Kirkland Parks Board Member John Smiley has withdrawn from the race for position No. 3 on the Kirkland City Council.

The move means that there are just two candidates vying for the position, longtime Kirkland resident Brad Larssen and former Kirkland Council candidate Penny Sweet.

“I was stunned,” said Sweet when she learned Smiley dropped out of the race. “Philosophically, John and I are pretty much in alignment. I think he has a lot to offer this community and I hope he keeps up his service on the Parks Board.”

With just two candidates running there is no need for a primary for the seat and the vote will go directly to the general election in November.