By By John Wallace and Sherry Digmon
Advance Staff Writer
Atmore could be without representation on the Escambia County Industrial Development Board if city officials do not come up with a $20,000 contribution to the board.
But the contribution may not be forthcoming any time soon.
Atmore Mayor Rodney Owens said the city has withheld funds from the authority and is justified in doing so.
Five seats on the board were considered at Monday's county commission meeting, but only three were filled on the recommendation of State Rep. Frank P. "Skippy" White.
In a letter to Commission Chairman Larry White, Skippy White nominated J.R. Jones to represent the Flomaton area and Jim Byrd and Rick Wilson to represent the Brewton area on the board.
However, White stated in the letter that he will exercise his right to postpone nominating Jim Johnson and Ullysses McBride to represent Atmore on the board.
Larry White read the letter to the commission and Commissioner Weldon Vickrey said it appears that Skippy White is waiting to see the results of the upcoming municipal election in Atmore.
The nominees for Flomaton and Brewton were approved by the county commission and will serve until January of 2002 due to a delay in Skippy White's recommendations.