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Charlotte County Board of Supervisors (BOS) member Kay Pierantoni announced Thursday, March 4, she would not seek reelection to her seat.

Pierantoni, who was first elected to the BOS in 2017, represents the Wylliesburg/Red Oak district.

“When I decided to run for BOS, I knew if I was elected, I would only serve for one term,” Pierantoni said. “The reason I decided on one term only is my age. I will be 70 at the end of this four-year term. I think it’s important for the younger generation to be involved in government.”

Following Pierantoni’s announcement on her Facebook page, she endorsed Hazel Bowman Smith, who has filed to run for the BOS seat.

Pierantoni said she believes there should be a two-term limit to those serving on the BOS.

“I mean no disrespect to anyone, but I think, at the federal, state and local level, term limits would solve some of the problems of governance as we know it.”

Pierantoni said during her time on the BOS, she was committed to the citizens and worked to bring about transparency, accountability, and to be a voice for people.

“Transparency involved digging for the truth on the issues before us, so I could hopefully persuade others, and the best outcome for citizens could be realized,” she said. “That meant time gathering the facts and making those facts known to the public. I’ve done my best to bring about accountability but realize I need citizens’ involvement in holding others truly accountable.   

“I have had the courage to speak up for what I feel is best for our county. The most important duty of a supervisor is fiscal responsibility for tax dollars. I haven’t always made people happy but have always tried to make fiscally responsible decisions.”

With nine months left in her term, Pierantoni said she would continue to work hard for the citizens.

“I will work just as hard these days as I did in the beginning,” she said. “That’s all I can do.”

Supervisors Donna Fore, who represents the Phenix/Aspen district, and Robert “Butch” Shook, who represents the Keysville District, are also up for reelection in November.

On Tuesday, March 9, Fore said in an email that she had decided to seek reelection.

Fore said greater transparency and more accountability from the county government were some of her most significant accomplishments during her first term.

On Wednesday, March 3, Walt Bailey, Phenix fire chief and president of the Charlotte County Firefighters Association, announced on his Facebook page that he too would be seeking the Phenix/Aspen seat of the BOS.

According to Interim General Registrar Eric Goode, Bailey has filed to run for office. As of press time, Fore has not filed her paperwork.

Also, as of press time, there was no word if Shook will seek reelection to the BOS.

The filing deadline is Tuesday, June 8.