Commissioner Largent announces resignation

COLFAX — Whitman County Commissioner Michael Largent announced his resignation from the Board of County Commissioners during the regular board meeting Monday, Nov. 4.

After 18 years serving on the board, Largent said it is with a heavy heart and mixed emotions that he is resigning effective at 5 p.m. on Jan. 21, 2025.

“The reason I’m giving little over two and a half months is I think we need to leave adequate time for people to consider whether or not they would like to put their name forward,” Largent said to those in attendance.

Largent was first elected in 2006 and went into office in 2007.

Largent said it is due to personal reasons, including changes in his family and reaching an age where he asked himself if this is something he wants to continue to do.

“We have a very good board right now, I think the time is right,” said Largent, adding that it will give him the chance to work on some personal things.

“I want to ride my motorcycle into the mountains, and you can’t do it all,” he said.

Largent explained that the process will go forward officially in January and those interested in taking on his position can go to the Whitman County Republican Central Committee who will select three candidates to be presented to commissioners to vote on.

“I won’t be on the board at that time, so it will be Art (Swannack) and Tom (Handy) who vote on that,” Largent said. “In the event they can’t agree, which I very highly doubt, the governor would decide.”

Since Largent ran as a Republican, though the position is partisan, the person taking over his role will have to be a Republican candidate, he explained.

“Being a County Commissioner in Whitman County is an every man job,” Largent said. “Our job is to represent people just like us. Whitman County is a great place to live and a great place to serve.”

During his time, Largent said he is proud of the time he served as President of WASEC and the other elected officials that he had the opportunity to work closely with, as well as the department heads and staff down the line.

“We are all separate oars rowing the same boat,” he said. “I appreciate the others elected for having that attitude and cooperation.”