Hopefuls for the Nov. 5 municipal elections can’t even start picking up qualifying petitions until Monday, but already some incumbents have announced they won’t seek reelection.

In addition to those candidates, a public official who has worked all across the county is stepping down in Millington after a long, long career.

‘Tis the season for campaigning and preparing for the five-month strategy of shaking hands, knocking on doors, sticking campaign signs in yards and flooding the market with attention to the candidacy.

But two suburban officials have already announced they are stepping aside this year. Jon McCreery, the Position 5 alderman in Germantown, announced last Friday that he would not seek another term. Meanwhile, in Lakeland, Wesley Wright, a city commissioner, has said he doesn’t plan to run.

And, like I said, the first day for potential candidates to pick up their qualifying petitions isn’t until Monday.

Wright’s decision is tied to Lakeland’s term limits, according to the story by reporter Michael Waddell. If he ran for another four years, that would eliminate him from seeking any future offices with the city. Wright is choosing to keep his options open for a future run (maybe, mayor?).