Don Black, 74, Allegan County Commissioner for the past 19 years, has announced he will not seek re-election next year.
Black, former Wayland Township Supervisor, has served in the County Board of Commissioners since 1998, most recently representing Wayland Township and Martin Township, along with Gun Plain Township, the City of Plainwell and the Village of Martin.
During his tenure the size of the County has decreased from 13, to 11 to seven members, but has managed to win re-election nine times. In his most recent election, he won the old-fashioned way by knocking on doors in Plainwell and Gun Plain. He also has had a remarkable record of being on hand for township board and village council and city council meetings to stay in touch with constituents.
Black and his wife, Clair, live in Wayland Township. They have three sons, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
