There is one year remaining in the term of the former Wohlsen Construction Co. executive, who will begin his new job in February.

Shaub said the resignation will be effective Feb. 4.

Lancaster County Court President Judge Louis J. Farina will appoint a commissioner to serve the final year of Shaub’s term.

Shaub, a Republican, is inviting supporters to attend his resignation announcement Jan. 4 at Lancaster County Courthouse. He also plans to disclose his new job at that time and reflect on his seven years as county commissioner.

Shaub said Tuesday rumors of his departure from county government have persisted since he pleaded guilty earlier this month to violating the state Sunshine Act.

“The rumor is, ‘Pete’s resigning,’ ” Shaub said Tuesday. “I made it clear a few months ago that I was no longer happy and was not running for another term.

“The timing has nothing to do with the Sunshine law violations.”

The other two commissioners, Democrat Molly Henderson and Republican Dick Shellenberger, also pleaded guilty to violating the Sunshine Act. Henderson is seeking re-election, and Shellenberger hasn’t yet made an announcement.

A countywide investigating grand jury determined the commissioners held secret meetings pertaining to the sale of Conestoga View.

The commissioners were cited Dec. 14, and all three pleaded guilty and paid fines.

Shaub said while addressing supporters next week he plans to focus on his positive experiences as a county leader. Invitations to the event will be sent out today, he said.

“I want to thank all the people who helped make Lancaster County a wonderful place to live,” Shaub said. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to have worked with other dedicated people while making our community a better place for my children and grandchildren.”

Tuesday, Henderson said Shaub told her last week he planned to resign.

“I wish Mr. Shaub well in any future endeavors he undertakes,” Henderson said.

She declined to comment further.

Shellenberger did not immediately return a telephone call Tuesday seeking comment.

Shaub and Henderson both declined to comment on a possible replacement.

The commissioners have been dogged by controversy since voting publicly July 6, 2005, to sell Conestoga View, the county nursing home, to Complete HealthCare Resources for $8.5 million, after announcing the sale just a week earlier.

In the aftermath, the county district attorney asked Farina to impanel a grand jury to investigate the Conestoga View sale and the hiring of the former county chief human services officer. The commissioners and other county employees were subpoenaed to testify.

Shaub said in September “the wheels are coming off” county government. He recommended forming a citizens advisory panel to help find replacements for county executives who had departed amid the turmoil.

“There’s a certain point where you say, ‘You know what? I’m banging my head against the wall quite a bit.’ I don’t know if I want to continue banging my head against the wall,” Shaub said at the time.


Brett Lovelace’s e-mail address is blovelace@lnpnews.com.