Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The newly appointed and returning members of the Autauga County Commission were sworn in Wednesday evening for the Oath of Office ceremony in the Autauga County Commission Chambers.
Returning members for the county commission consist of Ruston “Rusty” Jacksland representing District 1, John Thrailkill representing District 2, William “Bill” Tatum representing District 3 and Donald “Jay” Thompson representing District 4.
Terry Tanner is the newest member of the Autauga County Commission, where he will represent District 5.
The race for the District 5 seat in Autauga County consisted of former District 5 County Commissioner Larry Stoudemire, Henry Lanier and Tanner.
Tanner narrowly won the Autauga County Commission race where results on the Alabama Secretary of State website indicate that Tanner won with 48.40% of the vote and 2,264 votes, Stoudemire received 43.01% of the vote with 2,012 total votes and Henry Lanier receiving 8.36% of the vote or 391 total votes.
The ceremony started and ended with a prayer from Pastor Michael Gilyard, with remarks from Autauga County Administrator Scott Kramer, who thanked everyone for coming and congratulated the commissioners.
In closing, Autauga County Probate Judge Kim Kervin also thanked everyone for being present and thanked the returning and newly appointed commissioners for their diligent work in Autauga County.
“This is a great day for Autauga County, and I know I don’t have to remind the commissioners here as they do a great job over here. But as public officials, we represent the people who voted for us and the people that did not vote for us, and I know the commissioners are going to do a great job. We’re celebrating with you today, and we’re appreciative of all you do,” Kervin said.
In attendance to the Oath of Office Ceremony was Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie, Autauga County Sheriff Mark Harrell, Autauga County EMA Director David Bagley and Deputy EMA Director Kristen Morgan, District Court Judge Jessica Sanders, Circuit Court Judge Dee Dee Calhoon as well as other elected officials and members of the public.
The freshly appointed and reappointed commissioners also had their family present for the momentous ceremony.
Following the ceremony the commissioners held their organizational meeting, during which Commissioner Thompson was elected to serve as chairman and Thrailkill was appointed as vice-chairman.
The next Autauga County Commission meeting will be held Tuesday Nov. 19th at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers.
