Randy Day

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.

Perdue Farms is donating $1 million to support its Feeding America-affiliated food bank partners through its foundation.

WBOC reports that this is a companywide effort that provides protein to those struggling with their food budget.

Randy Day, CEO of Perdue Farms, noted that one in nine American struggle with getting enough food for themselves and their families.

Two worker advocacy groups held a rally in front of the Perdue Processing Plant in downtown Salisbury to deliver a petition to representatives of the company.

The rally was held by Oxfam and CATA a worker’s rights group.

They called on the poultry company to be more transparent about listening to their employees about working conditions.

Jessica Culley, a supporter, told WBOC that there were problems getting time off for medical appointments or taking vacation time.

Perdue Farms has a new Chief Executive Officer.

Randy Day has been named to that position after serving as the Chief Operating officer since May of last year.

Jim Perdue, chairman of Perdue Farms, noted that Day has been with the company 36 years and has embraced the need for change and innovation.

Day is a native of the Eastern Shore and earned a master’s degree in poultry nutrition from the University of Maryland College Park.