Admitting they felt under the gun with a mandated deadline of 15 days to act, Dade County Commissioners Monday afternoon appointed a new member to the board.
By a 3-1 vote, Dade County Commission selected Dr. Bill Pullen of Wildwood to fulfill the remaining term of late District 1 Commissioner Lamar Lowery.
The 65 year old Lowery passed away November 5th after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Dr. Pullen was approached by Commissioner Lowery prior to his death to succeed him as District 1’s representative, per Commission Chairman Ted Rumley,
Despite Lowery’s purported intentions, former Commissioner Mitchell Smith was first nominated by Commissioner Philip Hartline, but a vote to appoint Smith stalemated in a 2-2 vote.
Commission Vice Chair Robert Goff then nominated Dr, Pullen, noting Lowery’s last wishes as the seat’s successor. Commissioner Melissa Bradford provided the necessary yes vote with Chairman Rumley and Vice-Chair Goff to approve William “Bill” Pullen.
Dr. Pullen is to likely be sworn into office within the next week by Dade Probate Judge Kerri Carter.
At the conclusion of Monday’s appointment, former District 1 candidate Chris Wade exploded on Commission members, noting he should have been considered as Lowery’s replacement. Wade accentuated the 1,279 votes he garnered in a losing effort to Commissioner Lowery in the last election.
Chairman Rumley and Commissioner Bradford asked Wade why he didn’t alert the board of his interest, but Wade continued walking out without responding.
Afterward, Dr Pullen expressed his appreciation on the commission’s vote of acceptance and that he looks forward to getting down to business, noting he holds no allegiance with any current or soon to be board members.
Barring the unforeseen, the last meeting of the current Dade County Commission will meet for a final time December 2nd, with Dr. Pullen expected to be formally sworn in to office.
By Vince Lennon
