Carolyn McDermott has been appointed to the Moore County Board of Elections as the second Democratic member.

She succeeds Mary M. Pope, who recently retired after serving 27 years on the board, including 16 years as chairwoman.

The state Board of Elections on Friday announced the appointment of McDermott and the reappointment of Susan T. Adams as the Republican member and Ansol Graham as the other Democratic member.

County Elections Director Glenda Clendenin said the three board members will be sworn into office in August.

McDermott has resigned as chairwoman of the Westmoore Democratic Precinct. She is a former first vice chairwoman of the Moore County Democratic Party. She is retired from Fidelity Investments.

Under state law, local elections boards are composed of two members from the party of the incumbent governor and the third member is from the other party.

DEMOCRATS -- Moore County Democrats will host a hot dog picnic at Aberdeen Park on Saturday, Aug. 8.

The picnic is free, but those planning to attend are asked to call Sybil Ryan at 215-9018 or e-mail sylory@pinehurst.net no later than Aug. 3. The event will be held from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.

TECHNOLOGY -- The contract recently awarded for updated computer software for several county departments "will help to improve the operational efficiency and effectiveness by eliminating redundant data collection and business functions by different departments, paper-based processes, and the reliance on individual systems," according to Megan Owrey, clerk to the Moore County Board of Commissioners.

The commissioners voted unanimously at a July 20 meeting to award the Enterprise Resource Planning contract to Tyler Technologies. First year expenses are not to exceed $1,554,445, funding for which is included in the budget adopted for the new fiscal year.

Strategic planning for an integrated system has been underway since 2005, but it will take two to three years for full implementation in all departments. First offices affected by the overhaul will include tax, finance, information technology, human resources and planning.

Owrey said the new system will offer online services not previously available to residents. Additional information is available by contacting Owrey at mowrey@moorecountync.gov or 947-6403.

COBLE -- Congressman Howard Coble was back in the 6th District for a brief stay this weekend.

In addition to attending worship services at Alamance Presbyterian Church in Greensboro Sunday, he attended an Eagle Scout ceremony in the afternoon at Shiloh Presbyterian Church in Burlington.

Contact Florence Gilkeson at 693-2479 or by e-mail at florence@thepilot.com.