And then, there were four.

Local gym owner Dar Thompson announced Tuesday that he has decided to drop out of the race for the Post 1 seat on the Peachtree City Council.

That leaves four candidates for the seat, which comes with a two-year term due to the resignation of former office holder Don Haddix, who is seeking the mayor’s post.

Thompson said in a letter Tuesday that he came to his decision after discussing the matter with city officials.

“I am currently involved with the city on several matters and even though state and local ethics codes would allow me to continue to do both, if elected, I feel it would be disruptive to the city government and to the citizens of Peachtree City,” Thompson said.

Thompson in May proposed that the city renovate the Kedron Fieldhouse to add an ice rink for between $1.5 and $2 million. That proposal was in response to a city request for private companies to submit proposals to operate the fieldhouse and aquatic center.

Although those proposals were not selected for the 2009-2010 budget, city officials previously have indicated they would consider such options for next year.

The four candidates remaining in the race include: business consultant Shelby Barker, homemaker Beth Pullias, retiree Eric Imker and Delta manager David Craig.

Thompson in his letter said his goal is to serve the community, and he thinks he is able to be more productive to the city in other areas.

Thompson was one of the more vocal backers of a failed 2007 bid for a recreation bond that would have allowed the city to build an ice rink and fitness center at the baseball and soccer complex on Ga. Highway 74 south. Thompson proposed that the facilities could be leased for him to operate. The bond issue would have required a property tax increase for city residents.