CHAPMANVILLE -- A longtime Logan County commissioner has decided he won't run for reelection.

Art Kirkendoll, who is currently the longest-serving county commissioner in the state, says he will not run for reelection this year. Kirkendoll is in his fifth term.

He said a technicality in the state code is preventing him from running again.

"I've been a county commissioner since 1981 and I think we've accomplished a lot," Kirkendoll said. "Where I've been there 30 years, at this time with the new law, if I'd run for another consecutive term, I would have lost the bulk of my retirement. I have to think of my family this time. But, the law will allow me to return down the road, to continue if the public needs and wants me back."

Kirkendoll said he isn't happy about retiring early. He said he wanted to continue serving as county commissioner, but he doesn't want to put his family's financial security in jeopardy.

"I appear to be in perfect health, but if I would have continued to serve and messed up my retirement that I have earned, and I was working and then all of a sudden I get hurt and can't work, then my retirement would be cut to a third of what it would have been and that's not fair to my family," Kirkendoll said. "My wife told me she'd respect whatever way I chose to go, but, out of respect for her and my family, I didn't think I should put them in that position of uncertainty.

"The law is inappropriate. I should have been allowed to freeze my retirement and continue on. A guy with 20 years experience and who is only 58 years old is a value to the county," Kirkendoll continued. "The law would have allowed me to run again, but I'd have to forfeit nearly everything I've worked for. I hope the public understands my decision."

Kirkedoll said he will finish out this term that runs until 2011, but he said he will never stop working for the people of Logan County and southern West Virginia.

"I vow to continue fighting for our miners' jobs, to improve healthcare, our children's programs and our county's infrastructure forever," Kirkendoll said. "I will continue to do that. I think people know I'm a fighter for them and I intend to continue doing that."

Kirkendoll and the commission have brought water to nearly every home in Logan County, they helped bring the Hatfield-McCoy Trail in, they helped bring in the coal mine training program to Logan, they worked to get the Chief Logan Rec Center and top-notch athletics facilities all over the county, they worked to upgrade the Pickin' in the Park and they have supported programs that help the county's students and the public.

Kirkendoll said he's proud of the work he's done in Logan County, but it couldn't have been accomplished without the help of Willie Akers and Danny Godby, his fellow county commissioners.

"I have served with the best two commissioners that a man could ever serve with, and a superb staff and colleagues," Kirkendoll said. "They have enabled me to do things for our county that I think no one else was able to do."

Kirkendoll was elected to the county commission at 28 years old and was the youngest commissioner ever in Logan County. He is also the only five-term commissioner in Logan County history.

"And all the time I've been there, I've still been the youngest commissioner," Kirkendoll joked.

Kirkendoll said he will finish out his current term that runs until 2011.

"I'm aggressive and I believe in my abilities and I believe in my abilities to help people," Kirkendoll said. "I'd rather help people as to do anything and that's why I work long hours. For 30 years, I've given this county every ounce of effort I have had. I will promise the county that for the remainder of my term, I will be out there 12-14 hours a day fighting for their jobs, fighting for their kids, the same as if I was going to be there for the next 20 years. There will be no slacktime. That's not the way I do it."

(EDITOR'S NOTE: A follow-up story on Kirkendoll and his accomplishments since taking office in 1981 will run in The Logan Banner later this week.)