We want to wish Jon Mendenhall the best of luck in his new job and commend Southampton County supervisors for not making any quick decisions to fill Mendenhall’s position as assistant administrator.

Mendenhall’s last day as the county’s second top-dog will be Jan. 11. On Jan. 14, he will begin working as manager for Gates County, N.C., at $75,000 a year. Mendenhall was with Southampton County for 21 months, earning more than $65,000 annually.

Supervisors have agreed they need to reevaluate the position before filling it; this is the third time a short-timer has taken the job. Supervisors are considering splitting up Mendenhall’s duties.

Two years ago, when County Administrator Mike Johnson recommended not filling the vacancy, supervisors went against his suggestion; four of those supervisors are no longer on the board.

Listening to Johnson is the right decision. He has the expertise when it comes to operating the county and works much closer with employees than the supervisors do.

It will be interesting to see what happens.