Kay County Commissioner- Elect, Joe M. Allbaugh, stated in a press release that he would not be able to take office and fulfill his term as Kay County Commissioner due to health issues.

The following is the statement released by Allbaugh: “With deep regret, I am hereby notifying the constituents of Kay County Commission District 3 that I will not be able to take office and fulfill my term as Commissioner due to health issues.

“On June 17, during wheat harvest, I missed a grab handle on a semi tractor-trailer, falling several feet to the ground and injuring my head, neck, and shoulders. At the time I didn’t realize the seriousness of the accident. In late August, I began experiencing significant issues resulting in complications from the fall. I then began a series of tests and treatments. My doctors now inform me that additional treatments and potential surgeries lie ahead.

“Those of you who know me understand that my personal ethics will not allow me to give anything less than 100%, as duty to my office requires, and as my personal ethics dictate. Being elected from a broad field of qualified candidates has been one of the greatest honors of my life and I am profoundly grateful for the trust placed in me. It is because of that trust that I must now withdraw and allow the office to be filled by someone without health impediments to do it justice.

“During the campaign, I emphasized that I was willing to make hard decisions – and the decision to forego the opportunity to serve my fellow citizens of Kay County is one of the most difficult I have made. And it is not in my constitution to be satisfied with giving less than my full measure, and the taxpayers of Kay County deserve no less. Therefore, I have notified the appropriate county officials of my inability to serve and they will soon advise the steps necessary to fill the position of District 3 Kay County Commissioner.

“I wish the citizens of Kay County all the best in the future.” The next step in the proceedings for filling Kay County Commission District 3 will be a meeting with the governor, after which the Kay County District Attorney will make a resolution. It is currently unknown when that resolution will be, but it is likely to be within the beginning months of 2023.