District Clerk Donna Huston submitted her resignation Tuesday with a letter she read during the public comment part of the Wood County commissioners’ meeting.

The resignation is effective Dec. 31, at the end of three years as clerk. Hutson was elected in 2018 and took office Jan. 1, 2019. She has a year remaining on her term and did not file for reelection. That filing period ended Monday, with a former deputy in that office, Suzy Wright, as the only person to file.

Hutson minced no words in describing the environment at the county courthouse that led to her decision.

As she left the podium, she said, “Oh happy day” and seemed outwardly relieved during a break in the meeting.

As she talked about “the absolute privilege and honor to serve the residents of Wood County,” she clearly became choked up before proceeding.

“I have no political aspirations. I only want to serve,” she read.

“Maybe I was naive when I took office, but I thought that because we all work for Wood County that we would all work together for the betterment of Wood County,” she read. “Sadly that is not the case, and I am not talking about every person in every office.”

She said that offices work against offices and people work against people.

“The hate and ugliness that dwells in this building is palpable,” she read. “The desire for someone to succeed for the simple reason that they are doing a good job does not exist.

“The dirty politics, lies, sabotage, deception and a win at all costs attitude that does exist have interfered with my ability to do my job and my desire to remain in an elected official capacity.”

She said that God has a plan for her life that will enable her to serve others and glorify Him, but not as district clerk.

She concluded by wishing the county well, as well as the clerk’s office, and hopes that someone with “integrity, good character and a servant’s heart will take over….”

Huston’s resignation was among the personnel matters approved by commissioners, although there was some question about whether an office holder’s resignation would be handled in a different manner than other county employees.