SAFFORD — Danny Smith said he’s ready for a new challenge.
During Monday’s meeting, Smith said he was leaving his position as supervisor for the third district effective May 26.
“It’s been great,” Smith said. “I hate to leave, but I didn’t think I’d do it for this long or do it forever. You don’t get to just keep this job; the voters get to decide every four years anyway.”
Smith was first elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2012. He previously served as a member of the Safford City Council from 2001 to 2012.
Smith said he has taken a position with Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center, concentrating on marketing and community relations, and he said he will be working with the Graham County Economic Development Organization.
He remains active in the community, holding a seat on the board of the United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties, serving as the vice chair for the Gila Watershed Partnership board, and is president of the Safford Downtown Association board.
The remaining two supervisors will now be asked to appoint someone to serve the remainder of Smith’s term, which ends Dec. 31, 2024. Applicants must live in Graham County’s 3rd Supervisory District — which includes parts of Safford and the unincorporated areas to the east and south of the city — be a registered voter and be a registered Republican.
Smith stepping down is the third time this year a Graham County elected official announced retirement before a term has been completed. In January, Mary Bingham resigned her position as Graham County Treasurer; and in March, Wendy John stepped down as Graham County Recorder.
