Cabarrus standoff holds as newcomer joins commission — and picks himself as chair
The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners met Monday night for the first time with newly appointed Commissioner Jeff Jones, whose arrival was expected to break the usual 2-2 split on the board.
Jones, however, offered no clear indication of his alignment during the meeting’s first major vote — a new board chair. While Commissioners Larry Pittman and Laura Lindsey both voted for Lindsey and Commissioners Kenny Wortman and Lynn Shue both voted for Wortman, Jones voted for himself. Jones’ decision left the board with its usual split and no tie-breaking vote.
Jones acknowledged his power as a swing vote on the commission later in the meeting when the county manager presented the budget for next year.
“Fortunately, I’m in a position, if y’all gonna remain split two and two, I’m gonna make the decision,” he said. “I’m gonna do what’s right for Cabarrus County and what I feel is right. So come with an open mind and be willing to compromise.”
County Attorney Daniel Peterson said Lindsey, who is vice chair, will continue as acting chair until another vote is called or a replacement is picked at an organizational meeting in December since no commissioner received a majority vote. Jones questioned this interpretation of the law by Peterson.
“What authority do you have on that?” he asked.
Peterson said it was his opinion based on procedures that do not outline what to do in the event no person receives a majority vote.
Lindsey has been acting as chair since Sen. Chris Measmer vacated the seat to join the N.C. Senate. Jones was appointed to the commission last week by Cabarrus County Clerk of Court Bill Baggs. The decision was handed to Baggs following a stalled vote by the commission and a lawsuit over the board’s first pick. Jones is a local attorney with no prior experience in Cabarrus County government.
Last week, the county was ordered by a judge to pay $13,000 in attorney fees to a citizens group that alleged the county illegally voted to replace Measmer before he officially resigned.
Despite the controversy over his seat, Jones on Monday said commissioners should have an open mind and avoid drawing lines in the sand.
“Be willing to compromise on your position if we have to,” he said. “We’ll come together, the five of us will do what’s right for Cabarrus County.”
