Picerno Named Board Chairman

As of Monday, December 3, 2012

Pledging that he "absolutely will" fulfill his duties to his utmost as a county commissioner, long term board member Nick Picerno was elected chairman of the board for a third term at Monday's regular meeting of the board.

Commissioner Randy Saunders also took the oath of office at his inaugural meeting Monday night, replacing Commissioner Tim Lea after Lea decided not to run for reelection.

In choosing a new board chairman, outgoing chairman Larry Caddell nominated his vice chairman Jimmy Melton for the job. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Craig Kennedy. But Melton asked the board to reconsider.

"I appreciate my name being put in, but I have some heavy business commitments in the coming year and wish that the board would with draw my name."

Caddell withdrew the nomination, and Melton then presented a motion that Picerno be named the commissioners' chairman.

Saunders seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Melton proceeded to nominate Commissioner Craig Kennedy for the vice-chairman's position, which also passed unanimously.

Following a reception for the new commissioners, the board heard several items of business including a change order to correct portions of a faulty roof at the new public safety and detention center in Carthage.

"Temperatures can make this type of roof expand five or six inches in certain conditions, but it was something that the workers didn't account for," said Property Management Director Rich Smith. "We were going to have to remove or replace the roof where inspectors said the roof conditions didn't comply, but (contractors) the D.H. Griffin Construction Company stepped in and said they were replacing the entire roof."

Picerno's first act as board chairman was to call for a moment of silence to honor the late Jim Westbrook, who had served for less than a week as the county's interim manager before dying in an automobile accident last Tuesday.

Read more in Wednesday's edition of the Pilot.

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irishman 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Why is the Pilot not asking why the taxpayer had a change order for the roofer improperly installing the roof?

djcalaska 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Whether you agree or like Nick Picerno, he is another who stands for what he believes Moore County citizens need.. We've had some great representatives! Wise choice and good luck Nick!

Toda 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Advancement of Commissioner Melton to Chair would have followed protocol. I stand to be corrected when addressing advancement from Co-Chair to Chairman?

Secondly, has Commissioner Melton ever served as Chair?

Former Chair Caddell laid the groundwork for Mr. Melton not to have to address any matters before the board in his absence. Those absences for conducting out of town business for Southern Software, Inc.

Was Commissioner Melton up to the task of conducting a meeting? That is the big question. He could have followed the same path as Former Chair Caddell and conducted his business affairs while Chairing the Commission. He could appoint Craig Kennedy who by now has learned to be successful in party politics, "YES" is the operative word. Total control board decisions is now in the hands of Chair Picerno and Commissioner Caddell. The public no longer has a voice as demonstrated in past meetings - some of which were conducted in violation of state laws.

The new board is stacked with all ayes without individual thought processes. The people lost their voice several years ago, and now have fallen under a form of socialism.

The Rick Rhyne Detention Center is just the beginning of ill planned capital growth and spending. As soon as the head scratching is over on how to launch another bond since BRAC has been a mystery for planned growth and development, they can't use that approach to secure another debt for taxpayers. Just wait for the new school bonds to hit the paper!

Toda 5 months, 2 weeks ago

djcalaska => I like Nick as a person, and have never veered from my position. Anyone who disagrees with his logic or thinking evokes his ire. For one who has no skin in the political game, or social advancement to higher office, I speak my mind on social and governmental issues.

Think in terms of "going along, to get along", that's what the two newer commissioners have to learn.

I've had lunch with Nick several times (rather enjoyed civil but spirited exchanges), and my position has always been expressed as a total lack of communication with the public. In your face politics works in some communities, but not in my world.

I'm not one who is easily intimidated ... the pen is mightier than the sword!

COMMUNICATION is the key and Poorer County is lacking that model. (unless it's lunch or dinner time around the conference table at Southern Software, Inc.)

silentbob 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Great choice. Nick will do a great job.

Toda 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Jimmy Melton a.k.a. silentbob is back ... just not as Chair.

doughnuts 5 months, 2 weeks ago

Great choice. Nick will do a great job. That's why we voted for him!

Toda 5 months, 2 weeks ago

doughnuts => you and 28,129 (28,130 total)

At the last count there are 64,302 registered voters in Poorer County

Picerno vs Marcus 44,421 votes were cast;

Total voter turnout was 46,348 meaning that 17,954 didn't vote who was registered. So if we take the number of voters who voted ~ minus 16,291 who voted for Marcus, there were 1.927 voters who cast their votes but not for Chairman Picerno.

Not 100% support from voters on his profile as commissioner. Think about it!

Toda 5 months, 2 weeks ago

""Temperatures can make this type of roof expand five or six inches in certain conditions, but it was something that the workers didn't account for," said Property Management Director Rich Smith."

After 30 plus years in the construction trades, I have never heard of a roof expanding five or six inches in certain conditions: What conditions? The only scenario that I've ever heard off is roof's distorting due to foundations settling. That condition would create such a condition.

What does the roofing material manufacturer have to say about their product and application?

With change orders usually come cost for materials, time or labor. Not one was mentioned in the article. More blind eye journalism by The Pilot reporting staff. Who pays when the walls begin to crack due to sinking in unstable soil at the upstart?