Moments ago, First District Supervisor Jimmy Smith told the Lost Coast Outpost that he would not seek reelection next year. An official announcement would be coming shortly, he said.

Smith, who represents Petrolia, Ferndale, Cutten, King Salmon and parts of the city of Eureka on the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors, is one of the county’s most popular and respected politicians. He has served on the board since 2000, and in his most reelection campaign – in 2008 – he won handily with 71 percent of the vote. A former commercial fisherman and representative to the Humboldt Bay Harbor Commission, he is a Democrat in a largely conservative district. 

Smith told the Lost Coast Outpost that now was a good time to change the page. “We’re doing some great work,” he said. “We have a great team of supervisors. I have the best district, with just the best people in it. We’re doing some great things together. But in a year and a half, it will be time to move on.”

He said that he and his wife, Jackie, made the decision together several weeks ago, and they two of them were very much looking forward to life beyond the Board. “She’s a patient lady – she’s put up with a lot,” he said. “We’ve never really taken off together on a vacation together at all. The truth is, she deserves more. She really does.”

Smith said that several potential candidates had come to him to express interest in running if he were not. He promised that whoever is elected to replace, there will be a seamless transition. He plans to bring his successor into his office and work closely with them, to give them a solid understanding of the issues before the board.

At least one candidate has stepped forward. Earlier today, Rex Bohn, previously a candidate for Eureka City Council, announced that he would seek election to the First District seat.