Longtime Salisbury Township Commissioner President James A. Brown will not seek re-election.

Brown made the surprise announcement at the Feb. 23 township meeting during the commissioners’ comment portion.

Brown, a Republican representing the 4th Ward for 14 years, said he would throw his support behind Rodney C. Conn, a Republican, member of the Salisbury Township Environmental Advisory Council and former member of Salisbury Township Zoning Hearing Board, who has announced he’s a candidate in the May 16 primary election for the Fourth Ward township commissioner post held by Brown, whose term expires Dec. 31.

In brief remarks at the Feb. 23 meeting, Brown said, “I’m in my 14th year and I’m not seeking re-election. I believe in term limits.

“There’s a young man named Rodney Conn and he’s going to be running for commissioner and I’m going to endorse him,” Brown added during the meeting.

Brown completed the term of Joe Emrick, who had two years left on his term. State Rep. Joe Emrick, R-137th, of Upper Nazareth Township, is serving his fourth term.

Brown was interviewed by the then Salisbury board of commissioners and was appointed to the board. It was Brown’s first venture into public office.

Brown was elected for three four-year terms. Brown has been board president for eight years, succeeding Larry Unger.

Reached at his home, Brown said in a phone interview, “I felt it to be an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of Salisbury Township.

“I have always felt that when somebody votes for anybody, they’re saying that they’re placing their trust in you to do the right thing. And I hope that I have done that to the best of my ability.”

The commissioner position pays $2,600 annually for two meetings per month or 24 meetings annually. Meetings typically are two hours in length and sometimes include executive sessions before or afterward. The township does not provide a mileage or expense stipend for commissioners.

“I try to attend as many things as I can in the township,” Brown, 69, an appliance specialist at Home Depot, Lehigh Street. said.

Reflecting on his tenure, Brown said, “I feel as though this township is a place where people want to come and live and raise their families. The employees of the township are the best, from the police department to the public works. lt’s second to none in the Lehigh Valley.”

Brown and his wife, Donna, have lived in Salisbury Township for 22 years. They have a son, Tyler, who with his wife, Amy, have a daughter, Allyson, 2 1/2, and are expecting their second child in July.

Brown said he was thinking about not seeking re-election for some time, noting, “I wanted to wait for the opportune moment.”

Brown said he’s looking forward to the noon March 30 employees recognition luncheon in the conference room in the township police building and the volunteer recognition dinner 5:30 p.m. April 20 in the meeting room of the township building.

What are Brown’s plans for his second and fourth Thursday nights when the commissioners’ meetings are held?

“I haven’t figured that out yet. I’m sure it will be an adjustment. There are also meetings, other than the two commissioners’ meetings that I attend. I’d like to spend more time with my granddaughter.”