Buchanan's letter of resignation

Choking back sobs, Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Stacy Buchanan held his head down as he read a half-page statement announcing his resignation at a specially called meeting Monday.

“I shall forever be grateful to the citizens of Jackson County for placing their trust in me over six years ago when they first elected me to serve,” Buchanan said. “I thank you for your understanding and patience as we worked through the process.”

Buchanan cited his acceptance of a position as assistant head football coach and co-offensive coordinator at Smoky Mountain High School and an inability to split time between his school and public service careers as the reason for his resignation.

“It has become increasingly impossible to devote the necessary time to all my current obligations and responsibilities,” Buchanan said. “In reality, all my current obligations and responsibilities demand nothing short of one’s full attention and dedication leaving no room for any new and additional responsibilities.”

Buchanan’s resignation will not take effect for four months, coinciding with the end of the 2005 fiscal year on June 30.

“I have enjoyed the challenges of the position, but my desire to advance in my primary career teaching and coaching positions, as well as the overall well being of my family, will make it necessary to step down at that time,” Buchanan said.

In the meanwhile, Buchanan said he will work to complete many “unfinished tasks” and will remain available from an advisory standpoint to ensure a smooth transition.

“Stacy and I began this journey together, so it is with great difficulty that I accept this letter,” said Vice Chairman Roberta Crawford, who took over as interim chairman immediately after Buchanan’s announcement.

According to County Government in North Carolina — published by the Institute of Government at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill — remaining commissioners must appoint Buchanan’s successor. The person appointed must be of the same political party — in this case, Democratic — and the executive committee of that party has the right to be consulted in regards to the appointment.

The executive committee is comprised of a chair and vice chair from each of the county’s voting precincts. In a weighed voting system, the two equally divide the number of votes allocated to each precinct. Allocation is based on the number of votes cast for the Democratic nominee in the last governor’s election. For every 100 votes the nominee receives, the precinct earns one vote. Each precinct is entitled to at least one vote, said Scott Falmlen, executive director of the N.C. Democratic Party. Those who took advantage of one-stop or absentee voting do not count toward vote allocation.

Jackson County’s Democratic executive committee is expected to have 65 or 66 votes, said local Democratic Party Chairman Nelson Bumgarner.

If the executive committee’s recommendation for appointment is made within 30 days of the seat becoming vacant, remaining commissioners are obligated to support the committee’s nominee. The appointee will hold office until the end of the original member’s term. Buchanan would have been up for re-election in November 2006.

The new appointment will be filling Buchanan’s seat as chairman, not just as a county commissioner. Anyone who would otherwise be considered eligible for election is eligible for the seat. That may include standing commissioners, Falmlen said. The person appointed will hold incumbent status as an appointed rather than elected official. Bumgarner said that county Democrats have yet to begin seriously considering any replacements for Buchanan, as the chairman’s letter is subject to interpretation.

Buchanan began the letter with “I will be resigning ... effective June 30” and ended with “this letter of resignation is respectfully submitted as a matter of official notification of my intentions.”

Whether or not the words “will be” and “intentions” affect the way the appointment process should be handled — or even when it should begin — is a matter the state Democratic Party will determine, Bumgarner said. A response from the state party is expected later this week, Bumgarner said.

However, county attorney Paul Holt interpreted Buchanan’s letter as matter of fact during the meeting and said he wasn’t sure that commissioners needed to wait until June 30 to look for a new chairman.

“He’s resigned,” Holt said.

Buchanan’s fellow county commissioners expressed regret concerning his decision to leave the board.

“I’m a young man, but I’ve served under and alongside some good people,” said commissioner Eddie Madden, his voice faltering. “I had a great deal of respect for him, so it’s hard not be a little bit saddened by this decision. Nevertheless, I respect it.”

Commissioner Brian McMahan could understand Buchanan’s decision.

“He has to do what his heart tells him to do,” McMahan said.

Commissioner Joe Cowan was absent from the meeting.