Mitchell County commissioners elect Jeff Hardy as board chair; Steve Pittman named vice chair

The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners elected Jeff Hardy as board chair during its November meeting after an initial tie between Hardy and Dale Blevins.

Chair opened nominations and commissioners nominated Blevins and Jeff Hardy. A first show-of-hands produced a tie, prompting discussion and a second vote after Blevins withdrew his name. The chair announced, "Jeff Hardy is now board chair," after Hardy received the required three votes. Commissioners then nominated and elected Steve Pittman as vice chair; the vice chair nomination was uncontested.

Several commissioners praised nominees' experience and leadership during the nomination discussion. One commissioner later told Hardy, "I've been very disappointed, with the lack of communication that I've seen as you being the chair," and said they expect improved communication during Hardy's term.

Procedurally, the chair managed the show-of-hands ballots and confirmed that a withdrawal of a candidate's name removed that person from consideration before the final vote. The board moved immediately to organizational business and appointments after completing the leadership votes. The board also discussed which boards and external appointments commissioners will continue to hold or change ahead of the new year.

The board adjourned its organizational items and moved on to regular agenda business.