As election results continue to roll in across the country, races are being decided at every level of government. With the vote totals being certified, the obvious question is – What do the results actually mean?
So, let’s look at what the Nov. 8 results mean in Macon County, with an eye on Highlands specifically.
The biggest change in local government took place within the Macon County Board of Commissioners, which will now be controlled completely by one party. Republican Gary Shields retained his seat in District 2 and fellow Republican Danny Antoine unseated the board’s lone Democrat Ronnie Beale.
In District 1, which covers Highlands, board chair Jim Tate chose not to run for reelection and will be replaced by John Shearl. Tate was an outspoken advocate for county-funded projects in Highlands during his 11 years on the board.
Shearl will not be the board chair, but he will immediately step into a position of power where his vote may end up being the deciding vote on several pending school projects both in Highlands and Franklin.
The Macon County School Board will also have two new members following the midterm. Stephanie Hyder Laseter will fill the seat vacated when longtime board member Tommy Cabe passed away earlier this year. Diedre Breeden unseated board member Carol Arnold.
With the potential replacement of Franklin High School and a major addition in the works at Highlands School both in the pipeline, the new school board members will need to get up to speed in a hurry.
Also at the county level, there’s a new sheriff in town as Brent Holbrooks claimed the position officially. Holbrooks won a crowded Republican primary in May and was unopposed on Nov. 8. Holbrooks is a familiar face in Highlands. His wife Sarah is assistant principal at Highlands School and the sheriff is a regular at HHS athletic contests, school functions, and community events.
While he hasn’t announced any sweeping changes to the way the sheriff’s officer operates, Holbrooks will undoubtedly have his own style of managing the department when he takes over for outgoing sheriff Robert Holland, who has been at the helm for 20 years.
Good luck to all of those who won election on Nov. 8 and thank you to those whose service is ending.