Some of Cannon’s personal tweets on Twitter expressed controversial opinions on political topics as well as current and former elected officials like Donald Trump, Mark Meadows and Rep. Madison Cawthorn. 

Cannon had served in the role since early 2017 and was paid $275 per hour. A closed session for personnel was held at the conclusion of the June 3 special called meeting of the board, but was recessed, rather than adjourned. The closed session reconvened at 10 a.m. on June 7 and resulted in a 4-1 vote to terminate. Alderman Chuck Dickson was the only holdout. Planning Board Attorney Ronald Sneed, who practices in Black Mountain and Swannanoa, and is currently the Black Mountain town attorney, will serve in an interim capacity at least through the board’s June 8 regular meeting.