IN BRIEF: Post I Commissioner Oz Nesbitt announced this evening after the Board of Commissioners work session that he would run for reelection in 2012.

"We’ve processed our decision about seeking reelection," Nesbitt said. "The decision is yes we can, and yes we will again. I am seeking reelection in Rockdale County. I will be on the ballot. I’m excited about it."

After the meeting, he gathered with his wife and supporters outside the J.P. Carr Center, after the BOC meeting. "I want to start off by thanking the people of Rockdale County. I want to thank the citizens who supported Commissioner Nesbitt, the community. It’s been an exciting time. We’ve been on the front line in many different ways. One of the things I’ve learned about serving in public office, you’ve got to have thick skin. I also want to thank all those folks who supported me, my wife, my family in the last 90 days.

"I think we’ve got some 1100 Facebook responses alone from people in the community who encouraged Commissioner Nesbitt to seek reelection. I’ve talked it over with my wife and my supporters, and many of my constituents. I’ve excited. Oz Nesbitt will be on the ballot. I’m running to represent the people who live in Rockdale County. To continue to think about progressively moving this county forward. There’s a lot of work ahead of us. We gotta get the job done. Thank you for all your support. Good night, and I’ll see you in the days ahead."

He declined to answer questions after his announcement.

 During the board comments section of the BOC meeting, Nesbitt also said, "When you subject yourself, whether you're a government official or major player in government, you have to have thick skin because you're going to be fileted."

A case against Nesbitt was recently dismissed by Henry County Solicitor General Charles Spahos, who was appointed by the state Office of the Attorney General to prosecute the case after Rockdale County District Attorney Richard Read recused himself to avoid a possible conflict of interest. Nesbitt had faced misdemeanor charges of battery and simple assault after a May 9 arguement with his wife where he reportedly punched the windshield of her car.

Nesbitt would face off for the Democratic ticket against two candidates who earlier announced their intentions: businessowner Jerry Shepperd, a member of the Keep Conyers Rockdale Beautiful board, and businessowner Winston McDonald announced last year that he would be running for the Republican ticket for the at large Post I seat.

Nesbitt is serving his first term as Post I Commissioner and was elected in 2008.