RALEIGH — A dispute involving the selection and seating of a Caswell County commissioner has reached a resolution following the state attorney general’s office granting a quo warranto action request.
The dispute involves the Caswell County Board of Commissioners selecting Ricky McVey to fill the board seat of a deceased member instead of the Caswell GOP’s pick, John Claggett. Additionally, legislation was passed requiring such positions in Caswell County to be filled by the political party of the individual vacating the seat.
Following the seating of McVeigh, attorneys for Claggett, Philip Thomas and Jonathan Marx, sent a letter to N.C. Attorney General Jeff Jackson requesting his office initiate a quo warranto proceeding to remove McVey from his at-large board seat.
Jackson’s office granted the request on April 22.
“N.C.G.S § 1-516 authorizes the Attorney General to grant the application of a private relator to bring an action on behalf of the State to try a tit le to public office,” wrote N.C. Department of Justice Civil Bureau Chief M.A. Kelly Chambers in the letter approving the action. “Based upon the information I have received, your request for leave to pursue this action in the name of the State is granted.”
Following the quo warranto request being approved, McVey resigned in a letter dated April 25, ending the need for further legal action.
The Caswell County Board of Commissioners were slated to accept McVey’s resignation on May 5th.
Thomas told North State Journal they expect that the Board will then follow the law and appoint Claggett, the Caswell County GOP nominee.
