Great Scott: Higgins Back on Town Board

Higgins takes the oath of office

Former Commissioner Scott Higgins was approved by a unanimous vote of the Town Board to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Commissioner Todd Sansbury.

Higgins was the leading vote-getter among all Town Board candidates in the 2023 election and served as mayor pro tem during his lone term. He chose not to seek reelection last year but remained active in town affairs. Over the years, he has served on multiple town advisory boards and committees.

Mayor Denis Bilodeau welcomed Higgins back to the board, calling him a passionate advocate for the town and its residents.

Left to right: Rob Carney, Susan Johnson, Denis Bilodeah, Todd Sansbury, Heather Sansbury and Colin Furcht

“Congratulations, Scott,” he said. “This is truly a great day because we can have you come back for 18 months and do what you always do, and that is pursue what citizens really want you to look into.”

Sansbury resigned June 1 after nearly five years on the board because of a coming job-related move to Georgia. His service was recognized at the start of the meeting.

“You’ve made the commitment to making Cornelius a great place to live, work and play,” Bilodeau said. “We really appreciate everything you did in five years.”

Sansbury’s resignation marked the first time in more than a decade that a seated commissioner has left the Cornelius Town Board before the end of a term.

The last commissioner to resign midterm was John Bradford, who stepped down in December 2014 after being elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives. Bruce Trimbur was appointed to fill the remainder of Bradford’s term.

Trimbur did not seek reelection because his job required him to relocate out of state.

Dave Vieser contributed to this report.