Val Tollefson announced his candidacy for the Bainbridge Island City Council on Monday.

Tollefson said he will be a candidate fore the North Ward seat now held by Councilman Bob Scales.

Scales announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election.

“Our current council and city manager have made great progress, I believe, toward restoring the credibility and functionality of our local government. I would like to be part of that continuing process, and am ready to get to work,” Tollefson said.

A former trial lawyer, Tollefson was the managing partner of his own law firm for more than a decade. He has lived on Bainbridge Island since 1977 and has a long history of volunteer service on the island.

He became involved with what’s now known as “One Call For All” in 1988, and more recently, served on the board for the Bainbridge Public Library and the Bainbridge Island Land Trust.

“Our library is the heart of cultural life of the Island, and it was a great honor to work with that board and the wonderful library staff to make sure that the library continues to meet the needs and high expectations of the community,” he said.

“I very much enjoy the opportunity to make a difference through public service,” Tollefson said.

Tollefson as a member of the Harbor Management Advisory Committee in 1997-98, and served as the first chairman of the Harbor Commission from 1999-2001.

He was also a member of the Wyckoff Acquisition Task Force in 2001 and co-chaired the Friends of Pritchard Park, a group that worked on planning and fundraising to help make the park a reality.

“Through my success as an advocate and a mediator, and from my demonstrated commitment to many community and nonprofit groups, I believe I have proven my ability to work effectively and collaboratively,” he said. “I look forward to adding these skills to the many talents the current council members possess.”

Three familiar faces will depart from the city council at the end of 2013.

Besides Scales, Councilwoman Debbi Lester and Councilwoman Kirsten Hytopoulos have both said they would not run again for the city council.

Two islanders have announced their candidacies. Developer John Green is running for the Central Ward seat, and Bob Bosserman, a retired executive in the financial services industry, will seek the South Ward seat.