FAIRHOPE, Ala. — With the political stakes high this year in the crowded field for mayor and City Council, it’s not surprising that mud has flown and the tactics been rough at times.

But a few unifying and lighthearted moments have come from some unlikely places.

Local Labrador retriever Willie Bean and his mayoral “candidacy” have garnered most of the attention, but Newton Delchamps’ withdrawal this week from his run for City Council might earn him a singular place of honor in the city’s history.

He decided the other guy was the better man for the job and stepped aside.

“I wanted to do something to show the love I have for my city,” said Delchamps, explaining his initial decision to seek Place 3 on the council held by Cecil Christenberry, who is not running for reelection. “But when I found out who was going to be my opponent and got to know him, I knew I had to hand over the torch to someone who could do the job better.”

Delchamps, who turned 86 in July, delivered a letter Monday to City Clerk Lisa Hanks, stating he was withdrawing from the race. His withdrawal leaves his lone opponent, Lonnie Mixon, unopposed.

Hanks said the City Council is expected to issue a certificate of election to Mixon at its Monday night meeting, naming him the new councilman for Place 3.

“The votes won’t count,” said Hanks, referring to any votes cast for Delchamps in Tuesday’s municipal elections. She said the ballots had already been printed with Delchamps name on them, but efforts would be made to get the word out about the change. Those efforts might include having election officials explain to voters as the ballots are handed out that Delchamps was no longer a candidate, and having a notice about the change posted at the Civic Center polling site, she said.

Mixon said Delchamps discussed the possibility of withdrawing after they met at the Aug. 7 City Council candidates forum.

“He called me the next day and talked about doing that,” Mixon said. “I met Newton for the first time at the forum. He’s quite a gentleman. Probably because of our military background, I think that’s why we bonded.”

Delchamps said he served in the Navy during the battle of Midway in World War II, having to swim away from his beloved aircraft carrier, the U.S.S. Yorktown, that was sunk by the Japanese on June 4, 1942. He said he moved to Fairhope after retiring from the Navy in 1963, following 23 years of service.

“I have always been an advocate that people should participate in the electoral process of being able to vote,” Delchamps said. “There are so many places in the world where they don’t have that opportunity. I get a little emotional talking about it.”

During the past year, Delchamps has been a frequent sight on Fairhope streets on the electric scooter he uses to get around since he stopped driving an automobile.

“I’m out there every day, picking up garbage,” he said, referring to his passion for cleaning up city streets. He has also been a longtime volunteer at Thomas Hospital, he said.

Not long ago, a man and his son visiting from Spokane, Wash., met Delchamps at the pier and had dinner with him at the Yardarm Restaurant.

“Both my son and I found your story of life fascinating, fulfilling and loaded with adventure,” wrote Steve Isherwood in an Aug. 1 letter to Delchamps. “It was a true privilege to have met such a man with such valor and love for life and country. Our lives have been touched by an extraordinarily incredible man. For that we are so grateful. During our opportunity to visit with you, you mentioned that your political platform was that of being visible and available to meet the necessities of your beautiful city and its people. You had advised us that one of your ‘pet peeves’ was the presence of litter around your community, mentioning that you took it upon yourself to be a proactive force in its removal by picking it up. What a very humble gesture from you, for your community, that shows outstanding pride and respect for your residence and community.”

Top that, Willie Bean.