is married and has two young children.

Though she said the Highlands is an underrepresented region of the city, she said her interest was in the “entire city.”

Witschi said she works as a human resources consultant to help small businesses stay complaint with the law. She has also been involved in several local organizations, from her homeowners association to the board at the Next Curve, a philanthropic organization aimed at getting younger professionals to donate time and money.

With a background in economics and business, Witschi said she was particularly interested in downtown revitalization, including residential expansion, as well as business. Witschi said it was important to keep people downtown in evenings and weekends, both as a boost for the businesses and because it discourages crime.

Witschi also stressed a need for “responsible” economic growth that allows the city to build and develop, but makes sure to protect the infrastructure and environment that support it.

Witschi said she considers herself a “natural-born problem solver” and promised to keep the “greater good” in mind if elected.