New Dare County Board of Commissioners is seated

Published 12:55 pm Monday, December 9, 2024

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The Dare County Board of Commissioners, from left, back: Carson Creef, Ervin Bateman, Mary Ellon Balance and Michael Burrus; and front: Steve House, Robert L. “Bob” Woodard and Rob Ross. Courtesy Dare County

Carson Creef, from District 1, was sworn in with Kenny Midgett holding the Bible. Courtesy Dare County

Michael Burrus, from District 1, was sworn in was his mother Conchita Burrus holding the Bible. Courtesy Dare County

Robert L. “Bob” Woodard, reelected from District 2, was sworn in with his wife Linda Woodard, his son Robbie Woodard and two grandsons Tyler and Cody, holding the Bible. Courtesy Dare County

Steve House, reelected from District 3, was sworn in with Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie holding the Bible. Courtesy Dare County

Mary Ellon Ballance, from District 4, was sworn in with her son Wheeler Ballance held the Bible along with her spouse Todd Ballance. Courtesy Dare County

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On Dec. 2, 2024, newly elected and reelected individuals took the Oath of Office to become the new Dare County Board of Commissioners.

Family members and supporters came to the Commissioners Meeting Room in Manteo to witness the event.

Clerk to the Board of Commissioners Skyler Foley administered the oath as follows:

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– Carson Creef, from District 1. Holding the Bible for Creef was Kenny Midgett. District 1 contains East Lake, Stumpy Point, Manns Harbor and Roanoke Island including Manteo and Wanchese.

– Michael Burrus, also from District 1. Holding the Bible for him was his mother Conchita Burrus. Burrus was elected to complete the unexpired term of Commissioner James P. “Jim” Tobin, who died Oct. 18, 2023.

– Robert L. “Bob” Woodard, reelected from District 2. Holding the Bible for him was his spouse Linda Woodard, his son Robbie Woodard and two grandsons Tyler and Cody. District 2 has Kill Devil Hills, Colington and Nags Head.

– Steve House, reelected from District 3. The Bible was held by Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie. District 3 contains Duck, Southern Shores and Kitty Hawk.

– Mary Ellon Ballance, from District 4. Her son Wheeler Ballance held the Bible along with her spouse Todd Ballance. District 4 covers the unincorporated villages on Hatteras Island.

Following the oath taking, the clerk called for nominations for chairman of the board. Commissioner Rob Ross nominated Bob Woodard. The nominations were closed and the vote for Woodard was unanimous.

Woodard then called for nominations for vice chairman of the Board. Commissioner Ervin Bateman nominated Steve House for vice chairman. The nominations were closed. House was elected unanimously.

During his opening comments, Woodard said “it takes a lot of hard work and commitment to run for office.” He congratulated those who joined him on the podium.

He continued, “Today, let us celebrate the strength, diversity and unity of our community. Please know that each one of you plays a vital role in making our community vibrant and resilient. Let us take this opportunity to appreciate the contributions and efforts of every member, and to build on the foundation of mutual respect and support.

“I believe, that we as a society must start to look past our differences and begin to honestly work towards focusing on our commonalities. We are all humans, and our focus must be towards improving the conditions for all human beings. Whether as a community member, educator, clergy member, police officer, elected official, student, or homemaker, we all have a platform to make our world a better place. Open dialogue will be key and being willing to see from one another’s perspective will be essential in achieving positive results for our community and nation.”

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