Woodfin – After three longtime Woodfin Town Commissioners were voted out of office in November, a fourth has now announced his resignation. Longtime Town Commissioner Jim Angel, citing health reasons, resigned on December 23. The resignation was just made public in an email from the town on Friday (Jan. 7).
Angel served the town as an elected commissioner for 18 years. “We want to thank him for his years of dedicated service to the town and residents,” stated the release. According to the release, “Angel has lived Woodfin since 1968 and has served the town in many capacities since its incorporation. He has seen the police department grow from one Police Officer to 16, the construction of the current town hall and the passage of the Greenway and Blueway Bond to support Woodfin’s Parks projects.” Angel was also the fire chief for Woodfin Fire Department, which is not affiliated with the town.
“Jim will be missed, but we wish him the best,” said Woodfin Mayor Jerry VeHaun.
Angel is the second commissioner in about six months to cite health reasons to resign. The other was longtime Commissioner Donald Honeycutt. Once replaced, this will make five of the town’s six commissioners new to the board unless one of the commissioners voted off the board back in November applies for the seat and is chosen. The commissioners’ terms are staggered to avoid losing too many experienced commissioners at one time.
Finding a Replacement
The town is now taking applications to replace Angel. According to the release, the period for submitting an application is open from Friday, January 7 through Friday, February 4 at noon. “Applicants selected for an interview will be contacted by town officials. Interviews for selected candidates will be on Wednesday, February 9th at 5:30 pm.
“Any, and all, information submitted (application, resume, etc.) is considered public record and subject to the North Carolina public records law. The applicant selected to fill the empty position will be sworn in at the February Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, February 15 at 6:30 pm at Woodfin Town Hall.
“The Town’s Board of Commissioners have one scheduled meeting per month at 6:30 on the third Tuesday of each month. Commissioners are also expected to attend special called meetings and workshops from time to time.
“The Town of Woodfin is encouraging interested and qualified residents to apply for the open commissioner position. The term will expire in December of 2023. Applicants must be 21 years or older and must maintain their principal residence in the Town of Woodfin during their term of office. Evening availability is also required.”
The release also states, “If you, or anybody you know, might be interested in being a member of the Board of Commissioners, and are a Woodfin resident, please complete the Board of Commissioner application found on the town’s webpage (https://www.woodfin-nc.gov/), and submit along with a current resume to Clerk@Woodfin-NC.gov. Applications can also be submitted in person at Woodfin Town Hall, located at 90 Elk Mountain Road, Woodfin.”