NEW COMMISSIONERS SWORN IN

By Jon Mayhew

George Arena (far left), Alex Patton (center), and Carrol Mitchem (right) were administered the oath of office to become Lincoln County Commissioners by Clerk of Court Fred Hatley (far left). Photo by Jon Mayhew/TCS

LINCOLNTON -- One new commissioner, a previous county commissioner and an incumbant county commissioner were sworn in Monday night in a special ceremony held in the James W. Warren Citizens Center.

George Arena, Carrol Mitchem and Alex Patton were administered the oath of office by Lincoln County Clerk of Court Fred Hatley.

After the swearing-in ceremony, nominations were taken for commisison chairman and vice-chairman. Alex Patton was unanimously elected chairman, while Bruce Carlton was unanimously elected vice-chairman.

"I'd like to thank my fellow board members for electing me to serve as chairman," said Patton. "I'd like to thank the citizens of Lincoln County for allowing me to serve another four years."

Commissioners also took a moment to honor outgoing commissioners Tom Anderson and Marie Moore for their service to the board. Anderson decided not to seek re-election; Moore, meantime, suffered defeat in the primaries earlier this year.

Moore did not attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Anderson was presented with an award for his eight years of service on the county commission. He was elected by his fellow board members as chairman in 2004.

"It's a high privelege and honor to serve for the past eight years," said Anderson. "I'd like to give particular thanks to commissioner Jerry Cochrane for all that he taught me. I hope I have not failed the lessons he sought to impart."

Anderson also thanked county employees for the service they provide to the citizens of Lincoln County.

"Listening to Chairman Patton reading off what I've done over the past eight years, it's no wonder why I'm tired," said Anderson.

After the ceremony, light refreshments were served in the lobby of the citizen's center.

The first meeting of the new board got underway around 7:20 p.m. in commission chambers on the third floor of the citizen's center.

The first rezoning request of the new board involved property on Campground Road, which is owned by Ronnie Caldwell. He wants to put a 4,000-square-foot building for an office complex.

The Lincoln County Planning Board heard from Building and Land Development zoning administrator Randy Hawkins, who told both board staff recommends approval.

The planning board will present recommendations to commissioners at the Dec. 15 meeting.