This December, the Moore County Commissioners will have four new members. Current members Catherine Graham, Otis Ritter, and Jerry Daeke have already announced that they will not seek reelection.
In an unexpected announcement at Tuesday’s board of commissioners meeting, Graham said she had something “very difficult to read” from Commissioner Louis Gregory who was absent from the meeting.
Graham read a letter that Gregory emailed her Monday evening announcing his medical retirement.
“For 60 years now, I have done my best to protect and serve the public, often at the sacrifice of my family and myself,” wrote Gregory, who represents District 2. “I find my health is such I should listen to my doctors and rest to get well. I tried to avoid doing as my doctor suggested, but now I know they are right.
“I believe one who is elected to be a commissioner should be at a 100 percent. I am unable to do that at the present, and I have been told treatment and rest will take several months.
“I do not think it is right for me to be absent for that length of time. Therefore, I am advising I will be medically retiring, effective March 1. This should give my party time to select a qualified individual to fill my seat.”
After reading the email, Graham said those were “honorable words from a very, very honorable gentleman who has been a wonderful public servant for 60 years.”
Board Chairman Frank Quis said he respects Gregory’s decision.
Gregory, a Republican, was elected to the board in 2016 and has served as vice-chair since 2020. His term expires in 2024.
The Moore County Republican Party has 30 days to present a candidate to the board. The nominee has to be the same party affiliation as Gregory and also reside in District 2. The commissioners will then appoint Gregory’s replacement.
The next scheduled board meeting is Feb. 15 at 4:30 p.m.
Editor’s note: Commissioner Gregory has informed Sandhills Sentinel that he has changed his retirement date to Feb. 16.
Photo of Louis Gregory via Moore County.
~Article by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Chris Prentice. Contact him at [email protected].
