Former Suwanee City Council member Jace Brooks took the official step last week to taking office early as Gwinnett BOC District 1 commissioner. Brooks qualified to fill the remainder of the unexpired term that was left open when Shirley Lasseter resigned.

Qualifying ended at noon Friday. Brooks qualified Thursday (Aug. 24).

"I am thankful and very humbled by the confidence the voters have showed in me," Brooks said in a statement. "I am looking forward to serving the citizens of this great county. Unfortunately, District 1 has been without representation on the county commission for the past three months. I qualified today for the special election so that I can begin serving the citizens of District 1 as soon as possible."

A special election must be held on Nov. 6 even if Brooks has no opposition. Assuming that Brooks is elected, he could take office in time for three BOC meetings in 2012.

In July, Brooks was elected to a full term for District 1, which begins in 2013.

District 1 includes Suwanee, Duluth and Sugar Hill.