For decades, the Franklin County Board of Supervisors has met the first business day of the new year to vote on a new chairman.

One supervisor is trying to start the new decade with a new way to choose the chairman -- a method he says will be fairer to everybody.

Gills Creek Supervisor Russ Johnson asked his six colleagues in December to consider a rotating chairmanship -- instead of the board nominating candidates and voting on the leader.

Rocky Mount Supervisor Charles Wagner has held the position for the past two years. Before him, Blackwater Supervisor Wayne Angell served as chairman for a number of stints that totaled 15 years.

Looking back 40 years, there has never been a supervisor from the Gills Creek or Blue Ridge districts to serve as chairperson, Johnson said.

"Rotating the chair best represents our message of one county," he said. "The exclusion of districts sends a bad message."

Union Hall Supervisor David Cundiff said he thinks the rotating chair is a good idea.

"It gives equal representation," he said. "It's a good opportunity to learn."

The board's chairperson runs the meetings and often serves as the board's representative in meetings with other boards, agencies and groups.

Snow Creek Supervisor Leland Mitchell said he likes the current process.

Having the representative from one district hold the leadership position for repeat years "doesn't mean the districts aren't well represented," he said.

Angell tried to shoot down the idea that whoever is in the chair is able to favor their district.

"As the chair, I was more aware of not favoring my district than I am now," he said.

Angell said he will support the decision of the majority of the board.

This isn't the first time Johnson has requested the rotating leadership position.

Last year, he brought the idea up during the organizational meeting, but was turned down.

The supervisors will meet to choose the chairman and vice chairman at 4 p.m. Monday in their meeting room inside the county courthouse.