Mecklenburg County Commission Chairwoman Jennifer Roberts survived a move to oust her from the top elected county spot, but not after a heated board meeting Monday, Dec. 6.

Roberts was re-elected as chairman after several days of speculation that at-large Democrat Harold Cogdell was vying for the position. Cogdell, it was speculated, was proposing a deal with the Republican members to vote for first-term at-large member Jim Pendergraph for their votes for him as chairman.

Traditionally, the at-large member that receives the most votes is selected as the chairman. Roberts was the highest vote-getter this year followed by Pendergraph then Cogdell.

Board members erupted in argument after District 1 Rep. Karen Bentley nominated Cogdell as chairman.

“During my tenure representing District 1 in the northern part of Mecklenburg County,” Bentley said, “Commissioner Cogdell has not only been very receptive to my constituents but has been available to meet with constituents from all over this county. … Commissioner Cogdell, I believe, will see the greater needs of the county.”

But Cogdell said he was never trying to become chairman and that no deal making had occurred and asked Bentley to rescind her nomination. He said he was trying to make a point about partisan politics.

Pendergraph was selected as vice chairman.