Mecklenburg County Commissioner Will Be Replaced As She Battles Illness

CHARLOTTE, NC — Mecklenburg County Commissioner Ella Scarborough, 76, has been absent from meetings for weeks, prompting concern among the rest of the board as well as her constituents.

Tuesday, the board voted to approve her requested medical leave for an undisclosed illness, and will replace her with an interim commissioner while she is on leave.

The vote was 5-3 to replace her with an interim commissioner, and they also granted her full salary while she is out, although some disagreed with that decision including commissioners Susan Rodriguez-McDowell and Laura Meier, according to WFAE. She makes $50,000 a year for her elected role.

Commissioner Pat Cain Cotham spoke about her friend at the meeting and on social media. "Love my friend, Ella Scarborough! She is an amazing public servant and trailblazer," Cotham wrote. "The term, a 'living legend' is an understatement. She is so much more! I admire her and love her so much."

Scarborough has served as commissioner since 2014 and was the first black woman to serve on Charlotte's city council.