Smith will not seek second term on commission

A long holiday weekend spent with family gave County Commissioner Greg Smith a little time to think about his future plans.

On Tuesday, Smith announced that he would not seek a second term as county commissioner.

Smith, who represents District 3, said he decided that he wants to step away from the position at the end of next year’s term and spend more time with his family.

“I have one child in their last year of school and I have my first grandchild, so there is just more things I want to do now,” Smith said.

Franklin County Democratic Party candidates will begin qualifying Saturday for the March primary elections. Leading up to this past week, Smith had planned to run again.

“My wife and I want to travel a little more and spend more time with our family, so I just decided that this was the best time for me to step aside. Announcing this decision now will let other people who may want to run know so they can prepare.”

Smith said the current commission has faced several challenges since taking office, particularly a very tight budget and coping with last winter’s snowstorms and the April 27 tornado that devastated a large portion of the county.

“Overall, I think this commission has done a good job with what we have had to deal with,” he said.

“We are at a time where there are going to be some tough decisions that need to be made. There are some real challenges out there and I will do whatever I can to help the people of Franklin County, whether I’m on the commission or not.”

Party primary elections will he held in March, with the general election in November 2012.