A new member has joined the Pender County Board of Commissioners after months of delays. Beth Burns was appointed to fill the vacant seat left by former commissioner Brad George.
Burns, previously a member of the Pender County Board of Education, was originally recommended to fill the role in August following a vote from the Pender County Republican Party. However, her official appointment was delayed by a challenge made by Board of Commissioners Chairman Randy Burton to the North Carolina Republican Party.
The NCGOP upheld the recommendation to appoint Burns. Then, more delays came when two commissioners did not show for a scheduled meeting, leaving the board without a quorum to vote -- a situation that County Commissioner Jimmy Tate called “intentional.”
On Monday, Oct. 5, Burns was officially sworn in to her seat, which she will occupy on an interim basis until a new commissioner is seated in December following the upcoming election. Burns vacated her seat on the school board to fill the role.
Burns addressed the public toward the conclusion of the Oct. 5 meeting, thanking the people who have supported her.
“There’s lots of work to do up here,” Burns said. “My intention right now is not to look back. My intention is to move forward.”
Charlie Kingree is the Pender County and trending topics reporter for the StarNews. He can be reached at ckingree@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Beth Burns appointed to Pender County Board of Commissioners
