By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – After 23 years of service on the Shelby County Commission, Alabaster resident Daniel Acker Sr. will not seek re-election in 2016, he announced on Oct. 5.

Acker announced his decision in a letter to the Shelby County Reporter, in which he thanked the community, his supporters and the county’s leadership.

“I am a man who has been blessed. For 23 years, I have been a part of a team that has led Shelby County from the brink of bankruptcy to being number one in the State of Alabama in most areas,” he wrote. “Shelby is the envy throughout Alabama and many other states. This did not happen by accident but by careful planning with talented leadership in the right places at the right time.”

Acker originally was elected to serve District 4 on the Commission in 1992, and has remained in the seat since then. Acker suffered a stroke three years ago, and cited health issues with his decision to not seek re-election for another term.

“Three years ago, a light stroke took one of God’s most precious gifts from me – a portion of my eyesight,” Acker wrote. “Since that time, I have given up my driving privileges. As with most things they are not appreciated until they are gone.

“Since that time, my term as county commissioner representing parts of Alabaster and Pelham has been uninterrupted, and I will continue to serve until my term ends November 2016,” Acker wrote. “However, in looking at the 2016-2020 election, my health might not hold up. My parents, Mother Nature and Father Time, are suggesting for me to sit back and relax.”

Acker thanked the county’s 600 employees, including County Manager Alex Dudchock, Financial Manager Butch Burbage and Highway Director Randy Cole for their work over the years.

“Without them, our county would not be the well-oiled machine it has become,” he wrote. “As a commissioner, it has been an honor to be only a small part of this team.”

Acker, who has lived in Shelby County with his wife, Judy, for 56 years, comes from a long line of public servants. His grandfather and uncle were county sheriffs, his aunt was a tax collector, his cousin was mayor of Columbiana and his brother currently is a commissioner in Fayette County.

“Serving the community through elected office is a tradition in our family, and I felt the call. I have been privileged to serve as commissioner in District 4 because I love, respect and highly regard each individual for their worth,” Acker wrote. “I sincerely hope each one knows they can trust me to do the right thing for them. I pray God’s blessings on the new selection for this office. My support for the County and its officers will be unwavering.”

Qualifying currently is open for all Alabama political candidates, including some seats on the Shelby County Commission. The qualifying deadline is Nov. 6, and the Republican primary election will be on March 1, 2016.