Veteran Fuquay-Varina town commissioner Bill Harris, who lost his seat to a challenger in the November election, is back on the board.

On Monday night the four sitting commissioners appointed Harris to serve the two years remaining in the term of the late Commissioner Jeff Wells, who died in December.

The vote for Harris was unanimous. Commissioners agreed in discussion that Harris’s experience would be valuable in the next two years as the board faces some important issues. It was observed that it takes a new board member some time to learn the background and basics of the way a board works. Harris served as a commissioner for 22 years before losing his seat in November.

Two other applicants sought appointment to fill the remainder of Wells’ term, Wayne Carver, president and general manager of Stephens Supply, and Garion Bunn, a project manager at Wake Technical College. Both men currently serve on the town’s Planning and Zoning Board. Carver is chairman.

Two board seats were open to be filled in the November election. Cindy Sheldon, who had completed one four-year term, was reelected. Jim Abernethy, a newcomer, captured the second seat which had been held by Harris, ousting the 22-year veteran. Other commissioners, whose terms do not expire for two more years, are Jimmy Johnson and Charlie Adcock.