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West Virginia Delegate Mike Ferro won't seek re-election to the Legislature in 2018, but instead will run for a Marshall County commission seat.
Ferro, a Democrat, said after much consideration he believes he can serve the Marshall County residents he represents better as a commissioner. He said he made the decision not to run for re-election over the winter before the 2017 legislative session began, but further deliberated on what his next political move would be.
A retired teacher with Marshall County Schools, Ferro was first elected to the House in 2008 and next year he will serve out his 10th year in office.
"I want to be closer to home," Ferro said. "I've spent nearly 10 years down there (in Charleston). As county commissioner, I can focus on the residents of Marshall County more easily. I'm at a point in my life that I think have done all I can do in Charleston, and that I can better serve the people of Marshall County from here."
Ferro would be seeking the seat presently occupied by Commissioner Bob Miller, a Republican, who is up for re-election in 2018. Ferro, if elected, would join fellow Democrats Scott Varner and John Gruzinskas on the board.
Budgetary and political battles have dominated the Legislature in recent months, and Ferro said the atmosphere "has been frustrating."
"In terms of tenure, I have enjoyed it here," he said. "I look forward to this session, and I'm going to work for the people while I'm there. I'm going to continue to work as hard as I have during the past 10 years."
Ferro said he "will miss the people, but not the commute" to Charleston.
"The relationships I've made will be beneficial to the people of Marshall County," he said. "I will miss the staff, and I will miss the excitement. But it is time to come home. I appreciate the people of Marshall County and the trust they have placed in me. I hope that will continue in my quest to be county commissioner."