Gene Scarborough's comments to Beaufort Commissioners Meeting | Eastern North Carolina Now

    The first thing at 6:00 was to look for a group at the Courthouse. Finding none, I saw some activity at the building which houses the County Commission meeting. About 6:30 is entered the room and public comments were in process.

    On my way into the building a lady was coming out spewing over the refusal to move the meeting location to the courthouse. Already there was anger in the air from the "people side."

    One look across the Commissioners table showed me the same faces fixed and serious over whatever business was to be transacted at an official meeting of the Commissioners. That is never a good sign of progress ready to happen at a good spirited meeting.
Gene Scarborough makes his public comments known to the Beaufort County Commissioners: Above.     photo by Stan Deatherage
    I was not on the agenda for public comments, but the Commissioners invited anyone after the pre-requested slots were done to speak. My short words within the allotted time dealt with the need to relief on proper taxes for me. It was my second time to express my concerns:

       •  The current assessments are some 30% above real sales records in recent years.

       •  I was recently informed there could be individual application for relief if you are over 65 and have an income less than $30,000.

       •  Why was there no public notice printed on a big sign in the Tax Office to this effect?

       •  I have struggled from age 65 to current age 69 with no one telling me a thing about the option.

       •  We need gentlemen of the Commission working together to form solutions above and beyond the political wrangling since national and state politics have become divisive.

       •  Just work together for the needs of County taxpayers

    As I was going to my daughter's house and WHS graduation ceremony, this story came to me:

    Back in the day Andrew Jackson was President he was traveling with a group of men. Beside a stream they had to ford was a man needing a lift across. Andrew Jackson stopped and helped him up for the fording of the stream.

    As the man got off, President Jackson asked him, "Do you know who I am?"

    The man answered, "I have no idea. I was looking at all the faces of your group. You were the only man who had a 'yes face' and I asked you for help. I appreciate the lift, sir."

    As I was speaking, and waiting I was looking intently at the faces of the men behind the table. I saw 1 "yes face" in the entire group. There were a couple of "maybe faces." Otherwise, it appeared to me that "NO" was on the minds of those making tax decisions for us . . .