The Polk County Board of Commissioners has new leadership and a full board after being without commissioner chair Tom Pack since the end of February.

Pack died unexpectedly at age 51 after a Feb. 26 fall. He had been a commissioner for 10 years and was the board’s chairman at the time of his death on March 7.

During the county’s Monday, April 4 meeting, the board officially accepted the nomination of Ted Owens to serve out Pack’s term from the Polk County Republican Party Executive Committee. Owens will fill the remainder of Pack’s term, which will end in December this year since Pack did not seek a 2016 re-election. The board also voted on a new chairman and selected commissioner Michael Gage to serve that role. Commissioner Keith Holbert was appointed vice chair.

Owens is a former commissioner and former Columbus mayor.

During Pack’s absence, Holbert served as acting chair. Holbert read the state law for appointing a commissioner to serve an unexpired term and following, commissioners voted unanimously to approve of Owen’s appointment and Owens was then sworn into office.

Owens read a statement following his taking office, saying he’s not taking commissioner Pack’s place nor is he replacing him.

“In normal circumstances it is a joy for me to serve my fellow man in this manner, however under this tragedy circumstance it is a sad time for me,” Owens said. “Tom was not only a commissioner I served with, but he was one of my best and most respected friends.”

Owens said as a commissioner, Pack gave other commissioners examples and set standards all commissioners should strive to obtain.

“He was dedicated to and worked hard to do what was right for the citizens of this county,” said Owens. “He made his decisions based on facts and not political gain. He mastered the county budget like no one else. He took the time to look at the budget each year line item by line item. He had the ability to spot items that needed adjusted either up or down, always with the goal of easing the burden on the taxpayer.”

Pack was a sharp and intelligent leader, Owens continued, and under his leadership much was accomplished to improve the lives of the people of Polk County and their future.

“I believe one of those accomplishments was the county’s water system,” Owens said.

Owens then told commissioners that “Tom Pack’s influence will be felt every time this board of commissioners meets.”

Gage took over the meeting following the vote for a new chairman. Commissioners Gage, Owens, Holbert and Shane Bradley voted for Gage as chair while commissioner Ray Gasperson voted for Bradley to be chairman.

Commissioners Gage, Owens, Holbert and Bradley voted for Holbert to be vice chair and Gasperson voted for Bradley to be vice chair.

Gage held the chairman position for one year following his initial election in 2012.