Former Onslow County commissioner to fill second vacancy on board in last two years
Former Onslow County commissioner Mark Price, who lost his bid for reelection during May's primary, has found his way back onto the board of commissioners for the second time in two years without being voted into office.
Following former commissioner Jack Bright's abrupt resignation last week that he cited was for health and family reasons, the Onslow County Republican Party has recommended Price to fill Bright's seat.
Onslow County Republican Party Chairman Melinda Highers said the party had three options to fill the vacancy.
The party could choose the next highest vote-getter from the primary election, which Price was, hold a special election to include all registered Republicans in Onslow County or hold a special election with only the candidates who ran in the primary.
Monday evening, in accordance with N.C. law, the Onslow County Executive Committee voted to recommend the next in-line candidate from the most recent primary. Price was that candidate.
"Congratulations to Mark Price, who will be recommended for the replacement from the Onslow County Republican Party," Tuesday morning's Facebook announcement from the Onslow County Republican Party said.
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Highers said North Carolina statute says the Board of Commissioners must accept the nomination from the political party in which the recommendation comes from, as long as they receive it within 30 days.
Highers added the party completed this step in just under two weeks, and according to a Tuesday afternoon news release from the county, a special meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 10 a.m. for Price to take the Oath of Office.
Price previously served on the Onslow County Board of Commissioners from 2016-2022. He will occupy the seat for the remainder of Bright's term, which ends in December 2024.
This is the second time Price will take a seat on the board as a replacement for another member stepping down.
Price was serving as a commissioner when he ran for the N.C. House of Representatives District 15 held by Republican incumbent Phil Shepard in 2020. After losing to Shepard, Price was chosen to replace former commissioner William Shanahan after he stepped down in preparation for transitioning to his new judicial duties as a District Court Judge.
During that time, the GOP chose to hold a vote with 67 of the party's eligible voting members.
Members provided a secret ballot and voted on eight candidates. Names included Will Argenbright, Lori Ready-DiGiovanni, Cindy L Edwards, Barbara Humphrey Garrett, Brent Hatlestad, Cynthia LaCorte, and Dolan Oakley, along with Price.
"Onslow County is indebted for the years of dedication given by our former County Chairman Commissioner Jack Bright," Tuesday morning's post said. "A large amount of respect is deserved and should be conveyed as you have the opportunity. As most of you know, Commissioner Bright submitted a resignation for health reasons and to spend more time with family. We deeply appreciate all he has done for our county, as a strong Republican representation for us for so many years."
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Former Onslow County commissioner to fill second vacancy on board in last two years
