Max Skolnik, the head of a youth nonprofit, has declared himself a candidate for the Ward 4 council seat in the rapidly approaching April primary.

Skolnik, 35, founded and runs Kid Power Inc., a nonprofit that “provides educational programming for 350 youth from underserved communities.” He says he’s jumping in the race because current Ward 4 Councilmember Muriel Bowser, though she may be a “strong public servant,” hasn’t shown enough leadership on issues like the District’s distressed schools and the council’s ethics problems.

“We need a champion,” says Skolnik.

Skolnik is a recent arrival in Ward 4, having moved to Petworth two years ago from the Southwest Waterfront. Back in his old hood, Skolnik served as an ANC commissioner.

Asked which councilmembers past or present Skolnik would try and emulate, he lists Ward 6 Councilmartyr Tommy Wells, former Ward 6 Councilmember Sharon Ambrose, and former Ward 4 councilmembers Charlene Drew Jarvis and Adrian Fenty.

Skolnik’s wife, Erica, is a baker and will serve as campaign manager. His campaign chairman is Warren Brown, of CakeLove fame. (H/T to Keith Ivey)*

Besides Bowser and Skolnik, the other declared Ward 4 candidates so far include Renee Bowser, Baruti Jahi, Keith Jarrell, and Judi Jones.

*This post as been updated.