Duke University biologist Will Wilson (below right) has opened his campaign for a seat on the Board of County Commissioners in next year's elections.

He has the Committee to Elect Will Wilson registered at the county Board of Elections, and a campaign website at www.ww4cc.com.

Wilson applied to fill out the remaining term Commissioner Becky Heron when Heron after Heron retired in July. He subsequently withdrew, though, in favor of Wendy Jacobs, whom Heron had named as her choice for a successor.

Jacobs, though, lost to Pam Karriker in the commissioners' vote last week.

Commissioner elections are partisan, with primaries in the spring and a general election in November. Wilson, according to his website, is a member of the Durham County Democratic Executive Committee.
 

Durham County Board of Elections Director Mike Ashe announced today he will retire August 1. Ashe has served as director since October 2000.
 
“It’s time to move on," he said in a statement. “In Durham County every vote is honestly and accurately counted and reported.  We are all very proud of that."

"Serving Durham and Democracy has been a wonderful experience," he added, with the enthusiasm for the electoral process he's shown throughout his tenure.  "Voting is the Cornerstone of Democracy—Are you registered”?
 
The Durham County Board of Elections, which has the responsibility for hiring the Director, will begin an immediate search for Ashe’s replacement.

Individuals associated with Southern Durham Development Inc. donated $3,000 to the Brenda Howerton for County Commissioner committee last year, after her election was assured.