Hampshire County commissioners appoint Brian Brill to fill vacancy through Dec. 31, 2026

Hampshire County commissioners voted during a Feb. 19 special meeting to appoint Brian Brill to the commission seat vacated when Commissioner Cannon moved to a delegate position.

The appointment was moved by Commissioner Mance and seconded by the presiding commissioner; the motion passed on a voice vote. The commissioners said the appointment fills the remainder of the term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2026.

The action followed a brief public discussion in which Commissioner Mance said, “I do believe that the public deserves a discussion from us and the public consideration of Mr. Brill.” The presiding commissioner then asked Brill to explain why he sought the seat. Brill told the commission he was “very humbled” by the consideration and said, “anyone that knows me knows that over the years, I have tried my best to entrench myself into the community.”

Brill described volunteer service on the county Parks and Recreation Board and other community organizations and said he has deep local roots, noting he grew up in the area, has worked in Romney and returned to live in the county. He said family commitments delayed earlier runs for office but that his children encouraged him to pursue the appointment now.

Commissioner Mance formally moved the nomination, saying he viewed Brill as having “a heart for service to your community.” The presiding commissioner announced the motion passed and congratulated Brill.

The commissioners said that, under state code, the two remaining commissioners are responsible for filling the vacancy; at a prior meeting each had submitted lists of four nominees and had agreed to consider a name from the other’s list, which led to Wednesday’s nomination and vote.

With the vote concluded, the commission adjourned the special meeting. No other business was conducted at the session.