Interim County Manager Chosen for Top Job
Wayne Vest
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The Moore County Board of Commissioners has named Tax Administrator Wayne Vest the new county manager.
Vest, who has served as interim county manager since December, was chosen during a closed session meeting prior to Tuesday's regular meeting of the board.
The new manager said he foresaw "no big changes" in his new role.
"I plan to continue to work with the board and county department directors to facilitate the plans they have for the county," Vest said. "We've got the budget coming up, which is a big project, of course, and will just be doing what needs to be done as we finish out the current fiscal year."
Vest initially took the place of the late Jim Westbrook, who died in an automobile accident on Nov. 27, the day after Westbrook began his duties as interim manager. The previous county manager, Cary McSwain, retired Nov. 30.
Commissioners' Chairman Nick Picerno praised Vest as the person that board members hoped would accept the county manager position.
"Wayne was an early favorite of the board, even before I was re-elected and Randy Saunders became the newest commissioner," he said. "We are glad he has agreed to join us."
Picerno said the board, convinced that Vest was the best choice for the position, never reached the interview stage with other applicants.
"Wayne works well with the board and with other county departments, and to me he was the obvious choice," Picerno said.
Other board members congratulated Vest on his new position.
"This is a great day for Moore County," Commissioner Larry Caddell said. "There are a lot of people who don't know you as well as we do, but we already know that you will do a great job."
Commissioner Jimmy Melton said that Vest's credentials reflect well on all county employees.
"When I look back on Wayne's outstanding service to the county, it speaks well to have this caliber of person to promote (from within) to the position of county manager. We are fortunate to have him."
In other news, Moore County Board of Elections Director Glenda Clendenin recognized precinct officials and presented a report on the 2012 general election to county commissioners.
"It is our honor and privilege tonight to have with us some of our precinct officials from the 2012 election," she said, referring to the large audience behind her. "This represents between one-third and one- half of everyone who participated."
Clendenin then introduced Board of Elections Chairman Ansel Graham and board member Susan Adams. In addition to the election board members, staff and election workers, she also thanked the county property management department and the Sheriff's Department for their assistance.
"We couldn't do what we do without them," she said, calling for a round of applause. "With a full-time staff of three, it would be impossible for us to 'get the job done' without the help of other county departments. We thank all the county departments and administrators that help make our job easier, and we appreciate your support and for what you do to ensure democracy."
Clendenin also addressed election results in the county.
"Some people said we couldn't surpass the 2008 presidential election (for the numbers of voters), but 2012 came awfully close, and we set some records here in Moore County," Clendenin said.
Moore County ranked seventh highest in the state out of all 100 counties in 2012, Clendenin said, with a 72.5 percent turnout versus 75.91 in 2008. The state average was 68.4 percent in 2012 and 69.93 in 2008.
Clendenin acknowledged the board as well.
"The Moore County Board of Elections wishes to express our appreciation to the Moore County Board of Commissioners," she said. "Through your support, we are able to deliver exemplary voter services and ensure this most precious right, the right to vote."
In other action, the board:
n Approved FirstCarolina Care to be the county's medical plan administrator, and the Ameritas corporation to serveas the dental plan administrator for county employees.
n Heard a presentation on the county's fire service agency evaluation and emergency service master plan from Ryan Pietzsch, education specialist for the Volunteer Firemen's Insurance Services Inc. A final report will be available by the end of March.
n Approved budget amendments that included a transfer of more than $4 million from the fund balance to the capital reserve.
"I would like to point out in these budget amendments that $4 million is being transferred," Picerno said. "I'd like to congratulate our department heads and employees for working really hard to keep costs down so that we can show $4 million of savings in our last year's budget.
"I think it shows a real good example of how government can be run."
Contact John Lentz at (910) 693-2479 or jlentz@the pilot.com.
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Comments
Toda 2 months ago
"Picerno said the board, convinced that Vest was the best choice for the position, never reached the interview stage with other applicants."
cmptrepair 2 months ago
3 months experience is better than none at all. maybe the state will give him comfort and help him with his job.
alladat1 2 months ago
This says it all: "I plan to continue to work with the board and county department directors to facilitate the plans they have for the county," (the plans they have)
onlyme 2 months ago
First of all, congratulations Wayne! I am sure you will do a terrific job in your new position--just as you have done in the previous positions you've held. Second, a question to Toda. You seem very hung up on the fact that Wayne has no experience as a county manager. The question that I pose to you is this--How is anyone ever supposed to be "experienced" if people like you aren't willing to give them a chance? To gain experience, you must be allowed a chance to prove yourself. Right? He had never been the person in charge of the tax department before took that position but he has done a great job with that. And, knowing Wayne, this will be no different. Whether in textiles, taxes or other jobs Wayne has held--he has done a great job. Surprisingly enough, hard work and integrity can still get you places. Thus, he has arrived where he is today. Not everyone cheats and lies their way into their careers. You also make this slur about a "yes man"--if you know him, you know that is certainly not his style--and if you dont know him, then you should not make the accusation. Third, @ alladat1 -- I see no problem with him working with the board and county directors to facilitate plans--no matter who's plans they are, as long as they are in the best interest of the county. Being a native of this county, I can hardly believe that he would want anything less than it's best interests. And to be honest--people on any level of government "working together" would be a nice change. It is my feeling that if he had said that he wasnt willing to work with them--you wouldn't have liked that either. Last, again best wishes to the new county manager. Remember that MOST of the people in this county are happy for you and know that you will go a great job.
AFCHIEF 2 months ago
Onlyme, please excuse Toda he has ill will towards anyone other than himself
Toda 2 months ago
onlyme => "-How is anyone ever supposed to be "experienced" if people like you aren't willing to give them a chance? To gain experience, you must be allowed a chance to prove yourself. Right?"
The appointment of one who wasn't qualified has been discussed of months in back rooms and over lunch by many people in Moore County. Wayne's appointment came as no surprise to those of us who keep our ear to the rail so to speak.
Toda 2 months ago
Chief you don't know me or have a clue what I know about the shenanigans going on in Carthage. Since you are so opinionated, and such a learned individual, why do you hide behind a blue stripped avatar and screen name? That gives you all kinds of credibility. A faceless, nameless, person behind a computer. Let's start with the obvious before making unfounded and opinionated comments.
Toda 2 months ago
" You also make this slur about a "yes man"--if you know him, you know that is certainly not his style"
Micromanaging by elected officials of personnel and department operations is the job of the county manager and not commissioners.
Being a "yes man" is the reason Wayne got the job because no one else would tolerate what is going on in Carthage. I never said Wayne was not well educated or a good person ... I've never questioned his background ~ only his learning curve in such a position at whose expense? Nick and Larry have wanted complete control over the entire county operations and now they have it!
AFCHIEF 2 months ago
Toda so because you put your picture on your posts that gives you the right to degrade everyone on the blogs, Moore county politicians, sheriffs dept, and the list goes on
njc17 2 months ago
Awww TODA, ease up. As for the interim County manager---He knows the county better than any outsider 'they' might bring in. Having been on the job for a few months he know the issues facing the county, and regardless of who 'they' might think of hiring, 'they' will hire whoever follows 'their' direction. That's what any county board does.
fugitiveguy 2 months ago
Toda, when BHO was elected in 2008 he wasn't even close to being qualified yet you support him wholeheartedly. Least qualified of any president EVER! 4years and an additional 6T of debt later you still sing his praises. BHO is going to impact our lives in a negative way far more than Mr Vest even if he does a poor job (which I doubt). Congratulations Mr Vest and good luck in your new position.
Toda 2 months ago
AFCHIEF and yet you continue to hide. Emboldened I would say because some take issues with the facts. Give it up gas can ... you washed up when you became a faceless, troll, while taking up space with threads of no consequence to anyone but in your demented mind.
Toda 2 months ago
Well njc 17 => "Having been on the job for a few months" that makes everything alright. The Sheriff's departments requirements are even less ... not excepting nepotism. As long as I have the constitution to bring to light the subliminal behaviors of MoF and their behind the doors management style in violation of North Carolina's Sunshine Law, and Larry Caddell playing attorney without a license in an effort to endorse corruption, I will speak out.
Please njc. tell me which other community college in North Carolina has a police department in the city limits of an incorporated municipality?
Toda 2 months ago
Awww ~ fugitiveguy, as usual change the direction of a topic by interjecting nonsense. BHO is mixed race and Wayne is white.
Now - Mr. Vest has been appointed county manager: now go back and take a look at Ken Larking's experience which is enough to land a county managers position in a much larger county. Why wasn't Ken given the position in December? Handwriting on the wall perhaps? You are much more intelligent than not seeing the differences and the subliminal relationship.
AFCHIEF 2 months ago
Toda back on your mindless rant again about the sheriffs dept.
fugitiveguy 2 months ago
"BHO is mixed race and Wayne is white."
You lost me on that one. I didn't mention race and I fail to understand what that has to do with anything.
Toda 1 month, 4 weeks ago
Fugie => no more so than you bringing into the conversation BHO ...
Sir => you moved off topic ~ not I....Cheers
fugitiveguy 1 month, 4 weeks ago
"Sir => you moved off topic ~ not I....Cheers"
No, I made a related comparison and I still fail to see what the race of either man has any relevance. Obama's race has never been a factor for me and I think I would be safe to say it didn't for most of the conservatives that post here despite may claims by the left to the contrary.
Toda 1 month, 4 weeks ago
onlyme, "and if you dont know him, then you should not make the accusation."
Now let's review the commissioners experience who are now micromanaging county government.
The bottom line, Wayne has been thrown to the wolves so to speak. No one has the experience or educational background to operate county government. Period!
Wayne has performed an exceptional job in the Tax Department - one of the highest in our state. He was trained and mentored as an assistant to Eddie Parrish...note an assistant.
The job of the County Board of Commissioners is to set "policy and procedures". Not to enter departments and micromanage county departments; the role of a county manager is to "implement" policy and procedure of the MCBoC's . By adding their "expertise", the county is at risk since not one of the players has any experience. Period! Learn by the seat of your pants and have Wayne Vest as the fall guy if and when problems arise in county government....
Toda 1 month, 4 weeks ago
fugitiveguy => "No, I made a related comparison"
fugitiveguy 1 month, 4 weeks ago
Toda, I thought I was fairly clear. It appears you think Mr Vest is not qualified for the job based on your posting. My point is that not one supporter of BHO has been able to justify in any way his being qualified to hold the office. (speaking of 2008). I was pointing out the inconsistency of supporting a clearly unqualified candidate for the highest office in the land vs questioning the lack of qualifications of a county manager. I think an unqualified POTUS has much greater likely hood of calamity.