Orchid appoints new mayor, vice-mayor Wednesday

ORCHID — Almost as quickly as they were sworn-in as town council members, Harold Ofstie and George Mekras were appointed mayor and vice-mayor of the Town of Orchid on Wednesday.

Ofstie, 68, was nominated for mayor by Councilman Paul Johnson, and was elected with a 3-2 majority. Council members Bud Oatway and Harry Webber voted against the appointment.

Oatway questioned whether either Ofstie or Mekras had enough experience to lead the town council since they were both attending their first meeting as councilmen.

"I have some reservations electing someone as a mayor who is probably not familiar with the mundane work of the town council," said Oatway.

Mekras, 63, is the only member of the five-person council to be a full-time resident of the town. He was elected by a 4-1 majority, with only Webber voting against the appointment.

Just minutes before, Oatway had nominated Harry Webber for the position of vice-mayor, calling him a "willing worker."

"I think the role of vice-mayor is particularly important since we just elected a mayor who is not here all year round," said Oatway. But his nomination of Webber was defeated by a vote of 3-2, with Johnson, Mekras and Ofstie voting against Webber.

Ofstie said he was happy to assume the role of mayor for the town, and was anxious to work on increasing the cooperation between the community association, the Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club, and the town itself.

"I think it's exciting," said Ofstie. "I am looking forward to doing the town's business and working with the people of Orchid Island."

Mekras said he was confident that Ofstie will do a good job as mayor but he is willing to step in whenever he's needed since he is a year-round resident.

"The one time it would come into play is during an evacuation," said Mekras. "I'll probably be part of the hurricane relief crew if we have to evacuate the island."