Three new Republican commissioners, all elected in Nov., were sworn in Mon. morning, and they promptly provided the impetus for a new chairman of the board.
They led the way for the unanimous selection of John Paisley, elected in Nov., to be the new chairman. Previous chairman Amy Galey heads to NC Senate in Jan., but will remain a member of the commissioner board for the remainder of Dec.
Paisley, 72, a local attorney, had previously served on the board of commissioners in an appointed position during 2014 (but lost out in the GOP primary of that year to Eddie Boswell), and had for many years been a member of the county’s board of elections.
New commissoner Pamela Tyler Thompson nominated John Paisley, which was seconded by Bill Lashley.
Pre-meeting scuttlebutt about the desire of vice chairman Steve Carter to be elevated to the chairmanship did not materialize when it became apparent Paisley had three of five votes necessary to become chairman. Thus, the final vote was 5-0 for Paisley.
Carter was re-elected as vice chairman of the new board.
