BY KARISSA MILLER
Incumbent Iredell County commissioners Gene Houpe, Melissa Neader and Scottie Brown took the oath of office Monday morning for their new terms during a meeting at the Iredell County Government Center in Statesville.
Senior Resident Superior Court Judge Joseph Crosswhite administered the oath to Houpe and Neader, who were elected to four-year terms in November, and Brown, who won a two-year term.
The three Republican commissioners put their hand on a Bible and promised to “faithfully and impartially” uphold local, state and federal laws and to execute the role of county commissioner to the best of their skill and ability.
Houpe, a retired law enforcement officer and owner of a local carpet cleaning business, was accompanied by his wife Tonya and daughters Madison and Peyton for the swearing-in ceremony.
“We have one of the best counties in the state,” Houpe said. “I’ve always been one of the hardest working commissioners. I will continue to work hard for the citizens of this county.”
“I’m honored to serve and thank the citizens for voting for me,” he added.
Neader, a retired McDonald’s franchise owner, was accompanied by her husband Mike and son Nick. Her daughters Eliza Kay and Jennie weren’t able to attend, but Neader said that her family is her biggest supporter.
She thanked voters for their support.
“I feel truly led to serve. I used my mom’s Bible today, which was very special to me,” she said.
Neader said being a commissioner isn’t about a title or status — it’s about being part of a great team.
“Without each individual, we’d be a weak team. I’m glad that we have a strong team,” she said.
Brown, the owner of Zootastic Park in Troutman, thanked the voters for their support and said it’s an honor and privilege to serve them.
Commissioner Bert Connolly congratulated each commissioner after the swearing-in ceremony, and said all five commissioners have an important function and role on the board.
Commissioner Brad Stroud said that sometimes the board disagrees, but that at the end of the day they all get along and work together.
Board elects new chair and vice chair
After the swearing-in ceremony, Connolly was elected chair by the board, and Neader was elected vice chair.
Connolly, in an interview, said he appreciates the confidence the board has in his ability to lead.
“We have a strong board, and it takes all five us to serve more than 200,000 people in this county,” he said. “Melissa and I work good together and all we did was swap seats. However, it takes all five of us working together because our decisions impact taxes, the ability to fund schools, animal services, health sciences and many other services.”
Houpe cast the lone dissenting vote in the chair and vice chair selections. He said that he voted against Connolly as chair and Neader as vice chair because “tradition was not followed.”
Houpe, the longest-serving commissioner and top-vote getter in the November 5 election, explained that in the past the board has followed a tradition of electing the top vote-getter to serve as chair.
Sometimes the person who receives the most votes has opted to not accept the leadership position, he said. Houpe said that he wasn’t asked by the other board members if he wanted to be chair.
Other Business
In other matters, the board reappointed Lisa Valdez as county attorney.