Joe Short, Fulton County commissioner, announced Thursday, Jan. 7, he will not seek a second term.

"I will continue to work hard and finish out my term but I will not seek reelection," he said in a prepared statement.

His term ends Dec. 31, 2010.

"I have had a significant change in my family structure which requires more of my time at home," he said.

His wife, Tara, filed for divorce in January 2009.

Short was elected a German Township Trustee in November 2003. He did not complete a full term before running for Fulton County Commissioner in 2006. Fulton County voters elected him that November.

In addition to serving as a commissioner, Short also owns a local restaurant, rental properties, and operates an insurance business which carries his name.

In the opening of his statement, Short said, "My personal priorities are God, my family, and my work, in that order.

"I have had a significant change in my family structure which requires more of my time at home. I have two children who I love very much and I must, as a responsible parent, do everything I can to give them the love and attention they deserve.

"The next few years are very critical in their development as they become adults. I only have one opportunity to do this.

"I have asked God to carry me through these tough times and I have leaned on my friends and fellow commissioners many times. There is a tremendous energy and time commitment that is needed to be a commissioner and to do this job correctly. I believe that is what Fulton County deserves.

"I have asked the residents of Fulton County to support me when I ran for the Fulton County commissioner position and they did. I will continue to work hard and finish out my term but I will not seek reelection.

"I have enjoyed my role as Fulton County commissioner, and I believe I have done a good job."

He did not rule out a future return to politics.

"Maybe someday the situation may present itself again. If not, I can go to bed each night knowing I did the best job I could in serving Fulton County." –Posted 1.7, 4:17 pm