JACKSON – Three-term incumbent Northampton County Commissioner James C. Boone will not seek reelection.

The Democrat who represents the county’s third district withdrew from the race at noon Tuesday, citing family and other reasons.

&uot;My family and I talked about it and they felt like I’d been in it long enough,&uot; Boone said. &uot;I’d rather be a good supporter now.&uot;

Boone was first elected to public office in 1976 when he began four terms of service on the Northampton County Board of Education.

After sitting out for two years, Boone was elected to the Northampton County Commission in 1992 and has been reelected to the position twice.

During his tenure on the Board, Boone has been an outspoken advocate for open government, progressiveness and economic growth. He indicated Tuesday his support for those initiatives would continue.

&uot;I want government to become more open and progressive and I will stay an advocate for that on the Board or off,&uot; he said. &uot;I’m not getting good support for my efforts so I thought I would step aside and let someone else go for it.&uot;

Boone said he had very much enjoyed his service to the citizens of Northampton County.

&uot;I’ve spent three terms on the Board and I’ve really enjoyed it,&uot; he said. &uot;I am not satisfied with what we have accomplished as a Board, but I bid them Godspeed.&uot;

Boone will remain the representative in District 3 until his replacement is elected in November and sworn in at the December meeting of the commissioners.

Chester Deloatch Sr. became the Democratic nominee for the post when Boone withdrew because he was the only other Democrat on the ballot. Rose Sumner is the only Republican seeking the seat.

&uot;I will remain an advocate for what’s right, what’s good and what’s progressive,&uot; Boone said.