By Cynthia Needham

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Scott Slater, the youngest son of Rep. Thomas C. Slater, who died Aug. 10 after a long battle with cancer, has announced he will run for his father's seat in an upcoming special election.

"I want to continue my father's legacy and be a voice for the people who don't have one," Slater told The Journal Friday morning.

No other candidates have yet declared their intentions to run.

His announcement came the same morning that the Secretary of State's office set its schedule for the District 10 special election, to be held on Nov. 10, with a primary on Oct. 6, if necessary.

Candidates must declare their candidacy with the Providence Board of Canvassers on Aug. 27 and 28. Candidates may pick up their nominating papers beginning Sept. 1; they must be returned with signatures from at least 50 district voters by Sept. 8.

The November special election will come a week after the Nov. 3 election day. Three Rhode Island communities are holding off-year elections: Central Falls, Jamestown and Woonsocket.

Christopher Barnett, a spokesman for the Secretary of State's office said the delay is necessary in order to allow the 75-day election calendar to play out as required by law.

District 10 stretches from the edge of the Armory District to Roger Williams Park.

Scott Slater, 34, an accountant at Providence City Hall with a degree from Bryant University, said he had long discussed with his father the idea of running for his seat when the elder Slater decided to retire.

But for years that notion was a moot point, Scott Slater said. Everyone who knew his father knew he'd never actually give up his seat until he was forced to.