Democrats control all seats on county board of commissioners

Mike Ryan
Staff writer
Published: November 11, 2008

Rockingham County’s new Board of Commissioners will have something in common — they’re all Democrats.

Harold Bass, the lone incumbent on Tuesday’s ticket, was re-elected, and newcomers Tommy Flynt and James E. Kallam nabbed the other two vacancies, according to unofficial results. Bass, Flynt and Kallam will join fellow Democrats Amelia Dallas and Bob Stanley on the board.

Outgoing Chairman Bert Jones and David Isley, both Republicans, chose not to run again.

Jones said the chemistry on the board has been good and thinks it has been positive differing views have been represented.

“I do hope that even with all one party, commissioners will be willing to disagree and debate issues,” Jones said. “It is important for our families and businesses paying the bills that conservative ideas for a more limited and cost-conscious government will not be ignored.”

Stanley described Flynt and Kallam as “quite capable” and believes both men will make fine additions.

Stanley said commissioners need to remember to look at the big picture and the long-term effects of their actions. He believes they all need to work harder to represent all parts of the county.

“Being an elected official is a learning experience. It takes a while to get a handle on it,” he said. “We all look at things a little differently.”

Flynt is looking forward to working with the other commissioners as well as the other departments and municipalities.

“I think we’re all ready to go to work for the people of Rockingham County. It’ll take all of us to make improvements,” he said.

Kallam said he would work with the other commissioners to resolve the county’s problems. He does not believe it will be easier to get things passed just because the board members belong to the same political party.

“People’s opinions still vary,” he said.

Kallam stressed that he will work for the people.

“This is an opportunity to give something back, to work for the betterment of the county,” Kallam said.

Jerry Odell, a Republican who ran unsuccessfully for the board, believes the new board will be a good one.

“I think the chemistry between the board members should be better than it has been,” Odell said.

Odell hopes the commissioners will try to bring new industries into the county and cut wasteful spending.

“It should be easier for them to get things passed, but I don’t know if that will be good for the county. In my opinion, if everybody agrees to the same thing all the time, something’s wrong,” he said.

The election won’t be official until after Friday’s canvass. County Manager Tom Robinson said the new members would be sworn in Dec. 9.

Robinson said a meeting will be held in the early part of the year to discuss issues the county faces and to formulate goals for the next four or five years.

Staff writer Mike Ryan can be reached at or at 349-4331, ext. 34.