Doug Johnson is stepping down as chairman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, but will continue his duties as a regular member and run for a second term this year.

“Of the many responsibilities for chairman, treating everyone with respect and being non-judgmental of others’ opinions is of utmost importance,” Johnson wrote in an open letter to commissioners. “If the same is not reciprocated, you lose your ability to lead in a fair and productive way.”

He would not comment further, except to say that a letter concerning his resignation would be read into the record at Thursday’s meeting of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners.

“I don’t want to be seen as a leader that’s quitting, but I want to send strong message that I’m dissatisfied,” Johnson said in a brief interview Thursday.

Stepping down as chairman will also give him more time for his re-election bid, he said in the letter.

This would have been the second year serving as chairman for Johnson, who represents district 3. He was elected to the commission for the first time in 2004.

Originally from Olympia, Wa., Johnson moved to Carson Valley in 1984. He worked at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe for 20 years, in everything from food and beverage management to dealing.

A member of the Ruhenstroth Volunteer Fire Department for nine years, he lost his job at Harrah’s to downsizing in 2004 and currently works out of his home, managing his investments.