The incumbent is not running for election for the northern district of Lowndes County, so it’s an open seat. Here are district maps; District 2 is mostly west of Bemiss Road and north of Valdosta. To see which districts you’re in, go to VALOR GIS Election Boundary Map, in Layers On-Off turn on Lowndes County Commision Districts, and zoom in on your address. The appended letter was received Monday via Commissioner Demarcus Marshall. -jsq

From: Richard Raines
Sent: Saturday, January 04, 2014 11:06 PM
To: Bill Slaughter; Joyce Evans; Crawford Powell; John Page; Demarcus Marshall; Joe Pritchard; Paige Dukes
Cc: kay.harris@gaflnews.com
Subject: Announcement

Good evening everyone. The following message was sent out this evening to all of my friends and supporters via email and social media. I look forward to seeing everyone at our next meeting.

Dear Friends and Supporters:

During the 2010 Republican Primary I announced to a small gathering of the Lowndes County Republican Party that, if elected, would not seek re-election to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners in 2014. Much has happened since that summer day. In addition to securing my party’s nomination with a sizeable majority of votes, I subsequently won the general election by a substantial margin over a very qualified Democrat candidate who, if elected, would have served Lowndes County faithfully and with integrity.

I have worked very hard alongside my fellow Commissioners to serve as wise stewards over public funds and make decisions that reflect my core political values. As with any task related to public service, there is more I would like to accomplish. I am, however, compelled by my faith and values to honor my campaign promise. I will not be seeking re-election to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners in 2014. As much as I would like to continue doing the work I was elected to do, I am honor bound to keep my promise and am at peace doing so. I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me and I will always cherish the friendships I have made while serving on the Board of Commissioners. I am eternally grateful to my best friend and wife, Jessica Raines, for her unwavering support and love. I owe my five children a debt for their patience while dad was doing “whatever it is he does for the County.”

Prior to making this public announcement I shared this news with my family and a handful of personal friends. The question I am most asked is, “will you pursue some other type of public service?” While I am not certain when or for what office, the short answer is, “yes.” I hope when that time comes I have earned the right to ask for your support once again. Until then I remain committed to the work you elected me to do.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Thank you for your support.

Richard Raines

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