This week, MACo First Vice President Wayne Cooper, President of the Charles County Commissioners, announced that he was not seeking to run for his office in the fall’s election. From Southern Maryland Online’s coverage:

Commissioner Cooper issued the following statement regarding his decision:

“Representing the people of Charles County for the past 14 years has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Starting as a member of the Board of Education and as both member and its Chairman for three years, as many of you know, education has been near and dear to me and a passion of mine—it’s the reason I entered public service. Since 2003, I’ve had the honor to serve on the Board of County Commissioners, first representing the good people of the second District and now as Commissioner President.

“For the past year, I have been making plans with the help of my long time committee, friends, and family to seek another term as your Commissioner President. I am very proud of the record of this Board of Commissioners and in particular how we responded to the most serious economic crisis facing our nation in the past 70 years. In recent months however, I discovered a medical condition which has forced me to step back and reassess my life, job, and family. For that reason, over the last week I have come to the conclusion, with the support of my family and prayers, that I will not be seeking reelection as Commissioner President in 2010.

Commissioner Cooper will continue on in his roles through the balance of this year, and will remain a MACo Board member and officer through his remaining county term.