Langley City Councillor Teri James will not be running for re-election in the Nov. 15 municipal election.
Her decision makes it likely that there will be at least three new members of council, as former mayor Peter Fassbender resigned after winning election as MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood, and Councillor Rosemary Wallace has announced she is running for a Langley Board of Education seat in Langley Township.
The only incumbents to announce their intentions of running again thus far are acting mayor Ted Schaffer, who is running for mayor, and Councillor Dave Hall.
Also seeking seats on Langley City council are Sharon Newbery, Miriam Marshall, Paul Albrecht and Nathan Pachal.
"It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I will not be seeking re-election in the City of Langley municipal elections this fall," James said in a statement. "As I’m sure many of you can imagine, this decision was not an easy one after serving my community as a city councillor for these past nine years.
"Some very positive personal and professional opportunities have occurred in my life over this past year and I have made the decision to focus my efforts on those commitments."
James said she intends to continue in her role as executive director of the Downtown Langley Business Association, and to sit on some of the various committees she sits on.
"Thank you to each and every person who has supported me over the years and to those of you who understood that although it wasn’t always easy managing two careers and a family, it has been one of the most exciting and rewarding opportunities I have ever experienced.
"I have enjoyed working with the amazing staff at City of Langley and the other members of council, and I believe that there are some new candidates running that will be very dedicated in their new role.
"It has been my sincere honour serving the citizens of Langley, which has been a tremendous experience and a great source of pride for me and my family. I have met some amazing people during this chapter of my life, who have made this journey of learning extremely fulfilling for me. Thank you to each and every one of you."
Nominations for the municipal election close next Friday, Oct. 10.