TRUCKEE, Calif. – Nevada County District 5 Supervisor Ted Owens will not run for re-election in 2012, he announced Tuesday.

“Today I am announcing that I will not seek a third term on the Nevada County Board of Supervisors,” said Owens during a public appearance at Dragonfly Restaurant in downtown Truckee. “It is time for me to pursue an opportunity that I feel is important to this community with the Tahoe Forest Health Care System.”

Owens declined to specify the position with Tahoe Forest, but thanked his constituents for supporting him as a supervisor. He said he is committed to serving out the rest of his term.

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“My dedication will not let up as I have 13 months to go, projects to complete, issues to solve and people to help,” Owens said.

Following Owens’ announcement, Truckee Mayor Richard Anderson stepped up to announce his intentions to run, a decision aided by the many people who have suggested over the past few weeks he run for the seat if Owens declined.

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“… After much thought and discussion, I am announcing my candidacy for Nevada County’s District 5 Supervisor,” said Anderson, adding that, if elected, he would be loyal to the region and town in the position. “I will continue to follow ‘The Truckee Way,'”

In a follow-up interview, Owens gave an early endorsement for Anderson.

“I will support Richard. I think he has been a good council member and a good mayor and his heart is in the right place, and that’s what really counts for us up here as a steward, if you will, on the board of supervisors,” said Owens. “I think he’ll do an outstanding job.”

A follow-up announcement including details to his new position with Tahoe Forest is coming, Owens said. He did say the position will require a substantial amount of his time and energy, requiring him to decline a potential third term.

“I have an opportunity ahead of me that will be demanding with the health care system, and they’ve agreed to work with me in a manner that won’t interfere with my supervisorial duties over this next year,” said Owens.

Elected in 2004 and re-elected in 2008, Owens – a former Truckee town council member and mayor – has served on the board of supervisors as chair in 2005 and 2008 and is currently vice chair. He also serves on the Nevada County Budget Subcommittee, the Local Agency Formation Commission, the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District Board, the Land Use Efficiency Committee and currently on the Governing Board of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy.

Anderson was elected to Truckee’s Town Council in 2004, and re-elected in 2006 and 2010. He has served as mayor twice.

As a council member, Anderson serves on the town’s Stormwater Advisory Committee, is a representative to the Nevada County Local Agency Formation Commission and is one of two town representatives to the Truckee River Basin Water Group.