Depoister to Run for Re-Election to County Board, but as Independent

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Published on December 1 2015 11:20 am
Last Updated on December 1 2015 11:20 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham businessman Mike Depoister has announced he is a candidate for re-election to the Effingham County Board in District E, but is running as an independent. John Perry has filed as the Republican candidate from District E.

In a statement released Monday, Depoister said he is renouncing his membership in and affiliation with the Effingham County Republican Central Committee, effective immediately. He said, "I recently learned that certain members of the Committee are supporting my opponent in the primary election. Not only is this tactic unprecedented, it is also inappropriate for a number of reasons. As a result, I will seek re-election to the Effingham County Board as an independent candidate."

Here's the remainder of Depoister's statement:

"As a lifelong resident of Effingham County and someone who believes that conservative values and practices are far more important that party affiliation, I will continue to approach my job honestly and transparently. I have never been interested in currying favor with so-called 'political leaders' for personal or financial gain. I am very proud of my work performed on the Board and I intend to continue to work hard for my Effingham County neighbors the only way I know how, openly and honestly. I will continue to 'say what I mean and mean what I say'. In the long run, I do not believe that blind devotion to a particular party or 'political correctness' serve the public good.

I would like to personally thank all of the Republicans, Democrats and 'independent thinkers' who have gone out of their way to thank me for my past efforts and have now pledged their support in my re-election campaign. I look forward to continuing my service of the citizens of Effingham County as an Independent candidate. Likewise, I will not apologize to the few Republican Committee Members who appear to be motivated by their own self-interest rather than serving the public at large."