Election Results Will Force Jail Referendum | Eastern North Carolina Now

News Release:

    The Stop the Jail Committee is pleased with the outcome of the election. Committee Chairman, Harold Smith stated: "The County Commissioner race has been defined by current pro-jail Board members as a referendum on the proposed jail. With the election of Frankie Waters and Ron Buzzeo, the composition of the new Board makes for a solid majority against the construction of the proposed jail. The citizens of the County have rejected arrogance and misplaced priorities in favor of candidates who promise to base their decisions on clear long-range planning, common sense priorities and wise management of our tax dollars."

    Candidate Keith Kidwell was supported by the Committee but did not gather enough votes to obtain a seat on the Board. "We regret that one of our candidates, Keith Kidwell, did not obtain a seat on the Board of Commissioners. Keith was a founding member of our Committee and has been instrumental in helping us achieve our goals. He would have been an excellent representative for the taxpayers of the County," Smith said.

    Smith cautioned that the fight is far from over. Smith further stated: "We can declare victory only when the Board of Commissioners votes to stop all spending on this project. Citizens of the County should be aware that there is discussion of building a new jail behind the Courthouse. This discussion also includes plans for courthouse renovation. Our position is clear: The Stop the Jail Committee will not support spending any taxpayer funds on the project without a vote of the people, as is required by the NC Constitution. After this issue is put to rest by the new Board of Commissioners, we will then fight to repeal those general statutes misused by local governments to circumvent the Constitution and undertake pet projects without voter approval."

    The Stop The Jail Committee plans to continue the fight in the State Legislature. Efforts are underway to repeal the general statutes that are being misused by local governments to circumvent the Constitution and undertake pet projects without voter approval.

    Contact:
       Harold Smith, Stop The Jail Committee

         (252) 945-8719