Mecklenburg's Mitchell named Outstanding County Commissioner

An unpopular stance on a highly controversial issue in Mecklenburg County during the winter cost Norman Mitchell his seat on the Board of Commissioners but won him the admiration of NCACC Past President David Young, who announced Mitchell as the M.H. "Jack" Brock Award winner as the 2008 Outstanding County Commissioner of the Year.

NCACC President David Young presents the Outstanding County Commissioner Award to Mecklenburg County Commissioner Norman Mitchell on Aug. 22. (Photo by Jason King)

Mitchell collected the honor Aug. 22 during the Opening General Session of the 2008 Annual Conference. He is in the final year of his fifth two-year term on the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. He was defeated in the May primary.

"The courage that Norman Mitchell showed last winter when he made the decision that cost him his job as a Mecklenburg County commissioner is not a surprise to anybody who knows him," Young said. "He was simply doing what he felt was right.

"During his 10 years on the Mecklenburg County Board, Norman gained a reputation for integrity and courage. That is why I chose him to win the 2008 Outstanding County Commissioner Award."

A surprised Mitchell credited his time spent on the NCACC Board of Directors in helping him develop as a county commissioner.

"It is indeed an honor and a surprise," said Mitchell. "I really treasure the wonderful commissioners across the state that I have met during my 10 years as a county commissioner."

In addition to Mitchell, several other county officials were recognized during the conference. Johnston County Attorney Mark Payne, a past president of the N.C. County Attorney's Association, was recognized as Outstanding County Attorney. Henderson County's Libby Corn, a past president of the N.C. Association of County Clerks, was recognized as Outstanding Clerk of the Year.

In recognition of his year 17-year support of county government, Food Lion co-founder Ralph Ketner was named winner of the 2008 Friend of the Counties award. Mr. Ketner was unable to attend the conference due to a scheduling conflict, but he will be presented the award at a later time.

Ketner has donated $10,000 per year for each of the past 17 years to the Association for the Ralph W. Ketner Employee Productivity Awards. This year's winners were honored at the Second General Session on Aug. 22.

The Ralph Ketner Employee Productivity Award Program honors 10 employees or teams of employees with a $1,000 cash prize for innovative practices and projects. Over the years, these innovative practices have saved counties more than $71 million and are being duplicated across the state.