Bob Ott announced at the Cobb County Commission meeting this morning that he will not seek re-election, deciding instead to retire at the end of his term.
Ott’s name has been floated for a few other positions including a possible run for County Commission Chairman or even the Mayor of a future City of East Cobb. He’s instead opting to step away from politics, at least for now.
The public persona of Commissioner Ott is that he’s been the “true conservative” of the Cobb Commission for most of his tenure. It’s worth noting that his service indicated a vote “for” the Braves stadium of revolving name. He also has been Cobb’s designee on study committees for transit as a deal was negotiated to help bring Cobb under The ATL transit umbrella.
I don’t point these things out to discredit his conservative credentials. They are solid.
I say this because in a day and age when politicians and public figures find it easier to gain applause by playing to their base and fighting anything that can gain broad consensus, there’s still a role for those with deep rooted ideology to work pragmatically with those they disagree.
Potholes don’t get filled by partisan paving crews, and 911 services don’t screen for ideology.
Bob’s ideology remains sound and in tact. Cobb remains a better place to live because of his service.