BLACKSBURG -- Two longtime town council members have decided not to seek re-election, and there's a large crop of people eager to fill those seats and others.

Ten people are running for four open town council seats after Tuesday's filing deadline. Incumbent Mayor Ron Rordam is running unopposed in the Nov. 3 election.

Council members Al Leighton and Tom Sherman have opted not to run again, leaving Susan Anderson as the only incumbent on the ballot.

The fourth seat was held by Derek Myers, who died in February. The term ends in 2011, and state law requires that the seat go up for election in November. In the interim, council appointed Mike Rosenzweig to fill the seat until Dec. 31, but he has said he would not run for election.

Montgomery County Registrar Randy Wertz said the town charter has it set up so that the top three vote-getters in November will end up getting the open seats. Then, the fourth-highest vote-getter will end up going into the remainder of Myers' term.

Leighton said his decision not to run is based on "medical reasons" and, because of that, "it would be best if I didn't continue to run."

"I'm 80 years old, and my doctor feels that I've got to let up on my extracurricular activities."

Leighton has served on the council since 1974.

He said he is pleased with efforts taken by the council and town staff through the years to address the demands of a rapidly growing community. Leighton also is proud of the cooperation that has developed between the town and Virginia Tech.

Leighton said he has enjoyed serving with council members through the years.

"We have been a pretty stable council," he said. "I'm very pleased that I could be part of that growing program that we have now."

He still plans to keep tabs on the council's work.

"I've pretty well established this as my home," he said.

And he is proud of that home. "I think that we have a very good, prosperous town."

Sherman was first elected to the council in 1998 and re-elected in 2002 and 2006. Overall, "that seems to me enough time to be in that service," he said.

Sherman said his council service has been a good experience and a good way to contribute to and have an impact on the community.

Also, his time on the council has offered the chance "to meet lots of people and work with lots of people in positive and productive ways."

Sherman said he also has appreciated the opportunity to work closely with town staff and the council.

"I'll miss working with members of the town council and trying to develop ideas and bring those into fruition."

The nine other candidates for a council seat are Bryce Carter, Krisha Chachra, Greg Fansler, Paul Lancaster, Frank Lau, Cecile Newcomb, Robert Tom Rogers, Michael Sutphin and John Bush.