New ABC member quits before starting

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A man who was supposed to be one of New Hanover County’s new ABC Board members has declined his offer for the position. The county says John Lyon has decided not to take the position as a board member after he applied and was chosen for the job.

Lyon was supposed to serve a one-year term. He works for the regional division of AT&T and recently received more responsibilities with the company. After receiving the appointment to the ABC Board, he decided he could not handle both jobs.

The County Commission plans to appoint a new board member at its meeting Monday.

“They’re term doesn’t start till July, so this is plenty of time,” county finance director Avril Pinder, who is an interim member of the Board since the former members quit earlier this year, said. “I thought he did excellent letting us know early rather than later, so I don’t think there’s any problems at this point in time.”

The two members chosen with Lyon accepted their position. They are David Matthews and Thomas Wolfe. Wolfe will act as chair and serve a three-year term.