Hilliard replaces Henson on county commission

Incoming Dyer County Commissioner W.D. Hilliard is congratulated by Ralph Henson, the man he'll replace. Henson's resignation after 27 years in the county commission is effective today. The county commission elected Hilliard Monday night to Henson's unexpired term. [Click to enlarge]

He will replace Ralph Henson, whose resignation is effective today (June 30). Henson is moving from his home on Highway 78 to Dyersburg and will no longer reside in District D, which includes Millsfield and Bogota.

Larry Maupin, who also represents District D, was asked to nominate someone to fill Henson's unexpired term. He said he was surprised at the number of good candidates who expressed an interest in Henson's seat. He said eight to 10 candidates asked for consideration.

Maupin chose Hilliard, who said he does not plan to seek election to the post next summer. All of the candidates will have an equal chance at the spot next year.

Hilliard already has experience on the commission. He said he served in the late 1950s and '60s.

In making the nomination, Maupin first thanked Henson for his service. "I believe his work and dedication to our community is a model for public servants in Dyer County and we are all better off today because Ralph Henson decided to serve on the county commission over 20 years ago," Maupin said. "I have enjoyed working with him to meet the needs and concerns of our district and will miss our working relationship.

"With that said however, I must say with a smile that I have not enjoyed the predicament his departure has placed on me to nominate his successor. This has been extremely difficult. I have talked to numerous people who have either been recommended by someone or personally expressed an interest in fulfilling Ralph's term on the county commission. Members of the commission, I must say this county is very fortunate to have so many qualified and capable people who are willing to take their life experiences in the home, their businesses and other pursuits and use that experience on the county commission."

Maupin nominated Hilliard, who "is from the Nauvoo community where he has lived most of his life, raised a family and is well respected there. I actually approached Mr. Hilliard about serving out the term and he gladly accepted. He has assured me that he is not interested in running for this position in 2010."

Hilliard retired from the Dyer County Health Department in 2007. He was responsible for inspecting and grading food-service establishments, such as restaurants and schools; inspecting tattoo parlors and body-piercing establishments; inspecting hotels; inspecting the safety equipment and chemical balance at public swimming pools; coordinating annual rabies clinics; monitoring West Nile Virus cases in the county; and investigating all complaints connected to those topics.

Hilliard was one of the founding members of the Northwest Utility District and continues to serve on that board.

Hilliard said he was honored by the nomination.

Henson told fellow commissioners that he has enjoyed working with them - and that he's looking forward to reading about them in the newspaper.

County Mayor Richard Hill also thanked Henson. "Ralph," he said, "we really appreciate the contributions you've made to this county."