There are now two candidates seeking the mayor's seat in Essex.
Local business owner Rob Shepley recently filed his nomination papers for the town's top job.
Shepley is the co-owner of Ice Cool Treats on Talbot Street in Essex Centre and says he's been thinking about running for quite sometime.
"It's time for some new faces and some new ideas to council and bringing everybody together and try and work better together in a more cohesive way," says Shepley.
He believes the ongoing bickering around has impacted the municipality.
"I think our council has served us well," says Shepley. "I think we've done a good job in a lot of areas but the in fighting and some of the goings on over the last few years takes away from what they probably could have done."
Current town councillor Larry Snively is also running for mayor.
Mayor Ron McDermott has previously stated he will not seek re-election.
Shepley says he grew up in Colchester North and has also lived in Colchester South.