Pender County commissioner appointee faces challenges ahead of swearing-in

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) — A former Pender County Board of Education member is set to be sworn in as a county commissioner next week, despite challenges filed by residents seeking to overturn her appointment.

Two challenges were filed against Beth Burns’ appointment to the Pender County Board of Commissioners.

One challenge questioned whether Burns could serve as a county commissioner while also holding a seat on the Pender County Board of Education. Burns has since announced her resignation from the school board.

The second challenge alleges that Burns’ husband, Jim Burns, cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of her appointment.

Pender County Republican Party Chairman Joshua Smith said family members are not required to recuse themselves from votes.

“Jim Burns, who is Beth Burns’ husband, also sits on the executive committee. He is the soil and water supervisor, so he did earn a spot on the executive committee. He partook in that vote, which again, he did have approval,” Smith said.

Burns is scheduled to be sworn in Tuesday during the Pender County Board of Commissioners meeting.