Staff report
The Rowan County Democratic Executive Committee has selected John Brindle to be the next Rowan County Register of Deeds.
The Executive Committee met Saturday morning to deal with the retirement of Bobbie Earnhardt, who has served as Register of Deeds since 1992.
She announced earlier her plans to retire effective Dec. 1 after more than 20 years in the Register of Deeds office.
Earnhardt, a Democrat, was re-elected to a four-year term in 2006.
Under N.C. General Statutes, the board of county commissioners is required to appoint the candidate selected by the party of the current officeholder.
Both Earnhardt and Brindle attended the meeting in the Cohen Administration Building.
Jana Annas nominated Brindle, 36, of Gold Hill who Earnhardt previously endorsed to be her successor.
Two letters commending Brindle were sent to Genoal Russell, Democratic Party chairwoman, and were read Saturday.
The letters of support came from F. Rivers Lawther Jr., and Robert and Bonnie Busby, all attorneys.
Brindle, who was the only nominee, was unanimously selected to fill the remaining two years on Earnhardt’s term.
A former deputy sheriff, he has worked in the Register of Deeds office for four years. Russell said the county will be officially notified on Monday of the decision.
The board of commissioners will likely act at its Nov. 3 meeting.
Earnhardt has said she plans to leave office by Thanksgiving Day.
Brindle thanked the 50 or so members of the Executive Committee for their support.
He introduced his family, including his wife, Karen. He drew a laugh when he pointed out they met in jail. Both were working in the Rowan County Detention Center.