Rep. Skip Priest has decided to enter the race to become Federal Way’s first elected mayor.

Priest, R-Federal Way, said he made the decision Monday and won’t be running for a fifth consecutive term as a representative from the 30th Legislative District.

He joins three Federal Way City Council members who also have announced they’re running for mayor: Jim Ferrell, Linda Kochmar and Mike Park. They will face off in the Aug. 17 primary. The filing period is June 7-11.

Priest said Federal Way is a city in transition that needs clear direction. “There are times your community becomes a very important priority, and this is it,” Priest said.

“I believe it’s really important for all of us to work together and create a vision and implement it,” said Priest, 60.

A state representative earns a salary of $41,000. Federal Way’s mayor will earn $112,800. Priest said the salary was not a factor in his decision.

Priest served on the Federal Way City Council from 1992-97, including the final two years as the mayor selected by his council colleagues.

Kochmar is the last mayor under the current council-manager form of government. Park has been mayor twice under that system.

Ferrell led the successful campaign last fall when voters approved switching from a council-manager form of government to that of a strong, elected mayor.