After once withdrawing from the election, auto service manager Dave Hutchins said Wednesday he will reactivate his campaign for the Second District County Commissioner seat.

Hutchins, of Oakland, had filed for the election, challenging incumbent Dan Belshan of Myrtle. But, earlier in October he made it public that he would not seek the office.

He said he had made the decision before the September primary, considering his limited time for the commissioner’s duty if he were elected to the job. But the notification of withdrawal to the county auditor’s office was past the July 18 deadline to eliminate himself from the race, so he will still be on the ballot.

&uot;What made me change my mind to run again is my boss has assured me even after one, two, three or four or more years, he will be behind whatever time I have to take off,&uot; Hutchins said. &uot;I felt that our community needs some change and needs to start healing things up to get things back on track.&uot;

Hutchins, manager of the Motor Inn Company in Albert Lea and a former Albert Lea Township supervisor for 12 years, said that he would restore trust and a cooperative relationship between the county and people.

After the news of his withdrawal, Hutchins said he received nearly 100 calls asking him to reconsider the decision. Now, with less than a week before the vote, Hutchins will gear up his campaign virtually from nothing.

Belshan said he’s prepared for the challenge.

&uot;I kept campaigning and did everything since I figured out that he would still be on the ballot,&uot; Belshan said.

&uot;A choice is good. Give the people a choice.&uot;