Haynes selected to Wilmington City Council

WILMINGTON — For years, Margaret Haynes has been known as New Hanover County’s Board of Elections chair. She’ll soon resign from that position, after being selected Tuesday night to fill Jason Thompson’s spot on the Wilmington City Council. “I’m looking forward to the process and I know it’ll be a challenge, but sounds great. I’m really looking forward to it,” she said.

Councilman Earl Sheridan said, “She will bring a knowledge of public affairs around the Wilmington area and I think she’s a person that will listen.”

Council members selected their top four picks of the 37 people who applied for Thompson’s seat after he was elected to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners. Haynes was the only name to appear on every council member’s list, but the final selection wasn’t unanimous; Jim Quinn voted for Mark Saulnier.

Mayor Bill Saffo said, “It is very unusual and very tough when we have to make the decisions that the voters usually do.”

Haynes, a realtor, said the city’s financial challenge is her top priority going into her new role. She admits she needs to read up on issues like annexation, but said she understands the basis of being a good council member. “Listening to what people’s needs are, their concerns are, and trying to bring together the role of government and trying to meet those needs in an efficient and effective, cost-effective, way,” she said.

Haynes will take her oath of office at the first council meeting in January.