SMITHFIELD – Following a 5-to-1 vote, Mike Rose of Princeton was appointed Monday night to fill out the unexpired term of District 3 Commissioner Richard D. Braswell.
Rose, who currently serves as mayor pro tem, has been a member of the the Princeton Town Council since 2014.
Commissioner Bill Stovall voted against his appointment, indicating he preferred Kim LeQuire of Princeton to fill the vacancy.
Mr. Rose will officially be sworn in at the next commission meeting on Monday, December 2.
Five people had applied for the vacant seat. One person dropped their name from consideration before the applicants were interviewed earlier this month.
From the research that I was able to get regarding these applicants, Kim LeQuire was way more qualified for this position than was Mr. Rose. However, through a vote Mr. Rose was chosen fair and square. It is believed by many that the current Chairman wants commissioners on the board that he can exercise his control over. Mr. Rose, congratulations on your victory but please do not allow Chairman Lawter or anyone else to control you, your opinions, or most importantly, your votes.