Cathy Dobson/The Independent

The number vying to be elected Sarnia mayor has dropped from five to four after George Stanko announced he is withdrawing his candidacy.

“A serious family crisis requires my full attention, and, at this time, my responsibility is to be present for the people I love,” Stanko said in a statement Thursday.

The semi-retired chemical engineer was making his first foray into politics and said he wanted to be mayor because “Sarnia has a real leadership issue with all the chaos, animosity and disruption.”

Stanko said he is grateful for those who supported and encouraged him. 

“Sarnia is an incredible community and I remain committed to contributing to its future in every way I can,” he said. 

Stanko has not ruled out running for city council at another time.  “You don’t know where we’ll be in four years from now,” he said.

The official deadline to withdraw from the race was August 21, the same day that nominations closed.

That means that Stanko’s name cannot be removed from the ballot, said city clerk Amy Burkhart.  

The four mayoral candidates left are incumbent Mike Bradley, Bill Dennis, Carrie McEachran and Scott Molson. 

Meanwhile, in Point Edward, there’s been two candidates who have indicated they no longer are interested in a council seat.

Carla Pacheco and Mike Brocklehurst no longer wish to serve on council, said village CAO Jim Burns. Like Stanko, it is too late to remove Pacheco’s and Brocklehurst’s names from the ballot.

That leaves nine candidates vying for one of four council seats including Doug Booth, Gary Capp, Paul Churchill, Kevin Devine, Bev Hand, Louie Mele, Arianna Noctor, Kristen Simpson and Patty Yazbeck. Two candidates, Paul Burgess and Greg Grimes and running for mayor.  

An all-candidates meeting is planned in Point Edward Monday, Oct. 5 from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Point Edward community hall.