Britt tosses name into hat for presiding commissioner

Current Eastern District Commissioner Jim Britt has signed up to run for presiding commissioner, a move that came when current Presiding Commissioner Terry Newton made the decision to let his term expire at the end of 2026.

Newton announced his decision early Monday morning.

“It is with deep sadness that I am announcing that I will not be seeking re-election,” he wrote in a letter given to the Times. “I am currently having some health issues that could prevent me from doing the job as efficiently and effectively as possible.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed serving in this position for the past 3+ years…I feel that we’ve made some positive changes and completed some good work over that time.”

Newton went on to express his appreciation for the residents of Ozark County and the workers in the courthouse. “I appreciate each and every one of them for their commitment to Ozark County.”

Britt said he decided to run after Newton made the decision not to seek re-election because of his “desire and the need to please the people of the county.”

Britt said he’d been considering running as Newton took the time to make his decision. “Terry and I’ve been talking for a while. We knew this was [possible] and I’ve been kind of waiting, hoping that he would still decide and be able to do it,” said Britt.

However, on Thursday of last week, Newton made his final decision, citing his health issues and not wishing to commit his wife to several years of continuing to drive him places for the job. Newton said made the decision a couple of months ago to stop driving until his health issues were under control. Britt said when Newton made the decision not to seek re-election, he went home and discussed the possibility of running for presiding commissioner with his wife, Tina. Together they made the decision that he would file for the position.

Britt is the second person to register to run for presiding commissioner. Former Presiding Commissioner John Turner announced his candidacy and registered as a candidate on the opening day of filing, Feb. 24. Filing for all county offices is open until March. 31