Today I am announcing my decision not to seek re-election as Montgomery County Commissioner.

It is my great honor to serve the citizens of Montgomery County, and I am enjoying every minute of my public career.  While I feel liberated by my decision to step out of politics, I still have passion for public service and public policy.  I am looking forward to a big finish in my final year as county commissioner on a number of policy fronts.

I have helped bring reform to county government by establishing the Ethics Code and mandating the competitive selection of professional vendors in the 1990s and then strengthening those reforms last year.  The fight for reform is not over.

There is an ongoing struggle in the county between those that are primarily interested in the business side of government - jobs, contracts and solicitorships - and those interested in the policy of government.

For over 35 years I have fought against Republican patronage abuses in Montgomery County.  Most of the county Democrats I have worked with through the years are primarily interested in the policy side of government.  I want my party to continue that fight for reform and progressive principles designed to create opportunities and improve the quality of life for all residents of the county.

That is why I am so excited about the united ticket of Josh Shapiro and Leslie Richards for county commissioners.  Josh and Leslie are reform minded and independent Democrats who will fight for progressive values.  They understand that our party is succeeding in Montgomery County because of our commitment to policy and principle.

Josh and Leslie are good Democrats who will seek the endorsement of our party in February, as they should.  They also have promised to stand on their own.  They are unbossed and unbought and have the courage to resist any attempt to tell them what to do.  They have given me their word on that, and in turn I am very pleased to give them my full support to elect them as majority county commissioners.

I give my heartfelt thanks to all of my friends and supporters for giving me the opportunity to work for the people of Montgomery County.