There will be no contest for mayor in the District of Kent.
The job will go to current councillor John Van Laerhoven, who was the only person to file papers following the announcement that current Mayor Lorne Fisher wouldn't be running for mayor again.
Van Laerhoven announced his decision to run for mayor early on, telling the Observer that he's enjoyed his last three years on council, and that he views jumping into the mayor's chair as a learning opportunity.
“There’s been some difficult times in the last few years but I wanted to contribute," he said. I think I want to contribute even more.”
Van Laerhoven is currently a councillor in Kent, with a portfolio that ranges from parks and recreation to finances. He also sits on the Fraser Valley Regional Library committee.
Van Laerhoven spoke with the Observer on Saturday morning, and said although he's happy to know he's got the job, it was "a little disappointed" not to have the excitement of running an election.
His departure leaves room on council for a new face. There are six candidates vying for the four seats on Kent council.
They are incumbents Darcy Striker, Holger Schwichtenberg and Ken Schwaerzle, current mayor Lorne Fisher, and newcomers Duane Post and Bill Crouch.
An all-candidates meeting is being hosted by the Harrison Agassiz Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, November 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Agricultural Hall in Agassiz. The public is encouraged to attend and be ready with questions for the candidates.