I commend County Administrator R.B. Clark on his years of services and support his decision to withdraw himself from the selection process of the next county administrator.

Clark announced his plans at the Feb. 15 Charlotte County Board of Supervisors meeting.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the board, I’m going to make the announcement today of my planned retirement for June 30 at the end of the 2017-18 fiscal year,” said Clark.

He said he has worked for 37 years in public service as the Charlotte County Administrator.

“And believe it or not, a total of 44 years in public service if you count the seven years I was with the school division,” Clark said.

He said he will be 71 on Feb. 18.

“I’ll be doing all I can do to help out with the transition,” said Clark.

“Well Mr. Clark, I’m sure there will be lots of words said at a later date,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Gary Walker. “I’m speechless and that doesn’t happen very often.”

According to information on Charlotte County’s website, Clark currently serves on the Virginia’s Heartland Regional Partnership Board of Directors, is Treasurer of the Virginia Heartland Regional Authority Board, on the Bank of Charlotte County Board of Directors since 1983 and on the Virginia’s Growth Alliance Board of Directors.

While commending Clark’s service is certainly warranted, we must also look forward. From here, who is put in charge should have an eye for open government and perhaps a voice in the county for greater transparency.

Morgan White is a staff reporter with The Charlotte Gazette and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. His email address is Morgan.White@ TheCharlotteGazette. com.