A veteran member of the Douglas County Board announced Tuesday that he will not seek re-election.
Kyle Hutchings, 55, said he will not seek a fifth term when his current one ends in December 2010.
Hutchings, a Republican, said he actually made the decision not to run again a few months ago. He said he plans to focus on his family and his lighting business.
Hutchings, who has served on the board since 1994, said he's leaving in part to allow for a fresh perspective on the board.
“It's healthier to have some new faces, new ideas and new perspectives come onto the board and provide a little different look at things,” he said.
Former Omaha Mayor P.J. Morgan, also a Republican, announced last month that he planned to run for Hutchings' seat.
Hutchings said Tuesday that he wants to see who else enters the race before endorsing a candidate.
No other candidates have filed for the District 4 seat, representing west-central Omaha. The primary election is May 11. The general election is Nov. 2, 2010.
Two other County Board seats also will be up for re-election. Incumbents Pam Tusa, representing District 2, and Mary Ann Borgeson, in District 6, said Tuesday that they plan to seek re-election.
Board member Mike Boyle, a Democrat, said that even though he and Hutchings were on opposite sides politically, they developed a good working relationship on county issues. The two frequently met to discuss issues, Boyle said.
“Even when we disagree on things, it's so easy to talk to him,” Boyle said.
Republican Clare Duda, the longest-serving current board member, said Hutchings' concern about finances helped guide the county on budget issues.
“Kyle has been a good, conservative, steadfast voice through the years,” Duda said. “I've enjoyed working with him.”
Hutchings said he has enjoyed his time in county government and looks forward to serving out his final term. But, at this point, he said he has no other political aspirations. He said he plans to remain active in promoting Douglas County.
Hutchings said he feels fortunate to have worked with great people in county government.
“I'm glad that I was able to be a part of that,” Hutchings said.
Contact the writer:
444-3198, chip.olsen@owh.com
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