This broadcast of CoastLine originally aired on January 14, 2015.
Seating the two newest commissioners in New Hanover County has been anything but smooth.
After the November election, one County resident challenged the results – starting at the county level before taking his case to the state. Both times, his complaint was dismissed. But the process delayed the swearing in of Skip Watkins and Rob Zapple. The two men took their oaths of office in late December, and they have now participated in two County Board meetings as Commissioners.
The last several years has seen a Board dogged by dysfunction – largely thanks to one former Commissioner whose personal problems turned into very public legal issues.
The two commissioners who waited patiently for results to be accepted as final joined us in-studio Wednesday.
Guests:
Skip Watkins is a Financial Advisor. He’s worked with the Cape Fear Fair and Expo and the Azalea Festival, and has lived with his family in Wilmington for more than 35 years.
Rob Zapple is a licensed general contractor and builder and owner of his own small business. He and his family have lived in Wilmington for the past 17 years. His wife is a small business owner, as well. Rob Zapple is currently on the Board of the Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts and the Children’s Museum.
Disclosure: Rob Zapple is a member of the Board of Friends of Public Radio – which is the governing body of this radio station.
