Planning Commission Chairwoman Jackie Brown said today she supports Wendy Jacobs for the county commissioner's seat left open by Becky Heron's retirement, but would be available herself "as a compromise."

Brown (right), a veteran political operative in Durham, was mentioned as a possible successor soon after Heron announced her resignation in June, with more than a year left on her term, in June.

Brown said at the time she did not want the job and said Friday, "I am not seeking a permanent position on the Board of County Commissioners.

"I would be a placeholder" until after the 2012 county election, she said, if the seat were offered and she accepted it.

The four remaining commissioners deadlocked 2-2 Monday between Jacobs, whom Heron had named as her choice for the seat, and Pam Karriker, a past City Council candidate and former member of the city's Capital Program Advisory Committee.

If they do not name a successor to serve out Heron's term by Sept. 29, Clerk of Court Archie Smith will make the appointment as he sees fit.

"It shouldn't go to the clerk of court," Brown said Friday, and it is the elected officials' responsibility to make the decision.

"I know I'm qualified for the job," Brown said. But, "I'm still supporting Wendy [Jacobs] and will be supporting her in 2012."

All five Board of Commissioners seats are up for election next year.