Update: GOP chairman Will Knecht announced shortly after this article was published that Wildeboer will replace Rivenbark on the board of education.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY — Soon-to-be former New Hanover County Board of Education member Bill Rivenbark will assume his new seat on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners next month.
Rivenbark chose to run for the county commission halfway through his term on the school board, leaving a two-year vacancy to be filled.
Related: New Hanover County school board electees poised to lead change, vow to regain trust
In the event of a vacancy, New Hanover County Schools policy directs the remaining board to consult with the executive committee of the political party of the vacating member and appoint their recommendation, if it’s made within 30 days of the vacancy.
New Hanover County Republican Party chairman Will Knecht said the party is considering former candidates Pete Wildeboer and Tony McGhee to serve as Rivenbark’s replacement.
Wildeboer earned the fourth-most votes in the election, 3,448 votes shy of Democrat Hugh McManus, who secured the last of three open spots. McGhee was behind Wildeboer by 3,008 votes.
The election was the first time in recent years the board will have a Democratic majority.
Related: Democrats still split, Republicans keep unified front on New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
Knecht said first, the party’s leadership development committee would interview both McGhee and Wildeboer before making a recommendation to the executive committee, which will ultimately make the final pick.
The party already went through this process over the summer, when it had to replace Janice Cavenaugh. Longtime board member Cavenaugh had advanced through the primary to earn a spot on the ballot but later chose to drop out, citing family reasons. The committee unanimously selected McGhee as Cavenaugh’s replacement.
School board chair Stefanie Adams asked the party to make an appointment by Nov. 16, in time for the board’s new member training, scheduled for Nov. 17.
Send tips and comments to info@portcitydaily.com
