DECATUR - Former Macon County Board Chairman Bob Sampson, a Democrat, resigned from the board effective at 11:59 p.m. Monday.

Sampson's letter of resignation was given to Jay Dunn, D-Decatur, who was elected Monday evening as board chairman as the board met so new or re-elected members could take their oaths of office and to formally reorganize in the wake of the Nov. 4 general election.

In his letter, Sampson said, "Having served the people of District 1 and Macon County for eight years, I am humbled by the confidence and trust placed in me during that time by my fellow citizens. I'm also excited about the opportunities that lie ahead to continue Macon County moving in the right direction under your able leadership.

"However, I find that my own abilities to contribute to public service on the Macon County Board greatly diminished by competing demands on my time. I'm confident that my replacement will effectively serve both the people of District 1 and the entire county with creativity, energy and leadership during the remainder of the term."

Two years remain in the four-year term that Sampson won in 2006.

By law, Dunn must send a letter to the Democratic and Republican county chairmen notifying them of the vacancy, said County Clerk Steve Bean. Dunn then will receive suggestions for Sampson's replacement, which must be a Democrat, before making a recommendation to the full board which must ratify his choice, he said.

Dunn indicated he would like to have a recommendation ready for the Dec. 11 board meeting but may not be able to get the process completed by that date. The board has 60 days to fill the vacancy.

Contacted Tuesday in Urbana where he is a writer for the University of Illinois Extension, Sampson said his resignation does not mean he will be moving out of Decatur, a community he loves, despite his wife, Christine Sipula, living and working in Bloomington. They were married in May.

"I didn't leave the board because I was mad at anybody or disappointed," Sampson said. "In late October, I realized I was worn out. I certainly could not go for another term as chairman. I could stay on the board two more years but what could I contribute? There is a need to get someone to represent District 1 who has more energy and drive. That person can make a difference. Then in 2010, if they want to, they can run for the seat."

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