New county commissioners to work together to find new leader for DSS

MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. — Mecklenburg County's new commissioners will work together for the first time Tuesday night.

All of the at-large members are new to the board since November's election.

They're picking up several major issues left behind by the previous board, including finding a new leader for the county's Department of Social Services.

This comes after former DSS director Mary Wilson was fired in September.

Three new commissioners were sworn in Monday night. Each Eyewitness News spoke to emphasized the need for filling the leadership void.

Board members will take steps to fix the perception of DSS and get someone in who will work to move the department forward.

“We're ready because we have to be ready,” Commissioner Matthew Ridenhour said. “DSS, re-evaulation -- these are issues that need to be addressed now and not later.”

Board members said it will take time to find a replacement. On Tuesday night, they will talk about qualities they'd like to see in a new hire and come up with a plan to make it happen.

WSOC