Commissioners remember Valerie Woodard

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- When the Mecklenburg County Commission gathers Tuesday night at the Government Center Uptown, a long time member will be missing, but certainly not forgotten.

Valerie Woodard, 56, died suddenly Friday just four weeks shy of what would have been her fourth election to the post.

She was running unopposed.

"We want to respect her memory and make sure we go through the funeral services and give the community an opportunity to pay respects for the service that she provided to the community," said local Democratic Party Chairman Joel Ford.

The public and commissioners will get that chance at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting tomorrow night. Woodard’s funeral will be held at noon on Thursday at Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church off Allen Street in Charlotte.

But even as local leaders honor Woodard's tireless public works, the big question looms of who will replace her.

"My wish is that they could replace her with somebody of the same caliber, personal integrity and not be the political leaning," said Republican commissioner Dan Ramirez.

Woodard's unexpected passing leaves the nine member commission now split down the middle and the local party once again in a state of flux.

Ford told NewsChannel 36 that Democratic leaders don’t want to repeat any of the problems of the past.

He says according to North Carolina General Statutes, the county Democratic Party Executive Committee recommends who to fill Woodard’s unexpired term. It’s up to the full commission to make that appointment.