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Governor appoints new commissioner

By Jared Felkins
The Times-Journal

Published September 30, 2009

Gov. Bob Riley appointed Chris Kuykendall on Wednesday to fill a vacancy on the DeKalb County Commission after the death of Brant Craig in July.

Kuykendall, a Fort Payne State Farm insurance agent, will fill the District 3 position for a little more than a year as Craig was up for re-election in November 2010.

“It’s mixed emotions,” Kuykendall said. “I would much prefer it never happened and still have Brant around. I feel like I am qualified to fill the position and look forward to working with the other commissioners on issues in the county.”

Todd Stacy, Riley’s press secretary, confirmed the appointment Wednesday morning.

“I’m pleased to appoint Chris Kuykendall to the DeKalb County Commission,” Riley said in a statement. “I know Chris will make a fine commissioner and serve the citizens of DeKalb County with distinction.”

Kuykendall, a member of the DeKalb Republican Party’s steering committee, said he interviewed with the governor’s deputy chief of staff and a state attorney during the appointment process. He said he’s considering a run for the seat in November.

Kuykendall has been in the insurance business for 35 years and is the agent and owner of M. Chris Kuykendall Insurance Co. that represents State Farm. He’s been active in a number of local civic organizations over the years and is the current president of the Fort Payne Rotary Club.

“Chris Kuykendall’s business experience with State Farm Insurance has taught him budget procedures, as well as people skills while dealing with business owners and the general public,” said Commission President Sid Holcomb. “These characteristics, along with his outgoing personality, will provide the leadership that District 3 has grown accustomed to under former Commissioner Brant Craig. I consider it an honor to serve with him for the betterment of DeKalb County.

State Rep. Todd Greeson, R-Ider, was also pleased with Kuykendall’s appointment.

“I think Chris is a great choice,” Greeson said. “The DeKalb Republican Party submitted three names and he was one of them. I’ve known him since 1998, and he’s very sharp. I think he will pick up on things quickly.”

Kuykendall attended Wednesday’s commission meeting where commissioners passed next year’s budget. Later in the day, he said he met with county officials to go over the new budget.

“Money is going to be tight this next year, and it’s going to be a challenge on any commissioner,” Kuykendall said. “I have optimism that tax revenues will pick up in the near future.”

Kuykendall said he wasn’t sure when he would be officially sworn into office but it could happen before the next commission meeting on Oct. 6.

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