On the eve of his departure as interim county manager, David Cotton received accolades from both the Moore County Board of Commissioners and from two speakers in the public-comment period at the board's Monday meeting.

Board Chairman David Cummings presented a plaque of appreciation to Cotton on behalf of the board. Cummings said the board and the people of Moore County recognize the quality of his service and wish him well in his new position as Haywood County manager.

"I know you'll enjoy it there," Cummings said of the Haywood County location in the North Carolina mountains.

George Lane and Elton Turner expressed appreciation to Cotton during the public-comment period.

Lane offered his remarks on behalf of the Summit, which he chairs, and others connected with the progressive and cooperative movement between municipal and county governments.

Turner, who acts as an individual fiscal watchdog for the county, added his thanks for Cotton's services.

"I appreciate your professional approach," Turner said.

Cotton has served as interim manager since Steve Wyatt resigned earlier this year to accept the management position in Henderson County. Cotton offered his resignation in August. Friday will be his last day on the job here.

GALLOWAY -- A rally for Gerald Galloway, an unaffiliated candidate for state House of Representatives, will be held Thursday, Oct. 5, at the North Moore High School Student Union.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. John Maness, the Robbins Democratic precinct chairman, said the public is invited to attend the rally and meet the candidate and discuss issues and interests with him.

Galloway, retired Southern Pines police chief, is one of three candidates for the District 52 seat in the state House of Representatives. The district encompasses most of Moore County.

OUDEH ADDED -- Abraham Oudeh, Democratic candidate for state Senate, is among the candidates taking part in a program sponsored by the Pinehurst Democratic precincts on Sunday, Oct. 8.

The event will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. at Pinehurst Village Hall and is open to all registered voters in the four Pinehurst precincts.

Previously accepting invitations to participate are Terry Marquez, Democratic candidate for the District 5 seat on the Moore County Board of Commissioners, and Gerald Galloway, unaffiliated candidate for the District 52 seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Oudeh, a physician in Dunn, is challenging Republican incumbent Harris Blake for the District 22 seat in the state Senate. The district covers Moore and Harnett counties.

Anyone wishing additional information about the Sunday candidates' program may call Brian Deaton at 295-9111 or Sybil Ryan at 215-9018.

ENDORSEMENT -- Oudeh has recently received endorsement from the Fund for Children and Public Education, a program of the N.C. Association of Educators (NCAE).

The fund is the political action arm of the NCAE and carries the support of public education and public school employees, according to Eddie Davis, the chairman.

Florence Gilkeson can be reached at 947-4962 or b e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.