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Wendell swears in three new commissioners, names Joe Deloach mayor pro tem
Summary
The Town of Wendell administered oaths to Deans Eamon, Dustin Ingalls and Kate Benson, elected Commissioner Joe Deloach as mayor pro tem by voice vote and approved the agenda and consent items; a public commenter urged civility and continued resident engagement.
The Town of Wendell Board of Commissioners administered oaths to three newly elected commissioners, elected Commissioner Joe Deloach as mayor pro tem and approved the agenda and consent items at a special meeting in town hall.
Associate Justice Lisonbee Riggs administered oaths to Deans Eamon, Dustin Ingalls and Kate Benson. Eamon and the others each affirmed the oath; Riggs led the formal oath ceremony and the board recessed briefly afterward.
Why it matters: The newly sworn commissioners join a six-member board at a time the town is growing, and the board chose its leadership for the coming term. Public participation surfaced immediately afterward when one resident praised turnout and urged respectful civic discourse.
Brandon Strickland, who identified himself as a Wendell resident, congratulated the new commissioners and praised record voter turnout. "I volunteer at a non profit board in town, I serve at a church in Wendell, My kids play sports in Wendell," he said, urging the board to maintain decorum so residents feel welcome to speak.
The board moved quickly through routine business. A nomination to make Commissioner Joe Deloach mayor pro tem was made citing his tenure and leadership; the nomination was approved by voice vote with no opposition recorded in the transcript. The agenda and the consent agenda were likewise approved by voice votes as recorded in the meeting.
Commissioners used the remarks period to thank supporters and staff. Commissioner Kate Benson said she welcomed the chance to be a "safe space" for residents to bring questions and concerns. Commissioner Dustin Ingalls described his approach as listening to data and community feedback before making decisions and thanked family members who attended his swearing-in.
Mayor Mary Gray thanked town staff for their work on the seasonal "Wendell Wonderland" event and took a moment to note the passing of longtime volunteer Errol Briggerman, who had frequently served in place of invocation leaders and received the town's mayoral award in 2019.
The mayor closed the meeting by extending holiday wishes and asking for a motion to adjourn; the transcript ends with that procedural prompt.
