Portie-Ascott Sworn Into Orange County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Orange County Commissioners officially welcomed its new member on Thursday night, as Phyllis Portie-Ascott was sworn into their ranks.

In front of her husband, children and extended family — as well as many other Orange County leaders in attendance — Portie-Ascott took her oath of office during the board’s work session. U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee administered the oath to the former Orange County Democratic Party Chair, who was appointed to the role on February 7.

Portie-Ascott was selected from a group of four applicants to fill a vacant District 2 seat — which is reserved for a Hillsborough or northern Orange County resident. The seat’s previous elected official, Renée Price, left the board at the end of 2022 after winning election to the North Carolina House of Representatives. The other county commissioners selected Portie-Ascott unanimously.

Phyllis Portie-Ascott takes her oath of office with her husband, son and daughter watching on. U.S. Representative Valerie Foushee reads the oath. (Photo via Kristin Prelipp/Orange County.)

Once she took her seat at the desk, the new county commissioner took time to thank those in attendance, those who have confidence in her, and “those folks who nudged me out here.”

“I’m grateful,” Portie-Ascott added through welling tears. “I promise to do my best for the residents of District 2 and really for all of Orange County. Thank you.”

All of the commissioners in attendance offered words of encouragement and welcome to Portie-Ascott after Thursday’s swearing-in, including Anna Richards — the most recent commissioner to go through the appointment process to the board.

“We’re excited for her perspective and experience and what we know will be great leadership for representing District 2,” said Richards, who holds a District 1 seat. “She has been such a vital part of that community, so we welcome her and [offer] her excited congratulations.”

Portie-Ascott’s seat is set to last through the end of 2024, based on Price being re-elected to District 2 in the 2020 cycle. Her swearing-in ceremony, as well as the rest of the Board of Orange County Commissioners’ work session, can be watched here.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

‹

County Commissioner Price Switches State Senate Run to NC House Campaign

UPDATE: Renée Price announced on Sunday, November 21, she is changing her campaign plans from running for North Carolina’s Senate to the state House of Representatives. Price will now run for District 50 in the House, which is open from Rep. Graig Meyer’s campaign for Senate District 23. “At the urging of a number of […]

Orange County Hires Firm to Review Property Appraisal Practices Amid Tax Revaluation Reform

The Orange County Board of Commissioners approved the hire on Tuesday in the latest step to attempt reforming local appraisals and valuations.

Soccer Fields and Open Space: Orange County Explores Potential Uses for Millhouse Road Site

Orange County is starting to make headway on a piece of land it has owned for two decades along Millhouse Road.

Orange County: CITEL Deal, Finishing Board Chair Duties and Filing Period

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford speaks with 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Ahead of her rotating off as board chair, Bedford shares her plans to run for re-election in District 1, as well as shares the other candidates she knows so far. She also discusses what she can […]

Orange County: The Site of the Future Crisis Diversion Facility + Discussing Tax Rates and Revaluation

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell over the phone on Wednesday, April 16.

Board of Orange County Commissioners Discusses Zoning Amendment, Nature Conservancy

The Board of Orange County Commissioners approved a conditional zoning amendment and heard an update on a nature conservancy project.

Orange County: Rural Buffer Philosophy, Public Safety Jobs, and Tax Resources

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford speaks with 97.9 The Hill on Wednesday, February 28.

Orange County: The Latest on the Greene Tract, A U.S. 70 Study, and the Southern Human Services Center

Chair of the Orange County Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford chats with 97.9 The Hill's Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, November 15.

Board of Orange County Commissioners Votes Against Private School

Board of Commissioners unanimously voted against the building of a private school and a request to change zoning off of Lawrence Road. 

Portie-Ascott Sworn Into Orange County Board of Commissioners

The Board of Orange County Commissioners officially welcomed its new member on Thursday night, as Phyllis Portie-Ascott was sworn into their ranks. In front of her husband, children and extended family — as well as many other Orange County leaders in attendance — Portie-Ascott took her oath of office during the board’s work session. U.S. […]

›