Meeting in caucus last Thursday, the Democratic members of the Shelby County legislative delegation selected the three Democrats who will serve on the county Election Commission: They are (in order of votes received): Shep Wilbun, holder of several previous public offices; Myra Stiles, a longtime former commissioner; and O.C. Pleasant, holdover from the current commission and another longtime member.
Pleasant, who served as Election Commission chairman for many years, was tied with another aspirant, Joe Young, before Democratic Senate leader Jim Kyle broke the tie in the incumbent commissioner’s favor.
The three commissioners-to-be were selected from among an original field of 15 applicants, who were narrowed down to five finalists the week before last.
Returning Republican members are Nancy Hines and Rich Holden. By statute the commission’s makeup reflects a 3 to 2 Democratic majority, reflective of the fact that Democrats hold a majority in the state House of Representatives.
–Jackson Baker
