James Craft chosen as Long County commission chairman after leadership votes

During the board meeting that followed the Sept. 6 public hearing, commissioners debated a change in leadership. Commissioner Jeremy Hall moved to add an appointment of a new chairman to the agenda; the board approved adding the item.

Hall then moved to remove Robert Parker as chairman and nominate Vice Chairman Gerald Blocker for the post; Commissioner Blocker declined the appointment and that motion failed. Hall subsequently moved to appoint Commissioner James Craft as chairman; Commissioner Blocker seconded and the motion passed 4-1 with Chairman Robert Parker voting no. Earlier in the meeting, Blocker had declined the appointment that had been offered to him.

The board proceeded with its agenda after the change in leadership and recorded the appointment in the meeting minutes.