By Kim Lewicki, Highlands Newspaper
At the December 14 Town Board meeting, the three newly elected Town Board members, John Dotson, Brian Stiehler, and Jeff Weller were sworn into office by MC Clerk of Superior Court Shawna Lamb.
Of Highlands 1,013 registered voters, only 420 turned out to vote with more than half of those registered to vote not casing a ballot.
Incumbent Commissioner Brian Stiehler got the highest number of votes at 285 and now embarks on his fourth, 4-year term. On election day, 97 people voted for him, 185 voted early and 3 voted absentee.
Next up was newcomer Jeff Weller who got 255 votes – 103 cast on election day, 149 early voters and 3 voted absentee.
Third up, was incumbent John “Buz” Dotson who got 235 votes and now embarks on his fifth, 4-year term. On election day 69 people voted for him, 163 voted early and 3 voted absentee.
When asked for comments, Commissioner Dotson simply said, “Merry Christmas!”
Commissioner Stiehler said he always looks forward to the December meeting because Commissioner Dotson comes dressed for the season in his red jacket, festive tie and socks.
Commissioner Weller said he was excited to be on the board. “I look forward to working with everyone,” he said.
Prior to the swearing in, Mayor Pat Taylor presented out-going Commissioner Marc Hehn with a plaque of appreciation for his time on the board.
Hehn thanked the mayor and the board and “the amazing employees who accomplish so much with the tools they have to work with.”
Mayor Pat Taylor presented Commissioner Hehn with a plaque of appreciation.
He came to the board with the Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in his sights and said he was disappointed that the issue of hospital employee housing didn’t become a reality.
“Hospital housing is needed. We were able to recruit four doctors but two moved away due to the lack of housing,” he said. “But I think the town has a very bright future.”
In January the regular Worksession and Town Board meetings will resume – that being the third Thursday of each month with the worksession at 6 p.m. and the Town Board meeting beginning at 7 p.m.
Pictured at the top of the article, Clerk of Macon County Superior Court Shawna Lamb administered the Oath of Office for Highlands’ newly elected commissioners. From left are Commissioners Buz Dotson, Jeff Weller, and Brian Stiehler.