Hall County Commissioner Steve Gailey has announced he will not seek re-election this year.

The District 3 commissioner is beginning his eighth year on the panel.

Gailey said he is looking to run for another county position in 2012, though he hasn’t made any decisions yet.

“Whatever I run for will be a countywide election,” Gailey said.

He is also looking forward to taking some time off. Gailey said he has been in politics continuously for 16 years between his time on the Clermont City Council and the Hall County Board of Commissioners.

“I’m going to take a little break,” Gailey said. “I’m going to take care of a lot of personal stuff and my business.”

Gailey said he wanted to get the word out that he would not be seeking re-election to give others interested in the seat time to prepare for a campaign.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” Gailey said.

In his remaining time on the commission, Gailey will still have much to do. Before he leaves office, he would like to see the North Hall Park and Community Center near completion and begin work on a correctional institution and Clermont Library.

“He’s a good team player,” Commissioner Billy Powell said. “I’m going to miss him as a commissioner.”

“I’m optimistic he’ll find something else he enjoys to do in public life, and I feel like he’ll be back around,” Chairman Tom Oliver said.