McKamey takes helm of Anderson County Commission
Vice Chairwoman Shelly Vandagriff, Chairman Robert McKamey and Parliamentarian Ebony Capshaw sit together at the center of the dais after getting those positions during the Tuesday County Commission meeting. (photo:Ben Pounds )
He beat previous Chairwoman Denise Palmer in an 8-7 vote.
Commissioner Shelly Vandagriff won vice chairwoman by acclimation.
McKamey then chose to appoint Commissioner Ebony Capshaw as parliamentarian.
“I appreciate him having faith in me to carry out the duties of that position,” Capshaw said.
Elizabeth “Liz” Henry was absent from the meeting and Mayor Terry Frank said she had decided not to be sworn in Tuesday morning along with others who won commission seats in the Aug. 6 election. Her District 8 seat will be back on the ballot in the Nov. 3 election.
“The ones that I have had talked with, I’ve said that I would be fair but firm,” said McKamey regarding his theory on how to be commissioner as well as now chairman after his appointment. “I just hope if we are unified we can handle the good, the bad and the ugly.”
“I’m just happy to support the commission,” said Vandagriff. “I look forward to the next year and the ability to serve.”
Voting for McKamey were Commissioners Steven Verran, Jeff Pack, Tim Isbel, Tracy Wandell, Ebony Capshaw, Sharon Capshaw, Robert McKamey and Shannon Grey.
Voting for Palmer were Commissioners Shain Vowell, Michael Foster, Jawrell Cook, Shelly Vandagriff, Palmer, Chad McNabb and Aaron Wells.
Palmer congratulated McKamey.
“It’s been a joy and a pleasure,” she said of her time as chair.