A former aide to U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre, D-Lumberton, will soon be transitioning into a legislative role with the city of Wilmington.  
 
Starting Jan. 21, Tony McEwen will be city’s new special assistant to the city manager for legislative affairs, according to a news release.
 
The position has been vacant since Tyler Newman resigned from the post in November to rejoin Wilmington-based Business Alliance for a Sound Economy.
 
As Wilmington’s legislative affairs liaison, McEwen will be responsible for tracking bills at the state and federal level that could affect city business, city spokeswoman Malissa Talbert said Friday. He will also work with the city’s lobbyists and will present information to city staff and elected officials regarding any pending legislation that could impact the Port City.  
 
His salary is set at $68,061 a year, Talbert said.
 
An alumnus of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, McEwen has more than 10 years of experience working with North Carolina members of the U.S. Congress, the news release stated.
 
McEwen most recently served nearly six years as economic development director in McIntyre’s office. Prior to that, he spent nearly five years working for U.S. Rep. Melvin Watt, D-Charlotte, as a district liaison.
           
McIntyre announced earlier this week that he plans to retire at the end of his current term.