Randy Pennington has now taken the gavel as the new chairman of the
Washington County Board of Supervisors in Abingdon, Virginia.
The outgoing board chairman, Mike Rush, was chosen as the vice chairman and will fill in when or if Pennington is not available.
“I promise you I’ll do the best job I can,” Pennington said at the January 14 board meeting.
Supervisor Dwayne Ball made the motions to appoint both Pennington and Rush.
Supervisor Phil McCall said it was appropriate that Rush had been the chairman of the board last year when Hurricane Helene struck Damascus and destroyed the eastern half of the Virginia Creeper Trail, decimating the Damascus economy, where Rush serves as a representative for the board.
County Administrator Jason Berry praised Rush for being on the scene constantly, trying to help citizens with flood damages in Damascus and the surrounding area.
Rush said all this remains a challenge to recover from the hurricane damage.
“I’ve had a fun time as board chairman,” Rush said. “I’m glad to be passing the gavel.”
Rush said he supported Pennington in the new role as chairman now that the Washington County Courthouse is nearly finished and will be dedicated with a grand opening later this year.
Rush said he hopes Pennington‘s name as chairman will be placed on a bronze plaque to recognize Pennington’s years of service and working on expanding and renovating the courthouse.