Ball Sworn In as Mayor Along With Council Members David, Peña, Brantz and Hay Tuesday Night

By Mark S. Kenna

Dec. 17, 2013. Outgoing Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson called her last Boone Town Council Meeting to order Tuesday night before Mayor-Elect Andy Ball, re-elected Councilman Rennie Brantz and incoming members Quint David and Jennifer Peña were sworn in.

Once the newly elected officials took their seats, the group heard from the five different applicants vying for Ball’s vacant seat.  

“I really appreciate everyone who has put forward an application,” Peña said. “It’s excellent to see so many people who are excited about serving and helping the town. I think we all appreciate their interest.” 

Of the five applicants, Boone Town Council appointed Fred Hay, fourteen-year Board of Adjustment member and Appalachian State professor.

“I think that he would make a great leader for our town council,” Peña said. “He is a respected scholar of Appalachia. And a very well respected local historian and anthropologist.”

Before the council delved into the agenda items for the night service awards were presented to outgoing Mayor Pro-tem Jamie Leigh, Councilman Allan Scherlen and Mayor Loretta Clawson.

“It has been a tremendous, tremendous pleasure to serve the town of Boone,” Clawson said.  “The town of Boone is a wonderful place.”