After more than a decade in public service, Coweta County Commissioner Robert

Wood has decided to retire.

Wood, who did not face any opposition in last week's Democratic primary

for the position, has told residents and county officials that he wants to

focus more of his time on his business.

Wood has served on the Coweta County Commission for 12 years. Wood was elected

to the County Commission in 1992, along with Commission Chairman Vernon "Mutt" Hunter,

who is also retiring this year.

When Wood and Hunter joined the board, they promised a new era of fiscal

responsibility for county government. During their tenure, the county has

been able to lower the county's millage rate, but still increase the

level of services for the county's residents.

"I remember so well the first budget meeting I attended as a commissioner.

A budget with a deficit of about $1.8 million dollars was presented to us.

Mr. Vernon Hunter and I looked at each other and instantly said this budget

needs to be balanced and the rest is history. I remember during the campaign

of 2000, we were attacked for not spending our surplus (savings). The savings

made a big difference in our tax digest last year. That savings is helping

us to better serve this county every day," Wood said last April.

Wood has a large family, even though, he is an only child. He is the father

of nine children and the grandfather of 26, soon to be 28. His wife, Deloris,

is his partner in the real estate business.

He holds a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University in accounting.

He is a licensed real estate broker in Georgia. Wood is currently serving

as president-elect of the Newnan Coweta Board of Realtors.