After a 12-year stint, a record for Fountain Hills council members, Councilman Henry Leger said he is not going to seek re-election for a fourth term. His current term will conclude at the end of this year.

Actually, Leger will have completed 12 and one half years on the council due to a change in law effecting election dates a few years ago.

“Serving the community of Fountain Hills as an elected official for the past 12 years has been an honor and a privilege,” Leger said. “Having the opportunity to work with exceptional mayors, council members, town managers, town staff, residents and businesses has been a very rewarding experience. I believe much has been accomplished and collectively we have made Fountain Hills a better community.

“Throughout the remainder of my term I will continue to focus on operational priorities and goals identified by members of our community and reflected in the town’s Strategic Plan.

“And to so many, thank you for your support and endorsement over the years.”

Leger’s decision leaves his seat up for grabs in this election. The other two seats are held by incumbents Nick DePorter and Alan Magazine, both of whom have stated their intent to seek re-election.

Another seat will be vacated with Councilman Cecil Yates choosing to step down from the council to run for mayor.

That seat will eventually be filled by council selection as prescribed by law.

As many as six other individuals have picked up nominating petitions and filing materials to become a candidate. Until the deadline to officially file as a candidate on May 30, it will not be known for certain how many candidates there will be seeking office.

Right now the race to replace retiring Mayor Linda Kavanagh seems to be between Yates and former Councilwoman Ginny Dickey. No one else has indicated they will be seeking the office of mayor.

It is not too late for anyone with an interest in seeking a seat on the council. Candidates must be a resident of Fountain Hills and will need to file paperwork including nominating petitions with at least 198, but no more than 395, signatures of registered voters in Fountain Hills.

The nominating papers need to be returned to Town Clerk Bev Bender no later than May 30.

Packet materials may be picked up from Bender’s office at Town Hall Monday through Thursday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. An appointment with Bender should be made to pick up nominating materials.

The primary election for the town council is Tuesday, Aug. 28. Any runoffs, if needed, will be held with the General Election in November.