(KAIR)--Citing increased business responsibilities, First District Atchison County Commissioner Jeff Schuele has submitted his letter of resignation. “What I felt was, what was right for citizens is, at the high level that I want to see the job done, I felt I wasn't going to be able to give more of my time toward being commissioner,” Schuele told MSC News. “I felt it was time now better than ever to concentrate my efforts on that. It was nothing personal at all. It's actually been a very rewarding experience. It's more about a couple business decisions that I needed to make. At this point in my career, I needed to focus in on those two things.”

Schuele, who first ran for office in 2010, is currently midway through his second term. “It's really been humbling and eye-opening for myself and my family to get involved in the community that most people don't get involved with,” Schuele said. “And that's serving as an elected official.”

Schuele, in his letter of resignation sent to both Atchison County Republican Chairman Derek Franklin and Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, says he will continue to serve until his replacement is appointed. “I don't know what the time frame would be,” Schuele said. “The process is that the party's Republican chairman of the person resigning, they have to convene and come up with a majority nomination of a person that's eligible—a registered Republican voter in this case, since I'm Republican, in that district. They have to be nominated to the governor and appointed by Governor Brownback.”

Schuele says despite stepping down from the First District seat, he plans to remain active in the Atchison County community. “I'm a member of Project Atchison, that's been a fun grass roots movement to see expand,” Schuele said. “I'll help out where I can in different aspects of the county. I'm on the Live Well, Live Atchison board, and I think that would be a great avenue for us to discuss and motivate. I'm also on the Project Concern Board. The two big things we do are providing meals for people that are home-bound. But the public transportation piece is a big deal—expanding that transportation piece.”

Schuele's current term expires on January 14, 2019, and whoever is appointed as his replacement will serve through that time.

To hear Schuele's full interview regarding his decision to resign, go here.