By Michelle Ye Hee Lee | The Arizona Republic
Longtime Maricopa County Supervisor Max Wilson announced Friday he will retire, effective March 11, citing health reasons.
The 70-year-old Litchfield Park Republican was hospitalized with the flu in January. This week, his doctors advised him to take it easy. He also has had previous health concerns, and has gone through two open-heart surgeries in the past.
“It has been an honor to serve, and I think I’ve made a positive contribution to the county and to the West Valley that I love. I respect the county too much not to give it and my constituents 100 percent of my effort and time,” Wilson said in a statement.
He was appointed to the board in 2002 and elected to the position later that year. He won his third full term on the board in 2012.
Wilson has been considered a mild-mannered personality on the board, even through the years of political battles involving county elected officials. He is known for his folksy and friendly demeanor, and his devout commitment to protecting Luke Air Force Base.
