Roger Allen McLean, Sr. (born October 24, 1949) is an American politician and the former mayor of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. A Democrat, McLean held the mayoral office following a 2008 runoff election. Roger McLean died on March 30, 2016.[1]
Political career
Prior to his mayoral election, McLean worked from 1974 to 1996 at Elizabeth City State University,[2] he served during his tenure as the Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer for Elizabeth City State University.[3]
He has also served in the Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce on the Board of Directors, and on the Elizabeth City Housing Authority and Planning Board.[4]
In the 2008 mayoral election, Roger McLean ran with a strong focus on reducing the electric department budget,[5] and, in the initial election, did not receive a majority over candidates Don Cherry and H. Rick Gardner. The following month, McLean defeated runner-up candidate Gardner by a margin of 392 votes.[6]
On February 8, 2010, McLean entered into a discussion with the North Carolina Electric Municipal Agency, the supplier of electricity for Elizabeth City, and considered the sudden termination of a contract which committed the city to repay a debt incurred to NCEMPA and to purchase electricity solely from this agency. Given the possibility that this termination could result in a lawsuit from the other 31 cities which comprise NCEMPA filing a lawsuit against Elizabeth City, McLean suggested to let "ElectriCities sue us." Which was a very brave but much needed statement [7]
Personal life
McLean was born in Robeson County and obtained his B.S. in accounting at N.C. Central University.[8] He resided in Elizabeth City until his death.[9]
