Holliday takes over as commission’s new chair

January 07, 2010

Valencia County Commissioner Don Holiday was voted to be the commission’s chairman last night after a brief but tense vote.

Commissioner Ron Gentry nominated Commissioner David Medina for the chairmanship. Outgoing Commission Chairman Pedro Rael nominated Holliday.

The commission took up Medina first. He was voted down 3-2, with Gentry and Medina voting yes.

As the commission began to take a vote on Holliday’s nomination, Medina walked out of the commission chambers.

The commission then voted 3-0, approving Holliday as chairman, with Medina out of the room and Gentry remaining silent.

There were low grumbles from the public gallery and one citizen shouted “good” as Rael traded seats with Holliday.

Rael could have retained the chairmanship, but he didn’t receive a nomination.

Holliday, who was the vice chairman last year, ran a smooth first meeting as chairman.

After nominations for chair, the commission took up nominations for vice chair.

Rael nominated Commissioner Georgia Otero-Kirkham for vice chair, and Gentry nominated Medina.

Otero-Kirkham was voted in as vice chairwoman 3-0, with both Gentry and Medina remaining silent.

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