Wednesday, October 29, 1997
Dudley won't seek re-election
By BETH HALLMARK Staff Writer
Four-term Taylor County Commissioner Don Dudley announced Tuesday
he will not run again in 1998.
Dudley, who underwent a kidney transplant two years ago, said
his health was the determining factor.
"I've been advised by my doctor to get rid of all the
stress I possibly can," Dudley said. "Contrary to a
lot of people's beliefs, this is a very, very stressful job."
The 66-year-old Merkel resident was first elected to represent
Precinct 2 in 1982.
"I told people 16 years ago ... that I would be a working
commissioner," Dudley said. "It's gotten to the point
that I don't work like I did, so I feel like it's time to step
down."
The only Democrat on Taylor County's Commissioners Court, Dudley
cited many 3-1 votes on which he was the 1.
"I've certainly tried to vote the way the people who put
me here would like for me to vote," he said. "I'm a
little man, I'll continue to be little, and I realize what the
little man goes through to pay his taxes."
But Dudley said his biggest accomplishment in office was the
recent construction of a new Precinct 2 barn.
"We finally have a place we can get inside and get a piece
of equipment in to work on," he said.
Although he would not provide names, Dudley said several people
have talked to him about possibly seeking the Precinct 2 post.
To date, no one has officially announced plans to run for the
job. Filing begins Dec. 3. The election is in November 1998.
Though stepping down as commissioner, Dudley plans to stay
busy after his term ends in January 1999. A trained auctioneer,
he said he may do more auctions. He also plans on helping his
wife with her antique business.
"I'm going to stay active at something," Dudley said.
"I'm not worried about it."
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Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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