High Point council appoints Chris Williams to fill at-large seat after Amanda Cook resigns

The High Point City Council accepted the resignation of At-Large Councilwoman Amanda Cook and appointed Chris Williams to the vacant at-large seat during its November meeting. Cook resigned after precinct chairs selected her to fill North Carolina House District 60 and Governor Josh Stein made the official appointment. Mayor Cyril Jefferson moved to accept Cook’s resignation; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

An on-the-dais speaker moved to appoint Chris Williams, describing him as a long-time local leader with extensive experience in city government; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Johnson and approved by voice vote. Mayor Cyril Jefferson welcomed Williams back, saying Williams previously served nine years on the council.

The city attorney advised the council that state law gives the council the authority to fill legislative vacancies. “Under North Carolina General Statute 168-63, it is the council’s responsibility and duty to appoint a vacancy,” the city attorney said, adding that a motion and open-session vote are permissible and that the appointment needed to occur that night.

Mayor Jefferson said the council sought someone with prior service who could quickly assume council responsibilities and continue city business without interruption. The council did not state a specific end date for Williams’s appointment during the meeting; the city attorney framed the action as the council’s method of filling the vacancy under state statute.

The vote was taken by voice and carried; the council then moved on to routine announcements and adjourned.