McClendon Appears Likely To Take Office In July
By: Ken Curtis
Updated: May 23, 2012
It appears likely newly-elected Houston County Commissioner Melinda McClendon will be sworn into office by mid-July if a general election set in August is rescheduled. Houston County Probate Judge Luke Cooley said that is almost certain, pending final legal research on the matter.
McClendon received a majority of votes in Tuesday's Republican primary to fill an unexpired term on the commission. That victory negates the need for a runoff which had been scheduled for July. Instead, an August general election will move to July 10 even though there is no Democratic opposition.
"It (the general election) is required law," said Houston County Probate Judge Luke Cooley who oversees elections. "If (McClendon) is the only one who votes and votes for herself--- she'll win," Cooley joked. She continued, "We don't see a problem with moving the date but Gary Sherrer (the county attorney) is making sure we're legal to make the change," Cooley said.
That would allow McClendon to take office immediately after the results are certified. If the general election date remains in August she would not be able to assume duties until after then.
