By By MARY-ALLISON LANCASTER-Managing editor
County commissioners unanimously voted in favor of appointing a new chairman Monday, two weeks after the item was tabled.
David M. Stokes, who represents District 1, was appointed as the new chairman for Escambia County (Ala.). Stokes, who has been a commissioner since January of 1991, will take the position of chairman after Chairman Larry White's position expires the first meeting in November of 2005. Stokes will officially become chairman on Nov. 14, 2005. County commissioners are elected by public vote, and the chairman is nominated by his peers.
Commissioner Todd Williamson opened up the nominations Monday morning and praised Chairman White on his job "well-done."
The nominations were seconded by Commissioner Wiley Tait, who also commended the chairman for the job well done, and congratulated Stokes.
White has served as chairman for nine years, and he told commissioners "without hesitation, I would be glad to step aside."
Responsibilities for the county commissioners include control of all county public funds and property, as well as construction of major roads in the county and outside city limits, among other responsibilities.
As a recommendation by the Alabama County Commission Association (ACCA), a vice chairman was implemented Monday in an attempt to help the chairman oversee certain responsibilities and will act as chairman in the event the new chairman is unable to attend a meeting.
In turn, the "gavel" would be passed to the vice chairman, who would also take responsibilities if Stokes had to abstain from voting on certain county matters.
Williamson was nominated by Commissioner William Brown, and Tait seconded the nomination. The position of vice chairman will also go into effect in November of 2005.
In some counties, a commissioner holds the vice chairman position. This is the first year Escambia County (Ala.) Commission has elected a vice chairman.
County meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 9 a.m. in the Commission Chambers, which is located on the second floor of the courthouse.
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