Robbinsville – The Robbinsville Travel and Tourism Authority has taken its next steps in appointing a new member to replace Alderman Shaun Adams, who officially stepped down in January.
At its regular meeting Tuesday, the board narrowed town its top three choices to fill the seat. The list included Blevins Tire owner Richard Blevins, local restauranteur Blake Orr and Mountain Memories owner Cindy Garren.
The Robbinsville Board of Aldermen will have the final vote on the appointment. The council is scheduled to meet next on Wednesday, March 3.
Orr’s name had come up several times in previous discussions on filling the seat. However, some members of the board expressed concerns about Orr being able to keep up with the time commitment required to serve on the board, while also running both Moonshiner Steakhouse and The Hub.
Several board members also made the point that Blevins’ expertise in the automotive field could be helpful at planning car shows and similar events.
“We need someone whose got some knowledge about it, so they can kind of direct you into the right place,” said board member Debbie Beasley. The board has scheduled a car show for May 15.
Despite narrowing it down to the three, board member Teresa Garland said there were several people on the board’s initial list could fill the role.
“Honestly, everybody on here is good,” Garland noted.
Tourism Director Karen Taylor said she had reached out to the potential board members to gauge interest. It was also previously discussed by several members of the board that the new appointee should be male. With Adams gone, Dirk Cody is currently the only male on the board.
Adams remains an alderman, but has served in absentia after a June 2020 spat with Robbinsville Mayor Steve Hooper, which eventually led to a restraining order.