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After 20 years of serving on the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors (BOS), Garland “Butch” Hamlett Jr. will not seek reelection for the Drakes Branch District.

Hamlett announced his decision at the February BOS meeting.

In an interview on Monday, Feb. 27, Hamlett said it was time to pass the torch.

“I figured it was time for someone else to step up t the plate,” he said. “I’ve spent most of my life dedicated to serving on a local, state and national level.”

Hamlett, who has served as both Vice Chairman and Chairman of the BOS over the years, said he is now looking to enjoy free time and possibly travel with his wife, but he is thankful for the citizens in his district that continued to believe in him over the years.

“It’s humbling to have been elected to five terms to serve,” Hamlett said. “I always try to do what’s right by the citizens and to be ethical … I never thought I should be self-serving.”

When it came to being well prepared to handle the county’s business as supervisor, Hamlett spent a year and a half attending a Master’s Level course to earn his certificated supervisor title. “I think you have to be well prepared to be a board of supervisors member,” he added.

‘A long time to spend’

Twenty years is a long time to spend dedicated to local government and over the years, Hamlett has sat on a board that has been under fire at times but also a board that has worked for the betterment of its citizens.

Hamlett said that one of his best accomplishments as a supervisor was being a part of planning sessions for the county that enabled the members to set goals and visions for the county.

Last week, Drakes Branch Town Council member Noah Daivs announced he would seek Hamlett’s seat on the board. To date, no other candidate has come forward.

“The person who is elected should do the right thing and respect the people of this county.”