Robertson, new Vanleer Board of Aldermen begin new terms at meeting tonight

Vanleer Mayor Larry Robertson and the recently elected Board of Aldermen officially begin their two-year terms tonight. The board meets at 7 pm at Vanleer Town Hall. Prior to tonight’s meeting will be a public hearing at 6:30 on a requested annexation of property on Highway 49 along with a plan of services. Aldermen Wes Albright, Dwight McIllwain and Jason Weaver were elected to new two-year terms in the Nov. 6 election while Ruben Schmittou and Donald “Bubba” Tinsley return to the board after having previously served. Robertson easily won re-election to another two-year term as mayor over former Mayor Bobby Averitte. Robertson has said replacing some of the town’s older water lines and getting the new Parks Board moving toward applying for grants for recreational facilities will be among his first priorities. The new mayor and town commissioners for Slayden are scheduled for their first meeting at 7:30 pm Tuesday at the Slayden Community Center. Gary Hodges was elected to a two-year term as mayor and Mary Smathers and Tammy Potts were elected commissioners in the Nov. 6 election. One of the first items of business for the new mayor and commissioners will be to appoint someone to fill the vacant third position on the commission after nobody ran for the seat.