The Putnam County Commission voted Tuesday night to appoint Nelson Lafever to fill the vacant District Seven seat.
Nelson Lafever, the newly appointed Putnam County commissioner for District Seven, addressed the commission in a prerecorded video that was played during the meeting.
“As a conservative commissioner, I will work for the people in the seventh district and Putnam County to make common sense decisions and move Putnam County in the right direction,” Lafever said. “Your vote of support would be greatly appreciated.”
The appointment followed a nomination and voting process after four names were submitted to fill the vacancy in District Seven.
“Since we have multiple people running, it’s a possibility that we might not have anybody that gets enough votes the first time,” the commission chair said. “If nobody gets twelve votes, the lowest vote getter will be dropped, and we’ll continue voting until someone receives the majority.”
The commission conducted a roll call vote, with commissioners selecting from four candidates: Trey Bowlin, Steve Brown, Philip Jenko, and Nelson Lafever
“Mr. Lafever has received twelve votes and the majority necessary, so we declare Mr. Lafever to have won that seat tonight,” the clerk announced following the vote tally.
Lafever was not present at the meeting due to a previously scheduled trip, but commissioners said he will be sworn in soon.
“When he gets back, we’ll get him actively sworn in and be already on the road,” the chair said.
Lafever will serve as the District Seven representative on the Putnam County Commission following the administration of the oath of office.