Do you want to serve on the Orange County Board of Commissioners? You may be able to apply now for an open seat.
As of this week, the application period is under way for Orange County residents who want to be considered for a vacancy. Commissioner Mark Dorosin is resigning from the board, effective July 31, to move to Orlando for a new position at the Florida A&M College of Law.
Dorosin is a Democrat who represents Orange County’s District 1, covering Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The law requires his replacement to be a registered Democrat and a District 1 resident as well.
Residents who want to be considered for the vacancy must apply by July 19 at 5 pm. The Orange County Democratic Party will then nominate up to three candidates for consideration. The remaining county commissioners will select Dorosin’s replacement during their business meeting on September 2, although the elected officials are not required to follow the Democratic Party’s recommendations.
Dorosin served on the Board of Orange County Commissioners for nine years. He won re-election to a third term in 2020, defeating Penny Rich by just seven votes.
While there are three years left in Dorosin’s term, the appointment will only run through December 2022. Orange County will hold a special election next year to fill the final two years of the term.
Residents who want to be considered for the appointment can download an application from the Orange County government’s website. You can also request the application and get more information by contacting Board Clerk Laura Jensen: call 919-245-2130 or email clerk@orangecountync.gov.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.
Related Stories
‹

Orange County Commissioners Request New Conditions From Efland Station, Buc-ee's ProposalThe Orange County Commissioners requested several new conditions of the applicants for the proposed Efland Station development, which could include a Buc-ee’s Travel Center. Requests for changes to the application on the board’s agenda, in which it considered with a vote to rezone approximately 104 acres of county property, effectively tabled either an approval or […]
![]()
2016 Election: Price, Hauser Vie For BOCC District 2In the 2016 election for Orange County Commissioner, Renee Price and Bonnie Hauser are vying to represent District 2.
![]()
The Morning News: Rani Dasi, Faith Hedgepeth, and Bobby PetrinoIn today's news: Rani Dasi discusses her impending move from the CHCCS school board to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

Rani Dasi Prepares to Close Chapter of CHCCS Leadership, Take On County Commissioner RoleRani Dasi visited 97.9 The Hill for an exclusive interview about her appointment, her legacy during three terms on the school board, and more.
![]()
On Air Today: Orange County Commissioner-Elect Rani DasiOrange County Commissioner Select and outgoing Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Board Member Rani Dasi joined 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey in studio on Thursday, July 30. She discussed her recent selection to fill a term on the Orange County Board of Commissioners. She talked about her legacy on the school board, why now seemed like a time to make the move, what her priorities are for the Orange County Commissioners, and more.
![]()
The Morning News: Expanding the Ackland, Envisioning Carolina NorthIn today's news: UNC officials tour the future Carolina North site - and move forward on a big expansion of the Ackland Art Museum.
![]()
The Morning News: Rani Dasi, UNC Football, and the Red CrossIn today's news: Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board member Rani Dasi is appointed to fill a seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

Orange County Board of Commissioners Unanimously Votes for Rani Dasi to Fill District 1 SeatRani Dasi is poised to join the Board of Orange County Commissioners this summer, earning a short-term selection by unanimous vote.
![]()
The Morning News: Rani Dasi to County Commissioner, Mandarin Dual Language at CHCCSIn today's news: CHCCS board member Rani Dasi is nominated for an open seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

Orange County Dems Select Rani Dasi as Bedford Successor, Next Permanent District 1 CommissionerThe executive committee members of the local Democratic party picked Rani Dasi out of a group of six applicants to the District 1 seat.
›