From Staff Reports

 Buncombe County’s top elected official, David Gantt, announced during a July 22 press conference, that he will not seek re-election.

Gantt, who is chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, told about 20 fellow officials, friends and others that, after about 20 years in government, we has decided to not seek re-election so that he can spend more time with his family and his business.

His announcement came amid rumors that he would not run — or might even step down immediately. 

“I’m not sick,. I’m not mad. There’s not any political issue here — any ethical issue, that I know about,” he said, with a touch of humor. “I just want to spend more time with my wife, Charise Gantt, of 36 years. I want to spend more time with my law practice and with my children.”

Gantt, who lives in Asheville, is 58 and will be 60 when his term ends in 2016.

He reviewed his accomplishments in office, which included helpting to push through the area’s first set of sweeping land-use regulations over deeply rooted opposition. He also thanked friends and other elected officials.

Among those on hand, three spoke, including Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, Commissioner Ellen Frost and Sheriff Van Duncan. They praised Gantt for his dedication and vision — and for the respect he showed even to those who strongly opposed him.