Carteret commissioners take oath of office

BEAUFORT - Rounds of applause recognized the service of Carteret County commissioners Monday night as one commissioner vacated his seat and three others were sworn into office.

Outgoing Commissioner Tom Steepy was presented with a plaque in appreciation for his four years of service on the Board of Commissioners.

"It's been a real pleasure for me to serve with this board and I really think we've had a strong four years," Steepy said in his final comments as a board member. "We've done a lot for the county and I'm proud I was able to be part of the process."

Steepy thanked his wife for her support during his time spent on commissioner duties and also commended the work of the county staff.

"We take action as a board but much of the work is done by the staff," he said.

While Steepy chose not to run for election to a second term, he said he still has a desire to work on projects such as public water access and transportation, two issues he was particularly interested in during his time as a commissioner.

"There are a lot of projects that are not done and that's one of the reasons I want to continue to be a part of them and asked to stay involved," he said.

Taking Steepy's seat on the board was Commissioner-elect Pat Joyce, who returns to the board after serving one term from 1996 to 2000.

Joyce said he has been satisfied with the efforts of the current board and he looks forward to working with commissioners to address issues such as water access, parks and recreation and long-term jail facility needs.

"There are many things that need attention, and I feel I have experience that can help," he said.

Joyce was sworn into office along with Commissioners Doug Harris and Holt Faircloth. Harris and Faircloth were re-elected to serve another term.

In its first action, the newly seated board selected a chairman and vice chairman.

Harris remains chairman and Faircloth continues as vice chairman. Both were nominated by Commissioner Greg Lewis and named to the posts by votes of 5-2.

Commissioner Wade Nelms nominated Commissioner Jonathan Robinson first as chairman and then as vice chair.

Staff writer Jannette Pippin can be reached at jpippin@freedomenc.com or 910-382-2557.