Four Lenoir County Commissioners sworn in Monday
From left, Preston Harris, Eric Rouse and Roland Best were sworn in Monday by Lenoir County Clerk of Superior Court Dawn Stroud on the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
Although the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners stays the same, a quartet of members were sworn in Monday.
Roland Best, J. Mac Daughety, Preston Harris and Eric Rouse took part of the ceremony as the board went through no changes other than Linda Rouse Sutton becoming the chair and Best now serving as vice chairman. Best, who is serving his second term, said it was an honor to continue working with the Board.
“I’m a server and want to continue serving Lenoir County,” Best said. “I’ll do my best at all times for the area.”
Harris was appointed to the Board in 2017 after the late Jackie Brown stepped down. With a victory in November’s election, Harris said this ceremony meant plenty with the people voting him in.
“I feel like I’ve got that mandate of the people this time,” Harris said. “I didn’t have the voice of the people last year because I was selected by a mall group, but with the election process it feels like I’ve got it now. I’m a public servant and thankful to be here to do this job.”
J. Mac Daughety was sworn into office of the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners Monday by Lenoir County Clerk of Courts Dawn Stroud, far left. Next to Daughety is his daughter, Leigh, and wife, Deborah. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News
Daughety will serve his third term and said it will be his final go-around on the Lenoir County Commissioner Board.
“This will be my last term and I’ve been thankful to serve the people I represent in Lenoir County, as well as the entire area, in such a pivotal time,” Daughety said. “There’s a great sense of urgency moving forward, with us not approving the sales tax, our search for a new county manager and Emergency Management Services director — Roger Dail will be retiring at the end of the year — and looking for ways to make sure we can do our part in the county.”
Rouse is serving his third term as well and said he’s thankful for the opportunity.
“It feels good to know the citizens have the confidence in me,” Rouse said. “Sometimes it’s fun, sometimes it’s rough, but we’re all here trying to do the best we can. I’m truly honored and humbled to be elected again.”
