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New member, incumbent sworn into office

SALUDA—The City of Saluda swore two commissioners into office and said goodbye to a long-time commissioner. 

The Saluda Board of Commissioners met Monday night and swore in incumbent commissioner Stanley Walker and newcomer Bob Ross. The board also said goodbye to long-time commissioner Leon Morgan, who lost the election in November. 

Ross was the city’s high vote getter during the November election with 131 votes. Walker retained his seat this year with 91 votes and Morgan lost with 67 votes. 

There were two seats up for re-election this year. 

Saluda Mayor Fred Baisden swore the commissioners into office, gave Morgan a plaque for his service to the city. 

The board also appointed commissioner Mark Oxtoby as mayor pro-tem for 2020. 

This will be Ross’ first term on the board and Walker will be serving his second term after first being elected in 2015. Walker was a newcomer in 2015 and was the high vote getter then with 140 votes.  Walker won a four-year term in 2015 while Morgan, the second vote getter in 2015 won a two-year term. 

This year, Ross won a four-year term while Walker won a two-year term. 

Saluda voters also approved an alcohol referendum during the November election. 

The referendum asked voters if they were for or against permitting the sale of mixed beverages in hotels, restaurants, private clubs, community theatres and convention centers. Saluda voters approved the referendum with 123 votes for and 35 votes against. 

The towns of Columbus and Tryon will also swear in newly elected officials this month. 

Tryon will swear in incumbent Mayor Alan Peoples and incumbent commissioners Crys Armbrust and Chrelle Booker during a meeting Tuesday night at 7 p.m. 

Columbus will swear in newcomer Mayor Patrick McCool, incumbent councilman Mark Phillips and newcomer councilman Brent Jackson during a meeting next Thursday at 6 p.m.