By Jessie Burchette
jburchette@salisburypost.com
Speakers thanked outgoing county commissioners Monday night while two newly elected commissioners enjoyed the view from the back row.
Arnold Chamberlain, chairman of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, welcomed commissioners-elect Carl Ford and Raymond Coltrain during the Monday night session.
“December 1, both of you guys will be sitting up here,” Chamberlain said, adding, “You’ll have tough decisions to make, … Be prepared.”
Chamberlain noted that on Dec. 1, he and Commissioner Jim Sides will be leaving the board. “At least for two years,” he added.
Chamberlain opted not to seek re-election. Sides finished third in the race for two seats but has said he will be a candidate in 2010.
During the public comment session, Rodney Cress, a veteran and member of the Rowan County Housing Authority, praised Chamberlain and Sides for their work and service to the county.
Cress said he was disappointed by the sparse crowd, saying the meeting room should have been full of people showing their support.
“I hope to see you back,” Cress said.
Larry Wright, a leader in the N.C. 150 annexation fight, also praised the current board, including Sides and Chamberlain, for its support.
He cited several trips and events that Sides, Chamberlain and Commissioner Tina Hall participated in, including a demonstration in downtown Salisbury.
“We really appreciate your standing with us, even in the rain, to encourage us. … . Not many elected officials would have done that,” Wright said.
Coltrain and Ford will take the oath of office Dec. 1 after the current board conducts a brief final business session.
The meeting will be at 4 p.m. in the Cohen Administrative Office Building, 130 W. Innes St.