In a surprise move the Wicomico County Council chose Dr. Rene Desmarais as the new County Executive.
He beat out the odds on favorite Republican Delegate Carl Anderton as well as former county employee Michele Ennis.
The vote was four to three with Council President Larry Dodd and council members Nicole Acle, Ernie Davis and Joe Holloway voting for him.
Supporting Anderton were council members Council Vice President John Cannon and council members Bill McCaine Josh Hastings.
But the selection angered many in attendance with Perdue Farms CEO Randy Day telling the council that they had missed an opportunity to appoint the best person.
The Salisbury Independent reported that the Chris Eccleston, former President of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, said he expected the business community to oppose the council’s decision.
It is possible that the council could revisit the decision amidst the uproar.
Desmarais is a cardiologist who has been affiliated with Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Atlantic General Hospital.
He replaces the late Bob Culver who died of liver cancer at the age of 67.