NEWMAN – City races for mayor and two council seats will be uncontested this year, as a surprise-filled filing period came to a close recently with the number of candidates equaling the number of open seats.

There were several unexpected turns in the filing period, including Mayor John Fantazia’s decision not to seek a fourth term.

Two potential candidates who took out papers for council seats decided not to run, while Roberta Davis was a last-minute entry in the council race. She and incumbent Bob Martina were the two candidates filing for the two council posts.

Council member Ed Katen, who had filed for mayor in anticipation of running against Fantazia, found himself running unopposed.

Fantazia, who had previously indicated he would seek re-election, said he decided not to run after extensive soul-searching.

“It was a tough decision,” he said Monday. “A couple of weeks ago Carole and I had the chance to take a vacation, and we had a lot of time to talk and think about it. We just decided that after eight years it was time to step back and take a break.”

Fantazia did not rule out a return to public office in the future.

“It took me by surprise,” Katen said of Fantazia’s decision. “It was obviously a personal decision on his part. I had looked forward to running and seeing what happened, but I respect John’s decision. I think he has been a good steward for the city and worked hard, and I intend to do the same.”

Davis moved to Newman earlier this year. She moved to the West Side from Hollister more than three years ago, living in Newman for six months and later in Gustine before returning to Newman.

Her career in secondary mortgage marketing took her away from home for weeks at a time, Davis reflected, but she is no longer involved in that role.

“Now I’m at home, and I have the time to interact and be involved with the community,” she commented. “I saw in the paper that there was an open seat, and decided to file. I’m really excited about it.”

The council and mayor’s races will appear on the ballot even though they are uncontested, and Katen and Davis each said they intend to campaign regardless.

“I am still going to be out knocking on doors,” Davis commented. “I will put together a brochure, and ask people for their votes.”

Katen said he intended to do the same.

“I think it is important to do that,” he reflected. “You stay in touch with people, and give them the opportunity to meet you and talk with you.”

He said he will also use the coming months to prepare for the transition from council member to mayor..

“Between now and the change in leadership there are projects to be worked on,” Katen commented.

The council seat Katen vacates to become mayor will be filled either by appointment or special election.

There will be one city race decided by voters in November.

Challenger Keith Korsgaard is running against incumbent David Reed for the city treasurer position.