EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioner Greg Hansen announced he is not running for a second term.

It’s because he promised his family he wouldn’t seek another term in November, Hansen told the Columbia Basin Herald.

He cited a problem with his deteriorating hearing, causing difficulty during commission meetings.

He wanted to announce the news early in case others were considering running for the office.

“I would like to have people that are interested in the PUD, the policies of the PUD, to think about running for that position,” Hansen commented. “I just think it’s time for me to step down and let someone who has an interest in the PUD to serve on the board.”

Hansen decided to serve to keep electric rates low for residential and farming customers, he explained.

“I hope I’ve made more information more public,” he said.

Although his time in service was “controversial at times and caused some contention on the board, I did what I felt I had to do,” Hansen says.

Seed company owner Dale Walker recently announced he is running for Hansen’s District 2 seat.

The filing period for local offices is June 7-11, according to the Grant County Elections Office.

For more election information, call 509-754-2011.