GREENVILLE — Commissioner Larry Holmes recently announced that he does not plan to run for re-election to the Darke County Board of Commissioners for when the term commences in 2025.

“After careful consideration and thoughtful reflection, I have decided not to seek re-election for the Darke County Board of Commissioners in the upcoming 2024 election,” said Holmes. “Serving in this capacity has been an immense privilege and honor, and I am grateful for the trust and support I have received from the community during my tenure.”

“When I first made the decision to run for commissioner, I did so with specific goals and vision for Darke County. Over the past three years, many of these goals have become a reality, including stabilizing our county’s finances, partnering on a land use plan for future development, and working with community and business leaders to find tangible solutions to the workforce crisis. Last week’s announcement with Lt. Governor Husted to bring county-wide broadband access to many of our most rural communities is a culmination of countless hours and collaboration. These improvements will impact and benefit all of us here in Darke County as we position ourselves to grow and attract new families and businesses to our corner of the world, and I am proud to have been a part of this.

As a businessman with a career spent in the private sector, it was always my hope to bring my financial skills and strategic planning to the county that I call home. After doing just that, I am now blessed with the opportunity to serve in other capacities—as a grandfather, on volunteer boards, and as a professional mentor. While a large part of me will miss the daily challenges of public service, this decision was made easier after meeting a young professional with a similar vision for the future and a passion for economic development that first brought me into public office. Aaron Flatter, a native Darke Countian from New Madison, brings a positive and refreshing energy that is greatly needed. It is encouraging to see the next generation of leaders step up with new ideas, thoughts, and perspectives for our county. In the past few years, I have come to greatly appreciate and admire Aaron’s dedication to finding new ways to grow and attract more young people, families, and opportunities to Darke County. I think Aaron will be a great asset to our county, and I fully support him as he runs for this position with an economic and business-first platform that is critical for our future.

I am enthusiastic about many of the exciting changes our county has seen in the last three years, and I look forward to continuing this momentum over the remaining fourteen months of my term.”

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