The resignation of Charles Jones will be a significant loss for the Douglas County Commission.

Although two well-qualified new commissioners took office in January, the body will lose important experience from Jones, who has been a commissioner for 10 years. Jones has been a thoughtful and intelligent voice on the commission and has taken a leadership role in some important areas, including the possible acquisition of the Farmland property on the east side of Lawrence and efforts to energize the Douglas County Historical Society. His work in those and other areas will be missed.

Nonetheless, Jones is the best judge of his ability to manage both the county commission job and his duties as director of the Kansas University Public Management Center. Douglas County, like all government units, is struggling with economic pressures, and it needs commissioners who are able to commit the time needed to deal with those issues. Jones apparently feels comfortable leaving those challenges in the hands of his two fellow commissioners and whomever the Douglas County Democratic Committee members in his district choose as his successor.

Jones said last week that he would have no involvement in choosing his replacement, but it’s a responsibility that the Democrats in his district should take very seriously. A number of people may be interested in the appointment, but Democratic leaders must be sure they have found a highly qualified, community-minded replacement to represent Jones’ district, which lies entirely within the Lawrence city limits. In fairness to the voters who elected Jones three times, it seems his replacement should be someone who shares many of his priorities and philosophies for the county.

Douglas County is fortunate to have had the service of Jones and other dedicated commission members. County Administrator Craig Weinaug also is a solid leader who will help ensure continuity in county government as new commissioners learn the ropes.

We thank Jones for his service to the county and wish him the best in his KU endeavors. County Democrats should take an active role in recruiting the best possible commissioner to fill his shoes.