By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

Commissioner Precinct One David Dubose announced in court, in March 2015, he will not seek reelection when his term expires to the shock of Commissioners Court.

“I was very shocked when he said he was not running again,” Commissioner Precinct Three John Banken said after the meeting that day.

Banken was unaware Dubose was going to make the announcement.

“I am not seeking reelection for personal reasons,” Dubose said during the announcement.

County Judge Stephen Brint Carlton also said he was surprised to hear the news, according to a previous article in The Orange Leader regarding the announcement.

Dubose released a press announcement on Wednesday concerning his reasons for not seeking re-election.

“I have been asked many times why I wanted to be elected County Commissioner,” DuBose said in the statement. “ The answer is simple: Harriet and I along with our two sons Bill and Rusty, two cats and a big boxer dog named Rocky moved here 29 years ago. We purchased Sholars Drug Store and the people of the City of Orange and Orange County opened up their arms to welcome us. We had found a new home. Orange has been good to me and my family over the years. With the sale of Sholars Drug Store in May of 2006, it was time for me to give something back to the community.”

Dubose reiterated on Tuesday, his reasons for not run again were personal and had nothing to do with conflicts within the court.

“When we leave court, we leave it in the court,” Dubose said. “It has nothing to do with not getting along with others on the court.”

Orange County Commissioner Court presented Commissioner David Dubose with a plaque to commemorate his eight years of service.

Dubose has been asked by many why he did not want to run for re-election.

“The answer is simple again,” Dubose said in his statement. “It is time to spend more time with my Loving Wife of 33 years. Harriet has been by my side through good times and bad times. It is time for Harriet and I to spend more time with each other and our family.”

Dubose appreciates the opportunity to serve Orange County and Precinct One as Commissioner for the last eight years.

Commissioner Johnny Trahan (Precinct One), John Gothia (Precinct Three) Tax Assessor-Collector Karen Fisher, Constable Pct. 3 Mark Philpott, Constable Pct. 4 Lane Mooney, and newly appointed Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 Hershel Stagner Jr. will be sworn in at 2 p.m., Jan. 1, in the 128^th District Courtroom located on the second floor of the County Courthouse, 801 Division in Orange.