Changing of guard at New Hanover County Commissioners meeting

It was an emotional night for the New Hanover County Commissioners, new and old. The night began by honoring Bill Kopp and Nancy Pritchett, the two outgoing commissioners. Kopp served four years and Pritchett served eight.

“Finishing eight years of service is a real mixed feeling. I’m going to miss it a lot, and I’m not going to miss a lot of it,” said Pritchett.

Then it was time to welcome the newcomers. Jonathan Barfield took his oath, following in his father’s footsteps, who served as a commissioner from 1980-1992.

“28 years later, on the same night, on November fourth he got elected and on November fourth I got elected and now I’m doing the same thing over, and it’s a great evening,” said Barfield.

Jason Thompson, making the move from Wilmington City Council, then took his oath. The two newest additions to the commission both have their priorities.

Thompson said, “I’d like to see curbside recycling and trash pickup throughout the county, that’s already moving forward. The other thing is we got to get a handle on the taxes and funding transportation programs throughout our area.”

“Water and sewer in Castle Hayne, it’s got to happen. It’s the least developed part of our county in terms of development and we need to have more work force housing here so the people who work here can afford to live here,” Barfield said.

Thompson said one of the biggest challenges moving from city council to county commission will be handling a budget with unfunded state mandates. The two newest commissioners looked right at home in their new seats and said they look forward to getting down to business.

Ted David was sworn in for another term and was also named the board’s new chair. Jason Thompson was named vice chairman.