GOP Executive Comm. appoints Carter to fill commissioner's term

Article Submitted The Clay County Republican Party Executive Committee met on Monday, March 30 and selected William E. “Bill” Carter Jr. to serve the remaining term of former Commissioner Dwight Penland. The GOP Executive Committee was required by state statute to first select someone to fill the Interim vacancy ending on the first Monday in December of this year. Carter was the only nominee for that slot and was elected by acclimation. The other selection was for a candidate to appear on the November ballot in a special election to determine who will serve the remaining two years of Commissioner Penland’s term ending in 2028. In that selection process, Carter faced another GOP nominee, Christian Reagan, who was a primary candidate in the March GOP Primary Election, finishing fourth among Republican candidates. Carter was selected to fill the November ballot candidacy. Carter is a Clay County native, the son of the late William E. Carter Sr. and Leslie Carter. He is a graduate of Hayesville High School and Western Carolina University with a degree in industrial technology. He had a nearly 40 year career in the transportation business, ultimately retiring from FedEx after serving in a number of management roles. He currently serves on the Clay County Water and Sewer Board as a board member. For more information, call Larry J. Ford, Clay County GOP Vice-Chair: (828) 421-5721.