Paul O'Brien, who identified himself and his Glassford address, used public comment time at the Dec. 23 Clinton County Legislature meeting to deny rumors he would run for public office after an appointment.

“I can assure you nothing could be farther from the truth,” O’Brien told the legislature, adding that he has run for political office three times in the past and “has 0 intention of ever doing that again,” citing family considerations and a desire to downsize his life.

O’Brien said he had circulated a text and discussed the rumors with his family; he asked that the legislature and public disregard suggestions he would play with an appointment by running for election. After the public comment, the legislature proceeded to committee reports and a lengthy slate of resolutions.

No follow-up questions or rebuttals to O’Brien’s remarks were recorded in the public meeting transcript.