With less than two weeks remaining before filing begins for Jefferson City elected officials, one councilman has completely opened up the field in his ward.
Tuesday morning, 5th Ward Councilman Ron Medin announced in a press release that he will not seek a third term on the council.
Medin, who has served as one of two 5th Ward councilmen since 2007, said he wanted to devote more attention to both his family and his employer, Central Bank.
"It is a challenging but very rewarding thing to do," Medin said of the council position. "I have thoroughly enjoyed the last four years. Those closest to me have been very tolerant of the time I have devoted to public service."
Filing for all open elected positions in the city starts Oct. 19.
The 5th Ward is not the only part of Jefferson City that will see a fresh set of candidates for a council position. Because he is vacating his seat early for a run for Jefferson City mayor, 4th Ward Councilman Eric Struemph will also not seek another term.
Bob Weber, appointed to his 1st Ward seat in July, may soon be in a campaign for his seat.
Weber was appointed to the council to fill former 1st Ward Councilman Ken Ferguson's unfinished term. Ferguson vacated his seat because of term limits.
The other council members whose terms are ending are 2nd Ward Councilman Jim Penfold and 3rd Ward Councilman Bryan Pope. No councilmen other than Medin and Struemph have announced whether they will seek another term.