The Warren County Commission is under new leadership after a historic precedent Monday night.

Commissioner Blaine Wilcher was successful in his attempt to gain control of monthly County Commission meetings, ousting County Executive Jimmy Haley. 

Wilcher became commission chairman with a vote of 14-9.

“I want to thank all of those who put their confidence in me,” said Wilcher. 

Commissioners voting in favor of Wilcher as chairman were Michael Bell, Carl D. Bouldin, Carl E. Bouldin, David Dunlap, Randy England, Steven Helton, Gary Martin, Gary Prater, Scott Rubley, Tyrone Sparkman, Joseph Stotts, Phillip Stout, and Cole Taylor. 

Commissioners voting to retain Haley as chairman were Carlene Brown, Deborah Evans, Steve Glenn, Richard Grissom, Robert Hennessee, Ron Lee, Daniel Owens, Christy Ross, and Tommy Savage.

Commissioner Lori Judkins was absent.

The seat is up for re-appointment each September. Historically, the position is given by commissioners to the county executive unless he or she declines to serve. However, any member of the commission may be nominated and elected County Commission chair.

County Executive Jimmy Haley served as chairman for the past year. During that time, commissioners voiced discontent about the way meetings were conducted. 

Before the vote, Haley asked commissioners to forgive past mistakes.

“Have there been mistakes? Certainly. None of us are above that, not even me,” said Haley. “Forgiveness is what we do. Let us put those things behind us now. It’s time to forgive, time to reconcile our differences and time to move on. United we stand firm. I think this meeting gives us ample opportunity to do just that tonight. It is in the best interest for all of us. It is the best for our county. It is what the people want.”

Haley requested reappointment as chairman.  

“Respectfully, I would like to continue to be chair of this commission. I think it’s what the voters expect as part of my leadership role. It has been the traditional honor given to the office of county executive for generations. Whatever the outcome is tonight, I will respect your decision and work harder as we continue the progress mandated by the voters who elected me to this office. They expect no less from any of us. And, let us remember, none of what we do as elected officials is about any of us. It is not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about the people of Warren County.”

There was a short break after the vote established Wilcher as County Commission chair. After the break, Wilcher took the chairman seat behind the raised desk at the head of the room. Haley took an empty seat in front of the chairman’s bench.

The decision does not impact Haley’s other duties as Warren County Executive.