LEWISTON – Health reasons, not politics, will keep Ward 5 City Councilor Paul Samson from seeking another term.

Samson, 59, announced Wednesday he will not seek another two-year City Council term in this November’s election. He will finish his term, which ends in December.

“But I knew I didn’t want to run again, and I wanted to give people in my ward time to step forward,” Samson said.

He’s the second sitting councilor to bow out of November’s election. Ward 2 Councilor Renee Bernier announced her decision last week. But while Bernier cited difficulties working with Mayor Larry Gilbert, Samson said politics were not part of his decision.

“I get along with everyone on the council,” Samson said. “I don’t have a problem working with any of them.”

He blamed heart problems.

“The fact is, with age, I just don’t have the energy anymore,” Samson said.

This is the second time health issues have forced Samson to give up the City Council. He stepped down in 2002, complaining of weakness and fatigue. He felt well enough to run for the seat again in 2005.

“But I think I’ve done as much as I can,” he said. “I just get tired.”