Fulton Commissioner Tom Lowe Won't Seek Re-Election

The Twitter account for Fulton County Government quoted the long-time commissioner as saying, "It's been a good 40 years but it's time for me to go." 

The 85-year-old Lowe, who appeared frail and needed of help getting in out of his seat at last month’s meeting, is in his 10th term as commissioner.

The Sandy Springs resident represents the fourth district that includes Sandy Springs, Buckhead and a portion of Roswell. Now, though, he has decided not to seek re-election for the recently redrawn District 3 seat, which will include Sandy Springs, Buckhead, and a portion of Midtown north of 10th Street.

Qualifying for candidates in the Republican primary election is in the spring.

It is expected to be a hotly contested race to see who will replace Lowe, who was first elected to the commission in 1974.

Among those who have filed notices of intent to run are former Atlanta Councilman Lee Morris; Cory Ruth, a former state GOP steering committee member for Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential bid, John Stoj, who ran for the Sandy Springs City Council District 6 seat last year, and Bernie Tokarz, a Republican political operative.

Said Commission Chairman John Eaves in a release: “In the time that we served together on the Board of Commissioners, I have found Commissioner Lowe to be not just someone who has fought for the interests of his community and the entire county,” said Chairman Eaves, adding, “It is with some regret that I get the news that he is retiring from the Board.”

What are your thoughts on Lowe stepping down and his four decade career in office? Let us know in the comment section below.