Teachey welcomes newly elected commissioner Danny Sutton

TEACHEY — The Teachey Board of Commissioners welcomed a new member to the board at their meeting Monday evening during a swearing in ceremony for newly elected Danny Sutton.

In an interview with Duplin Journal after the meeting, Sutton said his inspiration for running was simple: people.

“I enjoy serving the people,” Sutton said. “I like to find out what people need, what they want, in order to help the people of the town. I enjoy doing that.”

As for his hopes during his tenure on the board, he said he would “like to see more involvement in the fire department and increased activity in the parks.”

Mayor Bobby Jones also swore in re-elected board member Patrick Williams for his second term.

After Sutton was seated, the board selected Commissioner Ronnie Page as the town’s new mayor pro tem. Page also serves as assistant chief of the Teachey Fire Department. He replaces outgoing board member Ethylen Powell in the role.

Jones showed the board a plaque the town prepared for Powell honoring her 17 years of service. He expressed sympathy to Powell in the recent loss of her husband and said the plaque will be presented to her soon.

In town business, Teachey Public Works Director James Parker asked the board to consider changing trash service companies, telling members that service from the existing contractor, GFL, has declined. Jones reported the town had met with Wall Recycling, formerly Liberty Waste Solutions of Wilmington. Parker noted that service from Wall Recycling would cost an additional $1,300 a year, but he believes the improved service would justify the expense.

Parker presented a copy of the current contract with GFL to Town Attorney Joseph Ezzell for review to ensure the town would properly cancel the agreement if it decides to make a change.

Parker also reported that construction on two homes in the new subdivision on Log Cabin Road will begin just after the first of the year. The developer plans to build an additional 14 homes on the property.

In closing remarks, Jones said the Town of Teachey will host the quarterly Duplin County mayors’ meetings next year and asked for input to ensure the meetings are productive.

The board voted to hold a workshop session at noon Jan. 23.