While some other local elected officials are staying mum about their future, County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey (District 1, west side and inner SE) has just announced that she won’t be running for reelection in 2008.

Outta here.

From her official statement:

Even though I have nearly one and one-half years remaining in my term of office, I am making this announcement to enable the many qualified candidates in District 1 the time to organize and mount a strong campaign.

At the end of my term, I intend to explore other interests. My grandchildren will all too soon be adults fully launched in their independent lives and I don’t want to miss any of their remaining adolescent lives. My latent art interests are calling. There is a horse out there waiting for me to restart my riding lessons. There is some volunteer work I am considering. I’ve also been offered opportunities in the private sector that I may pursue.

She also had some harsh words about the county’s ongoing budget problems:

Much to my consternation, Multnomah County continues to experience severe cuts in programs that affect vulnerable and disenfranchised people. Valuable services that keep juveniles from offending have been cut. More and more elders are committing suicide because they can no longer afford food or medication. Prevention and intervention programs for those affected by drugs and alcohol are no longer funded. The citizens of our community deserve better and I will continue to exert my best efforts as your commissioner over the next year and a half to deliver the best we can provide.

Her colleague, Lisa Naito (District 3) is being term limited at the end of 2008, which means that, as of January 2009, the county board won’t have anyone left who was part of the historic decision to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004. Serena Cruz was term limited out last year, and board chair Diane Linn was booted by challenger Ted Wheeler.