John Douglas, District 1 Newton County Commissioner, announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection in 2016. “Careful prayer, the approaching birth of our twin grandsons and the fact that I have given our nation, state and county more than 33 years of service now lead me to believe it is time to step aside and not be a candidate this year,” Douglas said. Douglas was elected to the Newton County Board of Commissioners (BOC) in 2012, and is proud to have voted against every tax increase, worked to limit development in east and south Newton County and fought to stop bigger government.