Notwithstanding sections 145.04 and 145.05 of the Revised Code, the public employees retirement board is not required to hold an election, including a special election under section 145.051 of the Revised Code, for a position on the board as an employee member or retirant member if only one candidate has been nominated for the position by petition in accordance with section 145.05 of the Revised Code. The candidate shall take office as if elected. The term of office shall be four years beginning on the first day of January following the date the candidate was nominated.