BELLINGHAM - City Councilman Gene Knutson announced Friday, March 15, he would seek a sixth term in this year's elections. If elected, it would be his last term, he said.

The councilman highlighted one of the issues that will have his attention in his final term.

"I look forward to seeing real progress on the waterfront (redevelopment) plan during the next four years," he said in his announcement.

Knutson, 57, is the longest-serving member on the current council, having first taken office in 1994.

This year, Knutson is chairman of the council's Parks and Recreation Committee, and he sits on the Port of Bellingham's Marina Advisory Committee.

Knutson's statement came in the same week that six-year council member Stan Snapp announced he would not seek re-election.

Reach Ralph Schwartz at 360-715-2289 or ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com. Read his politics blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/politics or follow him on Twitter at @bhamheraldpolitics.