By Sarah Stephens
Elmore Autauga News
Elmore County Commissioners were officially sworn in for four more years Tuesday morning before a huge crowd in the courtroom of the downtown Wetumpka Courthouse.
Among them is Brad Davis, who is the newest member. He fills the seat for District 2, formerly held by longtime commission member Mack Daugherty, who retired.
The only seat to face an election contender was for District 5. Incumbent Desirae Lewis Jackson retained that seat in an election over Jacquelyn Long-Thomas, winning every voting box in the district.
For District 1, Bart Mercer was again voted Chairman for the next four years. He chose Henry Hines, District 1, to serve as his Vice Chair. It was approved unanimously by the entire commission.
Surrounded by family and friends, each commissioner was sworn into office. Henry Hines, Dennis Hill, Bart Mercer and Desirae Jackson were sworn in by Judge Bill Lewis. Davis was sworn in by Probate Judge John Thornton.
The ceremony was followed by a combined Commission Work Session and Business Meeting where the members also approved their operational rules. The term for this recently elected Commission will run through November 2028.
Chairman Bart Mercer expressed his appreciation to the commission for their confidence.
“I consider the responsibilities that I have to be very serious. I take the duty of chairman as a high honor,” Mercer said.
As he made his recommendation for Hines as Vice Chairman, he explained that he believes Hines has the qualities to assist him over the next four years for extremely important projects and plans for Elmore County.
In Reports from Commissioners, each spoke to the large crowd in attendance.
Henry Hines, District 1, said, “I just want to thank the residents of Elmore County for reelecting me to serve the county for the next four years. It is an honor to be awarded this position to work with the citizens and help them every way I can. My phone line is always open to help, and not hinder.”
New Commissioner Brad Davis, District 2, echoed the same sentiments, saying he is looking forward to working with the commission. “It is a privilege.”
Dennis Hill, District 3, said, “I just want to say thank you to everybody here. I am thankful that the Lord opened the door for me to be a county commissioner and continues to keep that door open for me and my wife. I credit her, because a lot of times when I come home at night, and I am frustrated about something, she says, ‘Sit down, be in prayer, and if you don’t understand it, call Bart,” with laughter erupting. “(My wife) is my lifeline, she keeps me grounded.”
He then credited the commission for the ability to work through issues and accomplish so much. He said that was not always the case in the past.
Desirae Lewis Jackson. District 5, said, “Four years ago, I sat in this spot, green-eyed and didn’t know anything in the world and the courtroom didn’t look like this. I am looking out and seeing so many of my District 5 residents. All I can say to my district is thank you so much for electing me to serve a second term. Our district, previously, was not unified. We have worked so hard together, and I always say there is no we, there is no I, we are a team that works together to move our district forward in Elmore County.” She said that the commission as a whole now works very hard together, have some fun along the way, but also handles the business of the county.
Chairman Mercer, District 4, said, “This is my third term, and I feel like it is an honor to serve the residents of District 4 and Elmore County, and especially as chairman. I welcome Commissioner Davis. He has been to many of our commission meetings before and I feel that he is well prepared to take this job. Commissioner Davis, there is a seek help under that chair. You will need it at times. But I know you are ready.” He continued, “Sometimes this job is not easy, but it is what we signed up for. We are trying to improve the county. I say many times, if there is a question that (residents) have about something that we are doing, or something that you heard, please call us. If you go to our website and you find our picture, those numbers there are our personal cell phone numbers. My phone rings all the time. I would rather you call me and ask a question when you read something online and take it as truth, and then act on it. We spend a lot of our time trying to unravel things that are not true.”
He said no one should ever call him and say, “I am sorry to bother you.” He thanked his family, commissioners and county staff for the incredible work they do.
For additional information on the Elmore County Commission, including Commission meeting dates and County holiday schedule, please visit www.elmoreco.org
