CLEMSON — Citing an increasing workload and a desire to focus on hot button issues such a climate change and energy, County Councilman Dr. Jim London announced last week that he will not seek re-election to the District 1 council seat he’s held for the past 10 years.

London spoke of his decision during the county convention of the Pickens County Democratic Party Saturday.

“As this election approached, I debated whether to run or not,” London said.

As he considered whether to run for re-election this year, London said he was concerned about finding a candidate to run for his seat, should he decide not to run.

“The first person that came to mind was Jeff Martin,” London said.

Martin is the executive director of the Madren Conference Center and Martin Inn at Clemson University.

London said he believes Martin will not only serve the Clemson area well, but has the experience necessary to serve the entire county as well.

“He understands county politics, and that’s important,” London said, adding he feels

Martin can “take a big picture view of the county, to get beyond the ‘us against them’ politics that too often dominates local politics.”

Though this is the first time Martin has sought public office, he currently serves on the board of directors for Tour Pickens County and has served on the county’s accommodations tax committee.

Martin calls his campaign “a tremendous opportunity.”

“I’m very excited on how I can serve you,” he said. “I’m delighted to be your candidate.”

London has agreed to serve as Martin’s campaign co-chair, along with Clemson Mayor Larry Abernathy.

Martin called his co-chairs “two wonderful mentors and two wonderful people to keep me straight.”