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Covering Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, Falls City and surrounding areas since 1868
DALLAS -- Polk County Commissioner Tom Ritchey announced Thursday he will no longer be running for re-election because of health concerns.
Ritchey has held Polk County Commission Position No. 2 since 1998.
Ritchey said a recent Parkinson's Disease diagnosis would not allow him to give complete attention to his office.
"It is very important in these critical times that every member of the board be able to give their full time and attention to the job," Ritchey said in a prepared statement.
"Even though I am still able to do the job, my future treatments and medical appointments will interfere with my ability to fulfill these duties."
The three-term commissioner said he has enjoyed being able to provide direct assistance to his constituents and will miss that after leaving office next January.
"I will miss dealing with people on a everyday basis to help them solve their problems," Ritchey said.
Ritchey would have faced challenger Dave Weston for the Republican nomination in May's primary election. According to the Polk County's Clerk's Office, no other candidates -- Republican or Democrat -- have filed for the Position No. 2 race.
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Read more about Tom Ritchey's decision not to seek re-election in the Feb. 17 issue of the Itemizer-Observer.
