Duane Solem, a postal carrier, has withdrawn from the Ward 1 race for City Council in the November election.

Solem cited family reasons. “I was hoping to get in and rattle some cages and have some fun with this,” he said Thursday. “I guess fate has a different mission in store.”

When he announced his campaign Solem said, “The reason I’m running is because I speak to people on my route in regards to how they feel and they basically let me know that they’re not being represented. I just want to jump in and be part of our community and put my best foot forward for everybody.”

Solem said he may consider candidacy in a future election.

Steve Dillard, the owner and manager of the Sandy Cove Inn with his wife, Annie, is now the sole candidate for Ward 1. The seat is vacant because of City Councilor Steve Wright’s bid for mayor.

“As for how I’m ‘better’ than Mr. Solem, I don’t have an answer because I don’t see this as a ‘race,’” Dillard said before Solem’s withdrawal. “I‘m applying for a nonpaid position to work for the city, and the voters get to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to me.

“Actually, I think the voters in Ward 1 are in a very good situation because both of the candidates are nonpoliticians, and are working to understand what the people in this city want from their leaders.”

Voters will decide between City Councilor Tita Montero and Dan Schorr, a former project manager, in Ward 2.

Clatsop County Clerk Tracie Krevanko said Solem’s name will appear on the ballot because the deadline to withdraw was Sept. 2.

In Ward 3 and Ward 4, the candidates are Seth Morrisey, a former city councilor; Seamus McVey, who works with the homeless on addiction and mental health issues; and Marcus Runkle, the owner of a consulting firm.