Commissioners Praise Outgoing Colleague, Manager
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Of the five Republicans on the Moore County Board of Commissioners, he's occasionally been the odd man out on votes, but the accolades for retiring Commissioner Tim Lea were unanimous Tuesday night.
Lea, who chose not to seek re-election after two terms on the board, attended his last meeting Tuesday, and fellow commissioners and Republicans praised his service.
Lea is one of two high-profile county -officials stepping down at the month's end. County Manager Cary McSwain also is retiring, and the board Tuesday night tapped Jim Westbrook, a former Fayetteville city manager and Moore County department head, to replace him until a new manager is hired.
Lea will be replaced by Randy Saunders as the county's District IV representative in December.
State Sen. Harris Blake and Rep. Jamie Boles each presented Lea with plaques from their respective branches of government.
"Occasionally, I see you (board members) agree on something, but in the Senate we never agree," Blake said. "I also brought you a lapel pin that has been worn in the Senate. If you make it to the Senate one day, you can take this with you and wear it."
Boles next approached the podium and waited until Blake had left the room before he spoke.
"Now that the Senate's gone, we can get something done," he quipped to laughter from the assembly. "I didn't bring a cake," he added, in reference to food presented by a local veterans' group.
"I can't bake, and I don't think you want my merchandise," the funeral home owner said, to more laughter.
Michael Gast of American Legion Post 12 thanked Lea, a Marine Corps veteran, for his service to area veterans' groups. Vietnam Veterans of Moore County Chapter 966 President Chuck Spelman also read a statement of gratitude.
"Thank you, Tim, for all you stand for and for the assistance the veterans were able to acquire through your continued effort and unselfish drive to serve those who needed you when the call of duty came. It has been a privilege and an honor to know you as a person as well as a commissioner."
Spelman then approached the podium and stood before Lea, where the two saluted. "Semper Fi, Marine," Spelman said.
Commissioners' Chairman Larry Caddell congratulated Lea for his hard work.
"We haven't always agreed, but that's OK," he said. "Look at what we've accomplished, with 90 percent of our votes a unanimous 5-0. That's what this is all about.
"I don't know anyone who's worked harder, put in more time, or attended more meetings than Tim Lea. I prayed for this group five years ago, I've prayed ever since, and I will pray in the future for him and his family. I know that whatever he does, he will give it all he's got."
Caddell also presented a plaque to Lea on behalf of the board.
McSwain, who will retire at the end of this month, received similar treatment from the board and from county employees.
Assistant County Manager Ken Larking spoke on behalf of the county employees under McSwain.
"We would like to thank Cary for all the work he has done," Larking said. "I learned a lot about management, and the staff appreciates your service."
McSwain complimented the staff in return.
"We have a fantastic staff with a strong work ethic," he said. "They are well-trained, have a great initiative, and are of a culture characterized by innovation and creativity. I am very confident they will carry on what we've set in place."
McSwain's interim replacement, Westbrook, is a former interim city manager in Fayetteville and has worked in Moore County governmental departments on several occasions. Commissioners voted unanimously on his selection.
"I recently met with Jim Westbrook, and he said he was definitely interested in the position," Commissioner Craig Kennedy told the board. "He is ready to begin on Nov. 26."
McSwain said that Westbrook is familiar with county government.
"When we needed an upgrade to our 10-year capital improvement plan, we asked Jim to work on the plan with us," McSwain said. "During that same period we needed a public works director, and he did that. We lost our assistant county manager, so he filled both positions for a short term.
"When we had a need for a finance director, he did that as well. I think he will do an excellent job for the county."
In other action, the board voted 4-1 to stream its meetings live across the Internet. Kennedy dissented.
"I just don't see the benefit," he said. "Earlier in the meeting our interim county attorney, Jon Maxwell, said that there was a chance that a small percentage of the public could disrupt the meeting by coming in, using bad language and making a scene, all live on the Internet. I hope that doesn't happen."
Caddell gave Lea the last word of the evening after he and the other board members made brief comments of congratulations and praise to their outgoing colleague.
"At one point we have all had personal relationships with each other," Lea said. "But as they say, friends can't always be in business together, and friends can't be in politics together. But our interaction has been hardy.
"I applaud the board and I wish you Godspeed. I know you will continue to do what is in the best interest for this county."
The board meets again on Dec. 3.
Contact John Lentz at (910) 693-2479 or jlentz@thepilot.com.
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Comments
clodfelter37 6 months ago
I will miss T. Cary McSwain. A lot.
Toda 6 months ago
The only truly representative of and for the people has stepped aside which is nothing less than regrettable. Tim is a political representative of all the people and not one with self-serving interests.
oldtimer 6 months ago
So, Toda, are you suggesting YOU would have been the "voice of reason" needed in Moore County? That's behind us, isn't it - or is this simply more of your sour grapes logic?
cooldaddy 6 months ago
So tell us what happened when you tried to run Toda? Didn't you try? I heard something about the names you needed and not getting them in correctly? ...and are you going to run?
Toda 6 months ago
oldtimer => Perhaps a visit to your optometrist is in order given the fact that no where did I make any comment about myself!
So are you going to run when you are old enough?
Toda 6 months ago
Joe-cooldaddy it looks like we are going to have an interesting 4 more years of egotistical self-serving business men looking for opportunity to sell their products.
djcalaska 6 months ago
I am deeply sorry for missing the last meeting of Tim Lea and Cary McSwain. Tim Lea stood for what he felt was right for the citizens in many meetings I attended. Tim stood firm and argued his points well and with vigor. Many times he was alone in his corner and he did not back down. This is a good representative. He represented what he felt was in the best interest of the citizens well. Cary McSwain seemed to know everything, about everything, as the County Manager. Both of these men served Moore County well and deserve a great deal of gratitude for their service. Thanks and best wishes to both in their future!
cooldaddy 6 months ago
lol...you are sooo lost in so many ways. If the law has not changed, I am much older than the minimum age to run for office. not happening though. I almost...(ALMOST) cannot believe you transfer blame for your failed attempt at CC to the authority who verifies the petition.
tarheelborn 6 months ago
Well all I have to say is THANK GOODNESS CM is GONE, but not before he abused our county of relentless lies and spending costs, we could and should have abandoned! As for Tim. Yes he has been a lone wolf crying in the wilderness at times... However, it remains to be seen WHY he REALLY decided not to run again. One would think it has a lot to do with the Crazy Idea of a Regional MEGA SITE! It's not only SPECULATION Wasting of Tax Payer Money, it's Also a Waste of FIRST BANK'S Resources. But there again what are the Banks anyway, but Speculators using investors money... It was a different bank when Jimmy Garner started working there and really did a Great Job. That's one reason why we liquidated all our shares of First Bank. We were afraid of what was and is now become of our local hometown bank...
Toda 6 months ago
Well Joe Cool
Toda 6 months ago
djcalaska
At least 59% of eligible voters chose not to cast a vote for Picerno. Those numbers should say something to his demeanor and ethics while holding office.