At a special-called Macon County Board of Commissioners meeting December 2, members and positions were solidified going forward into 2025 and beyond.
The first order of business was to present an appreciation plaque to Paul Higdon, a commissioner for 12 years and a former chair. Barry Breeden (pictured above) was elected in spring 2024’s primary. (Read more about Breeden’s plans is term of office here.)
Each commissioner offered a few words of gratitude to Higdon.
“I appreciate your conservatism, what you stand for, your family, and what you stand for in this county,” said Commissioner John Shearl. “Thank you for your service.”
Before leaving the Macon County Courthouse and shaking hands with attendees, including law enforcement officers, Higdon commented: “It’s been an honor to serve the people of Macon County, and I’ve tried to do it as conservatively as I know how. Two favorite sayings of mine are: The government has enough of our tax money, they just need to learn how to spend it; and, conservatism is like pregnancy – you are or you ain’t. I believe in our conservative Christian principles. That’s it; I’m going home.”
Commissioner Josh Young, who was re-elected to his seat for his second term, was first sworn in by the Macon County Clerk of Superior Court Shawn Lamb. Next, Barry Breeden [see feature on page 2], was sworn in by Lamb for the first time as a commissioner; his son, Samuel, held the bible on which he placed his hand.
Finally, the new official board of commissioners determined who would lead them for the next year. Gary Shields, a long-time commissioner, has been the chair for the past year. Commissioner Danny Antoine nominated Josh Young to be the chair for 2025, and it was unanimously approved by all members. Shields was then nominated by Young to become the vice-chair. That decision was unanimously approved as well.
When the commissioners took their place in the Commission Boardroom of the courthouse, Young sat down in the center-point seat for the first time, while the other commissioners flanked him on either side.
“I just want to say that the role of this board needs is to work efficiently, and as chairman I want to see a high level of service provided to our citizens,” expressed Young after he was voted in as chair. “I’m not saying that’s not happening right now, but I want to enhance that.”
Pictured top: BARRY BREEDEN was sworn in on Dec. 2, as the newest member of the Board of Commissioners by Clerk of Superior Court Shawna Lamb, with his son, Samuel, holding the Bible.