PORT ANGELES — Andrew May, horticulturist and, as a freelance writer, the Peninsula Daily News’ Sunday gardening columnist, has withdrawn as a candidate for the Clallam County Charter Review Commission.

May was one of 12 candidates who filed last week to be on the November ballot for one of five seats in District 3 (west end of the county).

“Andrew’s popular column, appearing in the PDN every Sunday, could be seen by the public, and/or by his opponents, as a conflict of interest — a means for Andrew to solicit votes or make an otherwise favorable impression on voters,” said John Brewer, PDN publisher and editor.

“As a result, we would have to suspend it for the duration of the campaign.”

Said May:

“I filed for a position on the Charter Review Board because of both my extensive knowledge of procedural matters and my desire to serve in a public capacity as a way to give back to an area I love and a community that has treated me and my family so well.

“However, when confronted with a suspension of my article for the duration of the campaign period (six months) due to fairness issues, I contemplated all the wonderful comments I have received from hundreds of gardeners across the Peninsula and quite easily made my decision to withdraw.”