Bill McCain

In a surprise move the Wicomico County Council chose Dr. Rene Desmarais as the new County Executive.

He beat out the odds on favorite Republican Delegate Carl Anderton as well as former county employee Michele Ennis.

The vote was four to three with Council President Larry Dodd and council members Nicole Acle, Ernie Davis and Joe Holloway voting for him.

Supporting Anderton were council members Council Vice President John Cannon and council members Bill McCaine Josh Hastings.

Wicomico County Attorney Paul Wilber is out.

The County Council fired him on a vote of 6-to-1.

Council member Bill McCain was the sole dissenter.

A county charter requires that the County Executive Bob Culver bring appointments to the council for each department within six months of taking office.

Culver refused to meet the May 7th deadline.

But WBOC reports that Council President John Cannon was closed mouthed about the reason for the dismissal calling it a personnel issue.

The seven member Wicomico County has two new Democrats Bill McCain and Josh Hastings.

That means the current council with six Republicans will now see a four/three split as the two join the other Democrat on the council.

McCain replaces Council member Matt Holloway who did not seek reelection.

The Salisbury Daily Times reports that McCain joins Council President John Cannon (R) in at-large-seats beating back efforts by Republican Julie Brewington and Democrat Jamaad Gould.

Meanwhile, Hastings captured the 4th District seat against Republican Suzannah Cain.