By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
LANDIS — After a roller coaster ride following the election for mayor, a town alderman has become the mayor and the mayor has become an alderman.
Former Alderman James Furr was elected mayor after votes were tied and then broken following the November election and subsequent recounts. At Monday’s meeting, the board voted to appoint former mayor Dennis Brown to finish out Furr’s term, which expires in 2013.
Furr pointed out that during the election, another person on the ballot would’ve been elected to the board had a third seat been up for election. While Roger Safrit and Tony Hilton were voted back on the board, Tony Corriher was behind them in votes.
Furr said his statement wasn’t personal and that he felt awkward even mentioning it. Despite his comments, Furr said he would support the board members in any decision they made.
The board unanimously voted to appoint Brown to the position of alderman.
The new mayor and all of the other officials were sworn in by District Court Judge Marshall Bickett.
“It’s quite an honor,” Furr said of being elected mayor.
He noted his first experience with town government was attending a town meeting with his father in the mid-1960s.
“I couldn’t imagine being seated in the middle,” he said, referring to the mayor’s seat.
Hilton said he is looking forward to “another successful four years.”
Safrit expressed confidence the board would continue to work well together.
Brown said he appreciated the opportunity to continue serving.