Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents say District 2 appointment process left them feeling sidelined
Summary
Public commenters at the July 14 Lincoln County Commission meeting said the process to fill a District 2 commissioner vacancy appeared predetermined and undermined trust; speakers described turnout, endorsements for one applicant and urged improved transparency in future appointments.
The commission heard extended public criticism over the recent appointment to the District 2 commissioner seat, with multiple residents telling the board the process appeared to be a foregone conclusion and therefore disserved applicants and District 2 voters.
One resident (speaker S3) detailed attendance at earlier meetings and township participation, saying 10 public supporters spoke for one applicant (Dwayne Carlson) while other applicants received fewer endorsements. The speaker said residents invested their time preparing applications, attending and speaking at public meetings, and expected honest, impartial deliberation; they urged future appointments to be conducted so that applicants and citizens feel heard.
Several public commenters echoed that theme. Tom Montgomery said the procedure, multiple‑vote format and a perception of preplanning left many feeling ignored. Beth Quayle and other speakers asked procedural questions about who made the final selection and urged the appointee, if appropriate, to decline the seat if community trust could not be restored.
No formal appeal or motion to reopen the appointment was made during the meeting. Commissioners acknowledged the public comments; the record reflects strong public sentiment that the process should better demonstrate impartial consideration of applicants.
