Effingham County commissioners opened their first meeting of 2013 by selecting Steve Mason as the vice-chairman.

Mason, the 3rd District commissioner, takes over the role from 4th District Commissioner Reggie Loper. Loper was not interested in serving another term as vice-chairman and nominated Mason for the position.

“He’s done a great job for us,” Mason said of Loper, the longest-tenured member of the county commission. “He had to run quite a few meetings for us.”

Phil Kieffer nominated Vera Jones, and Jones in turn nominated Kieffer. Forrest Floyd, the newest voting member of the commission, voted for Mason, as did Loper and Mason himself. Kieffer voted for Jones and Jones voted for Kieffer as commissioners had their votes read aloud for the first time.

Commissioners also had to sign their ballots.