By JEFFERSON WEAVER
Staff Writer

State Trooper Daniel Hilburn was given another title Monday – commissioner.

At a special called town board meeting, Hilburn was sworn in to fill the remainder of T. J. Barrett’s term on the town board. Barrett, a former police chief who later won election to the town board, died in January.

Barrett won re-election to the office in 2005 and Hilburn will serve until the term ends in 2009. Hilburn was second highest vote-getter in that race, with 137 votes to Barrett’s 272. Stuart Carroll came in third with 62.

Mayor Ivan Wilson said that Hilburn was the “logical and prudent candidate for the job.”

“Get ready for the phone calls and complaints,” Commissioner Teddy Tedder joked.

Tedder made the motion for Hilburn to join the board, which was seconded by Commissioner Earl Harris. Hilburn was unanimously approved.

Hilburn thanked the board, and said he looks forward to playing a part in the town’s growth. He also continues a family tradition of public service at the lake – his stepmother, Nancy Sigmon, is a former mayor and member of the planning board.

Hilburn’s wife Christy is a financial center manager with BB&T and they have a son, Samuel Norris, a sophomore at N.C. State University. He is the son of Clyde Hilburn Jr. of Lake Waccamaw and Connie Adams of Southport, and grandson of Clyde Sr. and Louise Hilburn of Lake Waccamaw.

In another appointment, the board voted to name Carroll to the local ABC Board.

Wilson said communication between the ABC board and the town council has been lacking, and he hoped Carroll would help both boards improve the situation.

“Stuart has volunteered to serve,” Wilson said, “and I think he will do a good job.”

Commissioner Bob Crutchfield made the motion to approve the appointment, which was given a second by Tedder. The motion passed unanimously.