The Vinton district's longtime representative on the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors, Mike Altizer , said Saturday he will not seek re-election in November.

Instead, Altizer said he is backing Jason Peters' bid for the office.

Peters, a banker, has served as the district's representative on the Planning Commission since 2010. He lost a bid for a seat on the county school board in 2009.

"I absolutely endorse him," Altizer said, noting that Peters filed his papers as a candidate for the Republican Party's nomination by the Thursday deadline.

No other candidate is seeking the party's nomination, Altizer said.

Altizer, the board's current chairman, said he's particularly proud of his efforts to help the county government deal with tight finances without significant cuts in service to the public.

He said he thinks the regional economic summit the county board convened last week, with the promises from officials from seven localities to work together to address economic development challenges, will have historic importance.

But after 11 years on the board, he said he wants to spend more time with his family.

Peters said he wanted to focus on improving fire and rescue service and promote regional cooperation, especially on economic development, "I want jobs here," he said. "I want to be sure there's a future for my kids and my grandkids."

County Republicans will select nominees for the three supervisor seats up for election this year at party canvasses scheduled at three separate locations on May 11. Candidates and voters will have to show they are registered to vote in the district, and say they support GOP principles and will vote for the GOP nominee. Candidates must pay a $400 filing fee, as well.

Weather Journal

7 hours ago