Langley City Councilwoman Fran Abel said Wednesday she will not run to retain her seat on the city council in November.

The announcement was unexpected. Abel declined to tell the Record when asked on Monday if she had planned to seek election to the post in November, but said then she would make a decision before candidates must file for election in early June.

In a blog post on Wednesday on LangleyElecteds.org, Abel said she found her short tenure on the council gratifying, but encouraged others to run to for the seat.

“I have found my city council experience to be many things – educational, demanding, challenging, frustrating, rewarding, discouraging, enlightening, worthwhile and stimulating,” Abel wrote. “I have made many new friends. Working with my fellow council members, city staff, and the mayor has been a pleasure. I will always be grateful for having the opportunity to serve my town as a council member.”

“With the economic and environmental changes our country faces, Langley’s future rests with the wise and thoughtful leadership of citizens willing to step forward to meet those challenges,” she added.

Abel, a one-time candidate for the Island County board of commissioners, was appointed to the city council in May 2010 to fill the Position 3 seat vacated by the resignation of Jim Recupero.