An Exercise in Futility, Beaufort County Commissioners | Eastern NC Now

An Exercise in Futility, Beaufort County Commissioners

BY: HOOD RICHARDSON

Our modern world is truly a miracle. If you do not believe it, take a look at the February Beaufort County Commissioners’ meeting. The majority of these guys are the anchor holding back progress in Beaufort County.

Stan Deatherage offered discussion about the complaints we are receiving from many parents from whom Social Services have removed children. Our Board has dodged addressing this concern for several years. There are threats from both parents and entities outside Beaufort County of lawsuits. The majority of Commissioners composed of the Democrats and RINOs (Republican In Name Only) claim there is not a problem, and if there were, Commissioners have no authority to resolve it. This is also their standard dodge about tax money being stolen. This was their position on the Joy McRoy fraud and the allegations against the Mayor of Belhaven.

The state laws provide support for the “Golden Rule”. That is, he who has the gold makes the rule. It is only common sense that if we take your money using the police power of the state, we are responsible for how it is used. However, the County Manager and four Commissioners disagree. In all these cases Commissioners should show the public the courtesy of at least having a look at what is going on in Social Services.

Commissioner Deatherage asked for more accountability from people the taxpayers donate money to. Deatherage requested that we at least get a financial report each year.

Deatherage raised the issue of the common-sense public employees should have about criticizing elected officials. A motion was made to censure the behavior of the former City of Washington manager’s wife who is now an official of the Beaufort County ABC Board. Commissioners appoint some of the members to that Board. The motion failed. She is accused of attacking members of the City Council, her husband’s former employer, using the internet.

I complained that the spay and neuter program using the $20,000 donation was not handled in a manner fair to all citizens of Beaufort County. The program provided $300 to neuter one animal. However, it was set up to be “first come, first served”. Several of those who came first were awarded $600 and one got 900 dollars. I suggested all future awards be on a lottery system. Fairness is important.

Rezoning the county owned, and presently useless, Chocowinity Industrial Park was brought up again. Commissioners voted down doing anything that would bring heavy industry to Beaufort County.

I made a motion to do an actual study to estimate the revenue from the proposed room rental tax. We have an opinion from the consultant, who will make money on the deal, that we will take in several hundred thousand dollars in taxes. He will make money whether we do or not. A study was voted down 5 to 2 with only Deatherage and I in favor.

I asked about the Joy McRoy fraud situation. The bonding and insurance companies have paid all the money back. The county attorney knew nothing else. She is also the attorney for the Town of Chocowinity. McRoy has not yet been sentenced. It is strange that this case is not over. Will she get away with this?

The board voted not to support my resolution to ask the Legislature to increase the penalties for dealing drugs. The Gang of Four (Waters, Langley, Walker and Booth) who killed this resolution actually voted to support drug dealers. The citizens of Beaufort County need to think about this. More than half the cost of operating the Jail and the Sheriff’s Department is caused by illegal drugs.

The political activity by the BHM Library was discussed again. I hope they stick to running a library and stay out of politics. The Library has been openly supporting a guaranteed minimum wage. The taxpayer will ultimately pay the wage.

The Gang of Four voted not to request budget information from the School system for the new budget. Fake Frankie usually makes a deal in the back room. Booth, Langley and Walker vote for it. Note that Booth and Walker have wives on the School Board. Is this corruption?

I discussed whether or not we should have a policy on drug testing for commissioners. There are some unusual people running for commissioner this time. The Board did not want to do anything.

Deatherage, Dunn and I announced that we planned to reopen the Snowden School if the right people win their elections this fall. The right people are: Travis Martin, Charles Hickman, Steve Rader, George Armistead and Jesse Woolard.

Commissioners reluctantly agreed to request the County Attorney to find out whether or not there is an investigation of the allegations about the misuse of County funds by the Mayor of Belhaven. The Gang of Four does not realize that covering up these fraud issues only invites more fraud.

In a surprise vote of 5 to 2 the Board voted to support the LGBTQ+ policy of providing advertising, meeting rooms and a counselor at the Community College. Deatherage and Richardson voted against.

The Conservative Club has a sample ballot showing who they support. It is available at voting places from some candidates or at my office. I can email it to you.