2007 TOP 10 STORIES OF THE YEAR-4. Steve Roller

After a decision-making process that had the Warren County Commission stubbornly split down the middle during the second of two tense evenings of balloting, local attorney Steve Roller triumphed over former commissioner Bill Zechman by two votes, landing the 12-10 majority required to secure the appointment to the state Senate seat vacated by Jerry Cooper.

The usual 24-seat Warren County Commission had been reduced to 22 after two members, Zechman and George Smartt, had to step down in order to accept the nomination for the Senate seat. By law, the appointment requires a simple majority of the full commission, in this case 12 votes.

The field of 13 candidates who accepted the Senate nomination was quickly narrowed down to Zechman and Roller during the first round of voting, but the proceedings then degenerated into a second-night stalemate of 11-11, with only a change in vote by Commissioner M.A. Bouldin breaking the tie and handing Roller the appointment.

Roller was gracious in victory, noting he was ready to take on his new duties and asking for the support of all the commissioners.

‘This process is behind us. Let’s all shake hands and go to work, because there is a lot of work to do. The battle has just begun,’ Roller said, vowing to be the voice of the 14th District.

‘That’s my commitment. My most sincere desire is to represent all seven counties of the 14th District. I thank you for the opportunity.’