The only “non- political person” in the race for Niagara-on-the-Lake’s lone seat on regional council has withdrawn her candidacy.

Barbara Worthy, an independent creative arts producer, actress, writer and former CBC Radio producer, announced Tuesday that she is ending her bid for the regional seat.

“This has been an incredibly hard decision,” she said in a statement.

“I felt encouraged, challenged and inspired by the potential of becoming the next regional councillor.”

“However, the field is quite crowded, which is a good thing. It shows we have some strong, civic-minded citizens,” said Worthy.

As well, she said, this is the first time she knows of that any women were contesting the regional seat – Andrea Kaiser is also a candidate.

“And our platforms are very similar – honouring heritage, the arts, our agricultural base and careful, intelligent stewardship of our communities as they grow,”  said Worthy, who is the NOTL Museum’s community engagement co-ordinator.

Her withdrawal leaves four people – Kaiser, former lord mayor Pat Darte, ex-councillor Paolo Miele and William Roberts – vying for the regional post.