Juan Ovalle. Courtesy photo.

A third candidate announced Wednesday he will challenge Al Austin to represent the 8th Council District in the March 2020 election.

Juan Ovalle, co-founder of an environmental and community advocacy organization, said in a press release he wants to reinforce the city’s public safety network and fight for environmental health and safety.

Ovalle, the son of immigrants from Guatemala, said he worked for the Long Beach Water Department for 15 years as an administrative analyst, then worked in finance for Lehman Brothers, and now runs a portfolio of rental housing properties.

Describing current leaders as negligent and unresponsive, Ovalle said he is running to improve the “great inequality we see around us.”

Also challenging Austin is North Long Beach community leader Tunua Thrash-Ntuk.

The even-numbered council seats are up for election in March 2020. Austin is seeking his third term on the City Council.