A Quiet Farewell: Washington County Judge John Durrenberger Steps Down, Prioritizing Family Above All Else

It’s a story we hear often in public life, isn't it? The demanding roles, the long hours, the constant push and pull between duty and the people who wait at home. Well, Washington County Judge John Durrenberger, a familiar and steady hand in our community for years, is writing his own version of that narrative. Word came down this week, gentle but firm, that he won't be seeking re-election for the county judge seat in 2022.

And just like that, an era draws to a close, not with a bang, but with a deeply human reason: more time with family. It’s a decision, you could say, that resonates with many of us who understand the delicate balance of life. Durrenberger, whose current term wraps up on December 31, 2022, has been candid about his desire to step back, to embrace those cherished moments that often slip through the cracks of a demanding public office.

Think about it: eight years as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, then, in 2014, he ascended to the role of county judge. That’s a good long run of service, isn't it? He’s been a constant, a presence in our local governance, and honestly, a voice many have come to trust. And while he's often expressed his enjoyment of the work—the challenges, the people, the very fabric of community leadership—his priority, in truth, has shifted, or rather, sharpened.

He’s spoken, quite movingly actually, about the honor of serving the community. You get the sense it wasn't just a job for him; it was a calling, a commitment. But even the most dedicated among us eventually face those profound personal choices. And for Judge Durrenberger, that choice is his family, plain and simple.

What does this mean for Washington County, though? Well, for one, it throws open the doors to the county judge's office, setting the stage for what will undoubtedly be a fascinating—and perhaps lively—political contest. With Durrenberger stepping aside, the path is clear for new hopefuls to emerge, to lay out their visions for our shared future. We’ll likely see a contested primary in March 2022, and it’ll be interesting, won't it, to see who steps up to the plate, ready to fill those considerable shoes.

So, as the year unfolds and the political landscape begins to shift, we take a moment to acknowledge Judge Durrenberger's service, and perhaps, more importantly, to respect his very personal decision. Because in the end, isn't family what truly matters most?