SNOW HILL – A new face sits in the center seat at Worcester County Commissioners meetings after seven-year Commissioner Bud Church was voted in as president during their regular meeting Tuesday.
Church replaces Commissioner Louise Gulyas in the president’s slot, who spent a year with the presidential gavel in hand.
The vote was 6 to 1 to elect Church to the rotating position, customarily selected at the first December meeting every year.
Previous presidents have held the position for multiple terms, but in the last three years, each president has occupied the center seat for one term. Prior to Gulyas, Commissioners James Purnell and Virgil Shockley held the gavels, respectively.
Commissioner Judy Boggs voted against the change in presidents, saying that money could be saved by retaining Gulyas.
“I have every confidence in Bud Church’s ability to lead meetings and be in an executive position. However, I’m not going to vote for him because I think Louise Gulyas has done an outstanding job and because it costs a lot of money to change presidents and change letterhead,” Boggs said.
There was no further discussion of Church’s nomination before the vote. No one else was nominated for the position.
“I would like to thank Louise for the wonderful job she’s done,” said Purnell, saying she led the county through last year’s economic storm.
“I’ve enjoyed every, or nine-tenths, of every minute of it,” said Gulyas.
In accepting the new position, Church, a real estate broker in Ocean City, recognized Gulyas.
“Thank you very, very, very much for the job you did last year. It’s probably the most difficult year the commissioners had,” said Church.
Gulyas led the work on some big issues like the budget and the comprehensive rezoning, he said.
“Louise did a tremendous job keeping us in control. She showed substantial leadership skills,” Church said.
“I have a wonderful time being a commissioner. It’s the best job I ever had in my life,” Gulyas said.
“I promise everyone I’ll be much more subtle with the gavel than Louise was,” joked Church.
Commissioner Linda Busick was unanimously elected to the vice president’s post.
“She’s going to do a wonderful job, I’m sure. I’m going to be proud of her working by my side,” Church said.
Busick, who last month said she plans to seek her second term in next year’s election, pledged to give the new title and responsibilities her all.
“I appreciate the support of all the commissioners and I’ll do my best to do the best job possible,” said Busick.