Watch more and discuss:br br Longtime Board of Education Republican Jerry Pia says it's time to run for Mayor. br "I think what we really need right now is a community leader. Someone to bring everybody together," said Jerry Pia, Fiscal Chairman of the Board of Education. br "Jerry's life is about all Stamford communities, and we are grateful for that," said David Tate, Principal of Cloonan Middle School. br For over 30 years, Pia has led the non-profit Activities for Kids at the Glenbrook Community Center, and founded the Jackie Robinson Community Baseball League in 2008. br "I love it. I love working in the community." br Pia got his start in Stamford politics in 1980, when he was elected to the Board of Ed. He's currently fiscal Chairman of the board in his 22nd year of service. He also worked on the Board of Representatives for eight years, and is the former Republican Town Chairman. br "You can trust everything I'm saying because it will get done." br Pia addressed plans to solve education issues as Mayor. br "To build new schools. Renovate our current schools for our growing populations. Reopen Wright Tech. Provide security in our schools." br He also says he would focus on keeping taxes low. br "As we serve the ever increasing needs of our community, why is the cost always on the backs of the individual taxpayers?" br Thursday night, over 250 supporters gathered at the Palace Theatre where Pia launched his campaign slogan to "believe." br "Each and every one of you must know in your hearts, you must believe, that we are working each minute, every day, all day long, for you and your best interests." br Pia is the first Republican in the City to announce his mayoral campaign. Monday, Democratic State Representative William Tong also said he is running.