PORT ORCHARD — South Kitsap Commissioner Jan Angel has announced she will not run for re-election when her current term expires in 2008.

“My reasons for not running are both personal and political,” Angel said in a written statement. “I wish to consider some very attractive opportunities that have been brought forward. By announcing my intentions now, it allows for potential commissioner candidates to prepare to run and study the important issues.”

Angel, a Republican, doesn’t see herself as a “lame duck” and said there are several tasks she would still like to accomplish — moving the NASCAR project along, developing the South Bethel Corridor and getting the South Kitsap Parks District under the county umbrella.

Angel, 60, already has several projects planned after she leaves the commissioner’s office. She has begun writing a book that outlines her experience as the first woman in a variety of business and government situations.

She said she also could run for statewide office. She did not commit to a specific opportunity, but could oppose 26th District Democrat Reps. Pat Lantz or Larry Seaquist in the state House of Representatives.

“There are a lot of things I can offer,” she said. “I am excited about all phases of business. And I love working as a motivational speaker.”

Angel first disclosed her intentions to the Kitsap Business Journal and then to the Port Orchard Independent on Friday.

She had no plans to inform her county commissioner colleagues personally, but said she would contact some party officials with recommendations about possible successors prior to the story breaking.

“I don’t want rumors flying around before I announce what I am going to do,” she said.

Kitsap Business Journal Editor Lary Coppola, appointed by Angel to the Kitsap County Planning Commission in 2000, said Angel’s voice will be missed on the board of commissioners.

“Jan is an honest person who has the courage of her convictions,” Coppola said. “She has been a great voice for the business community. I’m sorry to see her go, but can understand why she wants to leave.”

As for a Republican replacement, Coppola said South Kitsap businessman Steve Stagner “is the only person I can think of that the Republicans might have. If (the Kitsap Alliance for Property Owners) tries to put up anyone, they’ll get creamed.”

On the Democratic side, Port Orchard Mayor Kim Abel has indicated some interest in the commissioner’s seat, but has yet to make the decision whether to run for another term as mayor or run for county commissioner.

Other Democratic possibilities could include former Kitsap County Planning Commissioner Monte Mahan and Olympic Building Trades Council head Virgil Hamilton.

Angel, born and raised in Colorado, lived in Alaska prior to moving to Kitsap County. She said she considered running for Mayor of Port Orchard and city council prior to running for the county commissioner’s seat in 2000. She was re-elected in 2004.

Angel’s eight-year tenure will be served equally as a member of the minority and the majority party. She said she always voted her conscience and did not bend to political interests.

“I’ve played a lot of defense,” Angel said. “But I enjoy public service, and fighting people’s battles. I’ve had a good eight years.”