Macleod announces his resignation

Thurston County commissioner reveals he has early-stage Alzheimer’s disease

BY CHRISTIAN HILL | THE OLYMPIAN • Published November 11, 2008

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Thurston County Commissioner Bob Macleod announced Monday he has been diagnosed with very early stage Alzheimer's disease and will resign his seat Dec. 31.

The timing of his announcement, nearly a week after the election, presents some unique challenges for local Democratic Party leaders and elected officials in appointing his successor.

Macleod, 81, announced his resignation by reading a letter to Thurston County residents Monday morning at the end of the commissioners' regular meeting, which is televised. He noted his diagnosis for an unspecified medical condition in the letter, but later confirmed in an interview it is Alzheimer's disease.

'Disappointment'

"It's a source of disappointment for me," said Macleod, a Democrat who was first elected in 2002, about having to leave office. "I really enjoy my work."

More than 5 million Americans have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, a progressive and fatal brain disease that causes memory problems and is the most common form of dementia. There is no cure.

Macleod said he was diagnosed sometime after June, and made the decision to resign earlier this month. Asked if he was capable of finishing the remaining two years of his term, Macleod said he had "no idea" and that stepping down at this time was a prudent decision.

Macleod said he has committed to staying on the board until the 2009 budget is adopted. The county faces a projected $4.3 million budget shortfall next year. Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the budget Dec. 15.

"I knew I wasn't going to step down until the budget was put to bed," he said.

The Thurston County Democratic Party will forward a list of three potential candidates listed in priority order for appointment by the remaining two commissioners. Gov. Chris Gregoire would step in and make the appointment if the commissioners cannot agree on a replacement within five days of the vacancy.

The precinct committee officers elected during the August primary will take office Dec. 1. They then have a month to finalize a slate of candidates. It's up to the party to determine if all the officers in the county or only those within the district now represented by Macleod will make those decisions.