Cherry, Hoggard return to leadership roles

Published 9:57 pm Wednesday, December 3, 2008

WINDSOR — The Bertie County Commissioners reorganized Monday morning – sort of. While officially holding their annual reorganization meeting, nothing changed among the leadership of the board as Commissioner Norman M. Cherry Sr. will remain chairman and Commissioner L.C. Hoggard III will continue as Vice Chairman. Bertie County Manager Zee Lamb officially opened the meeting and called on Commissioner J. Wallace Perry to lead the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Perry joked that it was appropriate for him to lead the meeting at that time since “I am the only sitting commissioner here.” The three recently re-elected members of the board had not been sworn in for their new terms and Commissioner Rick Harrell was not at the meeting. Following the pledge, Bertie County Assistant Clerk of Court Faye Anderson administered the oath of office to Cherry, Hoggard and Commissioner Charles L. Smith. Lamb then asked for nominations for the position of chairman of the board. Perry nominated Cherry with Smith offering a second. The motion passed without objection and Cherry took the gavel and resumed the leadership role he has held for the past year. “Thank you to my fellow board members for giving me the opportunity to serve another year,” Cherry said. “We had a great year last year. “We have and will continue to work together,” Cherry pledged. “We sometimes have a difference of opinion, but we never fail to do what we believe is in the best interest of the citizens of Bertie County.” Cherry then asked for nominations for Vice Chairman and Smith submitted Hoggard’s name. Perry offered a second. The motion passed by a unanimous vote. Hoggard, who is serving his third term as the board’s vice chair, also said he was thankful for the board’s vote of confidence. “I want to thank the board for their faith in me to continue as Vice Chairman,” Hoggard said. “I also want to thank the public for supporting me and voting me in for my third term. There’s something about that number three. “I know the board will continue to do good things,” he added. “We all look forward to serving the people of Bertie County. My top priority, along with my fellow board members, is to do what is best for Bertie County and to keep this a place where people are happy to call home.” Hoggard said he would continue to be an advocate for recreation, youth and senior citizens.