LINCOLN - Newcomer Terry Carlton is the new Logan County Board chairman after a reorganization meeting Monday.

"As chairman, I want to make economic development a high priority," Carlton said. "Logan County is a great place to live and I want to make sure that we have a clear vision and strategy. I will also want to challenge each of the committee chairmen to build a clear vision for their committee and build for the future."

Carlton, a former supervisor at Caterpillar in Peoria, works at Integrity Data in Lincoln as custom sales manager. Pat O'Neill, an eight-year board member, was elected vice chairman.

Bill Martin, Jan Schumacher and Dave Helper also were sworn in as board members. Also sworn were State's Attorney Mike McIntosh, Circuit Clerk Carla Bender and Coroner Robert Thomas. McIntosh resigned his county board seat effective Monday.

"I am going to recommend that the members of the board attend the city council meetings from their respective jurisdictions and communicate regularly with city officials and representatives," Carlton said. "We also want to work with our constituents and make sure that their voices are being heard."

Last month, outgoing County Board Chairman Dick Logan thanked Bill Sahs, George Mitchell, McIntosh, and Vicke Hasprey for their service to the board.

"It's a lot of work sitting on a county board," Logan said. "I don't think people realize just how much work it is."

McIntosh's District 6 seat must be filled by a Republican. A letter of interest and resume must be sent to the County Board office by Dec. 8.