Daniel B. Coffman, a Democratic candidate for Licking County commissioner, announced June 20 that he would end his campaign.

"At this point in time, my plans are to complete my master's of public policy and administration with Northwestern University's School of Continuing (Studies) and to seek full-time work as a city administrator," he said.

Coffman, a former service director for Newark and Buckeye Lake, withdrew from the commissioners' race when he became a finalist for the position of town manager of Warren, R.I.

"My official (withdrawal from candidacy) paperwork was submitted to the Licking County Board of Elections and accepted by them on June 25," Coffman said.

However, as of June 28, Coffman was uncertain if he had the position. He is vying for the position against interim town manager Tom Gordon, who also is police chief.

Coffman resigned from the Buckeye Lake position to devote his efforts to his commissioner campaign. He announced his bid for commissioner in December, shortly after being hired at Buckeye Lake.

"We knew (Coffman) was looking for employment opportunities," said Jerry McLaughlin, Licking County Democratic Party chairman.

"I don't blame him for (exploring) an opportunity when it came."

McLaughlin said the Licking County Democratic Party has until Aug. 13 to appoint another candidate, but hadn't done so as of June 28.

Incumbent Republican Tim Bubb and Libertarian candidate James Snedden remain in the race.

"My campaign was based on the idea that we could have a better form of (county) government that better represents that county," Coffman said.

He was clear that he wasn't running because he thought that others were doing a poor job, but he believes a charter form of government would be an improvement over the existing form.