ASTORIA — Jennifer Crockett, executive director for the Liberty Theatre in downtown Astoria, says she will not run for a seat on the Astoria City Council in November.
Crockett announced her candidacy for the downtown Ward 3 seat earlier this year. City Councilor Joan Herman, who currently occupies that seat, has said she will not seek a second, four-year term.
On Tuesday, Crockett told KMUN she needs to step away from the race to help care for a loved one who is unwell.
“I recognize the importance of local individuals stepping up and taking part in local government, and what an awesome opportunity that would be,” she said in a statement. “Unfortunately, my situation has changed and that is no longer an option for me at this time.
“But, I look forward to continuing to participate in my community as an advocate for the arts and economic development as executive director of the Liberty Theatre.”
Three seats on the City Council will be open in the November election. In addition to Herman, Mayor Bruce Jones and City Councilor Roger Rocka, who represents Ward 1, have both said they will not seek reelection.
As of Tuesday, only one candidate had started the process of officially filing to appear on the November ballot.
Sean Fitzpatrick, who serves on the city’s Planning Commission and owns several apartment complexes in Astoria, has announced he will run for mayor. According to city staff, he is still in the process of finalizing his candidacy.
Though several people have picked up filing packets at city hall, Crockett was the only person besides Fitzpatrick to publicly announce her intent to run for a spot on the City Council.
Finance Director Susan Brooks, whose department oversees election processes for the city, said the city normally sees a flood of interested candidates right away when there are open positions on the City Council. This time, she said, it’s been much slower.
Candidates have until 5 p.m. on August 30 to file for open positions. More information about how to file — and the requirements for filing — is available on the city’s website.