CHARLOTTE, N.C. — What started as a swearing-in ceremony Monday night turned into commissioners hurling personal attacks, insults and criticism.
Mecklenburg County commissioners voted 5-4 to unseat Trevor Fuller and replace him with Ella Scarborough.
"The weakest link is what the Republican goes for," Commissioner Vilma Leake, District 2, said.
The Board's three Republicans joined Commissioner Pat Cotham in supporting Scarborough.
In 2013, the board's Democrats, including Leake, unseated Cotham for Fuller.
Despite that, Cotham said Monday’s vote wasn't political and instead about putting someone in charge who will work with all commissioners.
"She said she won't operate unilaterally and she will yield stronger results as all of us have ideas," Scarborough said.
Fuller put up a fight for his seat. He and Leake claimed the vote was about politics and not job approval.
"I will not allow you to besmirch my reputation to justify your treachery," Fuller said.
"You have to be very careful with what you ask for, cause God will give it to you," Leake said.
Scarborough avoided the mud-slinging and promised to unite the commissioners as chair. If the meeting proves anything, it will be a difficult task.
"I am looking forward to serving you as chair and being inclusive when setting up committees and serving the community," Scarborough said.
Republican Commissioner Jim Puckett was elected vice chair.
The board’s first regular meeting is Tuesday night.
BREAKING: Ella Scarborough ousts Trevor Fuller as #meckbocc chair 5-4. Cotham, Scarborough, 3 republicans back Scarborough @wsoctv
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) December 5, 2016
Monday night's contentious meeting left questions about how well leaders can work together moving forward under a new chair.
Citizen Nalle Williams said it was disappointing.
"They're up there going back and forth with their personal issues, but we have a city out here," Williams said.
County leaders will meet again Tuesday night.
"We haven't even had 24 hours,” Cotham said. “It could be contentious and that would be unfortunate."
Cotham voted to replace Fuller and said she often felt excluded under his leadership, which is why she supported Scarborough.
"I think that'll be in the best interest of the people, and she'll be inclusive,” Cotham said. “She'll offer to everyone to be included.”
Fuller stood by his record Tuesday and believes the move was purely political.
"Some folks sought political opportunity and they took it, and that's fine,” Fuller said. “It's the business we're in."
He also said, "There's no sense in taking anything personal. It is what it is."
Scarborough said Tuesday she hopes to share her plans for unity on the board in the next few days.
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