Sheri Samson – Incumbent Mineral County Commissioner Paul MacBeth, left, speaks with candidate Garth Price after announcing he was withdrawing from the race at the VFW candidates night.
In a turn of events at last week’s candidates night, hosted by the VFW, incumbent Mineral County Commissioner, Paul MacBeth withdrew his candidacy from this year’s race for Seat B.
Challenged by Garth Price, MacBeth shared a moment with Price during the candidate’s night.
In a letter to the Independent-News, MacBeth explains, “I am writing this letter to inform you that I will be withdrawing my candidacy as Mineral County Commissioner – Seat B.”
MacBeth was elected to the four year seat on Nov. 6, 2012. He ran on a platform of commercially developing the Highway 95, better training and pay for first responders and centralizing a grant writing program.
MacBeth would become ill while serving as commissioner and in this letter to the Independent-News cited, “This is a result of personal and medical issues. Should my name appear on the ballot I would appreciate that you not vote for me.”
He would go on to say, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, county employees and the Mineral County residents for all the support you provided me as your commissioner. I feel deeply honored and humbled.”
“The next four years will bring great challenges that will need to be met by competent leadership and unity for the positive outcome of this county. I will miss representing Mineral County as your commissioner.”
The upcoming election will leave two empty seats that will filled by newcomers. Commissioner Jerrie Tipton will stay onboard for two more years – terming out at the end of 2017.
Expressing his concern for MacBeth, Price told the Independent-News, “I would like to commend Mr. MacBeth for this four years of service here in Mineral County. I wish him and his family the best of luck in the future.”
The Mineral County Clerk’s Office confirmed that MacBeth’s name will remain on the ballot, as ballots had already been printed, but votes for the outgoing commissioner will not count.
