Council taps new member

By Staff
Leada DeVaney, Hartselle Enquirer
A well-known Hartselle businessman is the newest member of the city council.
Alvin Abercrombie was appointed Tuesday night to fill the unexpired term of Allen Stoner, who resigned last month after moving to Decatur. Abercrombie is owner of Abercrombie Chevrolet.
"(Abercrombie) is a representative of the community and an excellent businessman," Councilman Frank Jones said.
Jones, Councilman Dick Carter and Mayor Clif Knight voted for Abercrombie's appointment. Councilman Tom Chappell and Don Hall voted against the appointment.
The council received nine applications for the post: Abercrombie, George Herring, Harry Clarke, Dwight Tankersley, Franklin Turney, Bill Partridge, Diane Quattlebaum, Jerry Putman and Doug Moss.
Hall wanted each of the applicants to appear before the council and answer questions in a public forum.
However, several other council members said they thought a consensus could be reached and a new council person named.
That was the whole problem, according to Chappell.
"The deadline for applications was Friday (July 18)," he said.
"This wasn't discussed in a meeting or work session and now we have three votes to appoint a gentlemen with no discussion."
The date for Abercrombie's swearing-in had not been set at presstime. His term will run to 2004.