From correspondent Virginia Bridges

The decision on who will fill Becky Heron’s vacated seat remains unanswered after a tie vote among Durham County commissioners Monday.  

Chairman Michael Page and Brenda Howerton voted to appoint political newcomer and community volunteer Pamela Karriker.

Ellen Reckhow and Joe Bowser voted to appoint former planning commissioner and neighborhood activist Wendy Jacobs.

Bowser and Reckhow said the board was at an impasse and should forward the decision to Durham County Clerk of Superior Court Archie Smith, who will make the appointment if the board can’t. Smith could make his appointment, and the board could swear in the new member by the next commissioners' meeting Sept. 26, they argued.

Howerton said the commissioners should use all of the 60 days allowed to make a decision. Those 60 days run out at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, Melvin Whitley, the Durham County Democratic Party's third vice president, said he would continue to lobby for  applicant Hampton Dellinger, who received the local party's recommendation.