Kirkland City Councilmember Tom Neir has announced that he will not seek re-election to council Pos. 2 this fall due to growing demands from his business.

“I make this announcement with great sadness,” Neir said in a press release. “I love Kirkland. Serving on the Kirkland City Council has been one of life’s great honors.”

Neir stated that recently his business has required an increased level of commitment and focus.

“It is clear to me that I simply won’t have time to meet the high standard of service I expect of myself as a councilmember,” he said in the release.

Additionally, Neir encouraged all qualified residents to explore running for the council seat.

“There is no better way to serve our community,” he said in the release. “Our recent council appointment process has shown that we have many talented and dedicated residents who are ready to step up. I will help future candidates any way I can, and I am excited to see what they will accomplish.”

Neir was elected in 2017 for a two-year term and will serve through Dec. 31. He is chair of the city’s Planning and Economic Development Committee and serves on the Public Works/Parks/Human Service Committee. Neir also represents Kirkland regionally on the Eastside Transportation Partnership and the Water Resource Inventory Area Management Committee.