By

Fred Swift

Hamilton County Reporter

Paul Ayers, two-term County Council member, announced Thursday that he will not seek a third term on the council. The Carmel Republican, representing parts of Clay Township and all of Washington and Adams townships, was first elected in 2010.

The position is up for election next spring, and is now an open seat. There will likely be no shortage of candidates seeking to succeed Ayers.

Ayers cited business obligations and the desire to devote more time to his large family and other pursuits that he enjoys as reasons for his decision to retire from the council.

The seven-member council is the fiscal body of the county. Four of the seats are up for election in 2018. Although all members are Republicans, there has been some division in recent years. Ayers has generally been among the more conservative members when issues have divided the membership.

In a letter to friends and family, Ayers said, “Being on the council has been a labor of love. We are so blessed in Hamilton County, and I thank all council members, elected officials, the great employees and family and friends who have been so helpful and hardworking.”

He said he plans to continue to do volunteer work and “help the Republican Party and other candidates as time allows.”