Gordon Flax was a great advocate who served Clark County and the agriculture community faithfully, said Clark County spokesman Michael Cooper.
“He always made decisions based on what he felt was best for all our citizens. He will be greatly missed. Commissioner Lohnes, Commissioner McGlothin and our staff send our condolences to Commissioner Flax Wilt and her family.”
Flax, who was a farmer for 40 years before entering public office, was first elected in 1988 and served two four-year terms before retiring at the end of 1996. He was also a former director of the Clark County Agricultural Society.
“I’ve always considered myself a people person,” Flax told the News-Sun as he approached his retirement. “I’ve felt like I try to work with the people, if you can at all. You know you’ve stepped on some toes, but you do what you think is best for the county.’”
Flax helped the commissioners see the county through a tough economic period in 1993, when the county used up its general fund and its reserves and was forced to slash budgets and cut the number of sheriff’s deputies. After voters rejected a 0.5 percent sales tax in November 1993, he shook off talk of retirement before his term ended.
“I’m not going to be considered a quitter when things are tough,” Flax said.
Services have not yet been scheduled.
Other stories by Matt Sanctis and Lynn Hulsey