Exclusive to the Southern Torch: 

By: Joseph M. Morgan

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala.—DeKalb County Board of Education District 5 representative Terry Wootten (R-Ider) contacted Southern Torch today to officially announce that after serving 18 years on the DeKalb County BOE,  he will not be seeking an additional term in 2016.

"I feel like 18 years is long enough," Wootten said. "I have really enjoyed my time on the board serving the people of DeKalb County and working to improve the lives of our kids and hopefully improve the quality of their educations. If I was able to reach only one child, to improve or change the life of one single child in DeKalb County it was worth every moment of hard work through good times and even bad."

DeKalb County Republican Chairman Mark Ford said that the DeKalb BOE and superintendent would miss the wisdom and insight Wooten has provided for more than 18 years.

"Terry Wootten has been a torchbearer for the Republican Party in DeKalb County and a champion for our education system for the last 18-20 years or more," Ford said. "It is unfortunate that the school board will be losing its longest standing, most knowledgeable member, but after 18 years of selfless service if anyone deserves a break it is Mr. Wootten. The DeKalb GOP party is blessed year in and year out to have the incredible support from the entire Wooten family. And while Mr. Wootten may be stepping down from public office, we are fortunate that he will continue in his role of leadership within the DeKalb County Republican Party and as one of our representatives to the Alabama Republican Party's State Executive Committee."

Wooten says he will continue to do all he can to help strengthen the GOP party at the local level and help good Republican candidates get elected. Wootten's announcement means that District 5 BOE candidate Brad Smith (R-Ider) will now run unopposed in the Republican Primary. No candidate has qualified to date as a Democrat for the BOE District 5 seat. We will be speaking more in-depth with Wootten in the days to come and will bring you more about his political experience and work in education and the key role he has played in DeKalb GOP politics.