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CHARLOTTE, NC — A power struggle among Democrats at the Mecklenburg County Commissioner’s swearing-in ceremony left the board breaking tradition.
The commissioners began the term with controversy by choosing to elect someone to chair who did not receive the most votes during the election.
Traditionally, they would appoint Pat Cotham as Chair because she was the highest vote-getter in the election. Instead, they went with Trevor Fuller. He was the third highest vote-getter, behind Ella Scarborough.
After the swearing-in ceremony and the vote, Cotham told the crowd, “People are watching.” Just some of the passionate words commissioners spoke.
Her opponent, Fuller, questioned, “Do you really think those people care who the chairman of the commission is?”
Mostly, the crowd cheered. One person spouted, “I care. I voted!”
She voted for Cotham.
Traditionally, Cotham would be chair of the commission because of the amount of votes she received on election day. It’s a position that is paid $31,472 compared to the $25,177 a commissioner receives.
Also, the Chair has a bigger office and tie-breaker status on the board.
“It’s not about me. It’s about the people, and their votes are not counting,” said Cotham. “That’s disrespectful, and for Democrats to do that, that’s troubling.”
Cotham told WCCB Charlotte before the vote that she knew Fuller would be Chair. Both are Democrats. In fact, six out of the nine commissioners are democrat. Competition among the party had voters speaking out.
“When the public speaks, and the person who gets the most votes does not get elected as chair, I just believe is really unfair,” said Nate Turner.
Chad Sevearance agreed, “I’m really upset. I’m hurt that, I am a Democrat, and for our Democratic party to do something like this.”
Cotham served as Chair in 2012. In 2013, commissioners ousted her for the way she handled the firing of County Manager Harry Jones.
“The county needed a new direction,” said Cotham. “We put the county in a new direction.”
Her message now: “The people are watching. Let’s work together for the people.”
Fuller clapped with that ending, a message all commissioners pushed Monday.
