LEWISTON — Citing family and health issues, Ward 3 Councilor Larry Poulin said he won’t seek another term in this November’s election.

“It’s not for lack of desire or interest,” Poulin said Tuesday. “There are just some issues right now that take priority, persistent challenges that are more important for me right now.”

Poulin declined to elaborate, saying they were personal matters.

Poulin’s decision leaves a potential hole in the ballot for Ward 3. Poulin is the only person currently listed as circulating nominating petitions for the Ward 3 seat and Poulin said he’s had no luck inspiring anyone else to take his seat.

“I’ve talked to a few people about running, but they said ‘Why should I? You’re doing a great job,” Poulin said.

The deadline for nominations closes at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9.

Poulin was elected to the council in November 2007, replacing Lillian O’Brien. He was re-elected in 2009, serving two terms.

“I hope I can run again in the future,” Poulin said. “I certainly won’t wait until I’ve retired.”

So far, the race for City Council is wide open. Only four council candidates have completed nominations and are guaranteed a spot on the November ballot. They are Ward 1 incumbent John T. Butler, Ward 5 candidate Craig Saddlemire and Ward 6 incumbent Mark A. Cayer and challenger Roger Roy.

Five candidates are passing nominating petitions to qualify for a spot on the ballot in Wards 2, 4 and 7. No candidates for those wards have completed their nominations, however.

The race for mayor is crowded, however. Five candidates have completed nominating petitions to lock in a spot on the ballot — Stanley Pelletier of 28 Surry Lane, Robert MacDonald of 6 Jolin St., Walter Hill of 10 Loubier St., Mark Paradis of 82 Prospect Ave. and sitting Ward 4  Councilor Ron Jean of 27 Cram Ave.

All candidates have until Friday afternoon to collect the necessary signatures and turn in their nomination petitions. 

Candidates for Lewiston mayor must gather between 100 and 200 signatures from registered Lewiston voters. 

Candidates for Lewiston City Council or School Committee must gather at least 50 signatures. For all city councilors or School Committee members from a particular ward, signatures must come from registered voters from their ward. At-large School Committee candidates can gather signatures from any Lewiston registered voters.

The terms for the newly elected begin in January 2012. 

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