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By Robert Sorrell

Star Correspondent

A Milligan resident was selected Monday to become a new commissioner for the 5th district in Carter County.

The Carter County Commission unanimously chose Charlene Thomas to fill a vacancy that was made by the recent resignation of Layla Ward. Ward had served the district, which covers the Milligan area, since 2018 when she was one of 11 new commissioners.

Thomas will sit on the commission until at least November when voters will select a person to fill the seat, but she is the only candidate to qualify.

“I love politics,” said Thomas, who taught at Milligan University for 37 years.

Thomas earned her undergraduate degree from Milligan, and went on to obtain degrees from East Tennessee State University and Virginia Tech.

“All of my degrees are in humanities,” Thomas told commissioners before the vote.

Thomas said she has lived in Carter County since 2021 and moved from nearby Unicoi County.

“I like challenges and I like learning,” said Thomas, who has served with the Tennessee Federation of Republican Women.

Although she said she is unfamiliar with the commission, Thomas said, “I will need a lot of help” and is willing to learn.

“I do want to make a difference,” Thomas said.

After the vote, Thomas was sworn in by Carter County Clerk Mary Gouge. Chairwoman Ginger Holdren called for a break and the new commissioner took her seat. Thomas voted on the remainder of the night’s agenda items.

Thomas said she respected Holdren and Commissioner Robert “Bob” Acuff.

“When they asked me to do this, I wanted to say, ‘yes,’” Thomas said.

Thomas is the latest addition to the 24-member commission. Back in March, two people were chosen to replace two commissioners who previously resigned. Lesley Hughes was selected to become a 7th district commissioner and Jerry Stout in the 8th district.