This week, as others were filing for the office, Allen County Commissioner Bill King announced that he would not seek re-election.
He has held the office since August 2018, and his term will conclude at the end of 2020.
King cited “health issues” and “timing” as factoring into his decision.
In his words, “I’ve worked with local government for 40 years,” and that “this was long enough.”
“It’s time for an old man to go home,” he joked.
King likewise encouraged others to step up and run for the position, saying “it’s time for us to let other people do it.”
Even without King’s participation, Republicans are guaranteed an August primary vote to fill his seat.
Gene Weatherbie, rural LaHarpe, filed with the Allen County clerk’s office.
“I’ve been debating it for 20 years,” Weatherbie said. “I’ve been talking to a lot of people in the county who want to see some changes.”
Also filing last week was rural Iola farmer Craig Mentzer.
The top Republican vote-getter will advance to the general election in November.
Candidates — Republican or Democrat — have until noon June 1 to file.
