By Richard Sullins | richard@rantnc.com
For the first time in nine months, all seats on the Sanford City Council are filled.
Mayor Rebecca Wyhof Salmon presented Jean Dabbs to the council and recommended her to fill the vacancy in the Ward 5 seat that has existed since Salmon vacated the seat after being elected mayor in July.
When a seat on the council becomes vacant, the members are tasked with appointing the replacement. The restrictions on who is eligible for consideration are few, but specific: the candidate must live within the boundaries of their ward, and be of the same political party as their predecessor. Dabbs, like Salmon, is a Democrat.
Salmon administered the oath of office just a minute after the council voted to approve Dabbs’ appointment.
Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, Dabbs serves on the board of directors and is treasurer of the Stevens Center. She will serve as a member of the Vestry at St. Francis Anglican Parish in Sanford through 2024. She is the owner of a small business, Sweet Amy’s Bakery, and is treasurer of the Lee County Farmers Market.
Democratic at-large council member Linda Rhodes moved to appoint Dabbs to the Ward 5 seat by acclamation, an action that seconded by fellow Democrat Mark Akinosho, who represents Ward 1.