Jim Hart Drops Out of City Council Race

James Hart announced Friday he is suspending his campaign for the Position 6 seat because of family health issues.

“I have decided to withdraw from the race for City Council to focus my time on family health concerns,” Hart said in a press release.  “I am truly humbled by the support I have received from the many citizens of Kirkland, and wish nothing but the best for the future of our community.”

Hart's campaign manager Chris Morgan said Saturday the family did not want to discuss specifics of the heath issue.

"Jim is fine, and we're going to leave it at that," Morgan said. "It's a health issue with his family."

Hart, 88, who lives in the Lakeview neighborhood and for many years has operated a land surveying business in town, took 25.89 percent of the three-way August primary vote for the seat. Incumbent Dave Asher took 52.08 percent of the vote, while Martin Morgan took 21.48 percent (not enough to qualify for the general eelction).

Asher, from Rose Hill, Friday expressed his concern for Hart and said he will continue his own efforts to discuss the issues with the citizens of Kirkland.

"My sympathies are with Mr Hart and his family," Asher said in a statement. "I hope the medical concerns are resolved favorably and soon. I do plan to continue to meet and talk with Kirkland residents through the election cycle."

Hart's name will remain on the Nov. 7 ballot, but he said he would no longer actively campaign for the seat.