What's to become of EDC? | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Viewing the tape of the July 2, Beaufort County Commissioner's monthly meeting I thought I had been transported to another world. When the meeting focused on the Economic Development Commission EDC, I couldn't believe what I was hearing from the Gang of Five. Aside from the obvious burrowing of his head and the usual mumbling, Comm. McRoy could not hide his discomfort. Comm. Cayton, showing his political side, was unusually quiet. Comm. Booth and Langley had little to say and kept nodding their heads in agreement with Comm. Richardson's comments. Comm. Klemm was to be commended as he appeared to have finally "seen the light".

    The transformation of the Gang of Five members has been interesting to watch over the last 6 months. Living up to the popular definition of "politician" which is not always viewed as complementary to one's character, these Commissioners who in the past supported wholeheartedly any crapshoot suggested by our former EDC Director, have had to tuck their tails between their legs and admit the taxpayers have been screwed. Time will tell just how BAD it really is.

    It's not only the County taxpayers who will pay the price of poor leadership and no accountability, but those initially responsible for seeking out and indulging the EDC Director's every wish and whim, will suffer the loss of credibility as accomplished businessmen. It took over 10 years for them to listen to the "little people". How could they not see what was happening right in front of them?

EDC and BCC-100

    The clarity of any plan or strategy that may have existed grew murkier and murkier as the excuses and false hopes grew and the delineation between EDC and BCC-100 began to blur. This was so obvious to onlookers, especially during the presentations of the Annual EDC Report.

    In 2009 the ultimate blending was acknowledged by the BCC-100 in their required annual IRS Form 990 report to the Federal government. False information regarding the relationship and duties of the Economic Development Commission and EDC Director was reported and sanctioned by the CPA who prepared the report and signed by the CEO. This declaration attempted to justify the elevation of the EDC Director to also "serve as the CEO of the Beaufort County Committee of 100, LTD." In addition the report further states "The CEO appoints the governing board of the committee on behalf of the Board of Commissioners". These statements were made unbeknownst to the County Commissioners.

    The Report clearly states that "the Form 990 is reviewed and approved by the organization's Finance Committee and then by the Executive Committee". Now, if everyone was doing their job, these committee members could not claim ignorance of the facts reported to the US government. It is not known if any County Commissioners who serve on the BCC-100 Board were members of either one of the Committees responsible for review and approval.

    Commissioner Richardson read this information into the public record along with several other misreported "facts" from the IRS 990, such as denial of family and/or business cross-relationships among the 32 members of the BCC-100 Board. Between business clients and family relationships it almost appears incestuous. With that many Type-A "leaders", the unifying role of CEO was easy to assume.

    Even Comm. Klemm commented that based on his business experience most productive Boards do not have more than 10 members. These words of wisdom come from one of the 32 members of BCC-100 Board. A bit ironic, isn't it?

    It remains to be seen exactly what the negative financial impact will end up being. However the consequences due to lack of oversight, non-compliance and/or failure to meet deadlines can be far-reaching from businesses to funding organizations and State Commerce grants.