Comments by Austin Garrison | Eastern NC Now
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Commented on Another Political Campaign BeginsMr. Hudson. Thank you for a respectful and pointed critique. This is a comment I can reasonably respond to. I do remember your many remarks you gave in defense of our school and am very grateful for them. My issue arises from what I believe the spirit of many of the comments were, provocative without any plan of action. The issue that I voiced to both members of the school board, the superintendent and those (like me) opposed to closing the was as follows: Why have we let it get to this point? There were rumors about Snowden closing for nearly a decade, we all knew that the standard was dropping and students were leaving, but people did not act until it was too late, and I include myself in the group. A woman at our meeting in Aurora summed it up perfectly, in my opinion, why were we not up in arms sooner? I respect your opinion that I feel below the mark, and I regret to admit you are probably right publicly. However, in private meetings with many people, I asked for any alternatives.
Commented: Monday, November 10th, 2025 @ 2:23 pm
By: Austin Garrison
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Commented on Another Political Campaign BeginsSir. As I stated, I am a junior in college, and like many students, I remain a dependent of family. I split my time between my home in Aurora for most of the week and class days in Greenville at school, again as many students do, including Republican State Representative Wyatt Gable and newly elected conservative Greenville city councilman Seth Hardee. I'm also not sure what you mean by a real job. As I said, I worked full-time while attending school, playing sports, and being engaged in my community. I also stated clearly that I did not feel a politically driven stump speech would do people who were angry and grieving any good. You cannot make decisions based on emotion, but on facts alone, and riling up a crowd of people I love and care for would have been counterproductive. It is apparent, sir, that you have no desire to discuss policy or strategy but only degrade me personally. That is disappointing as I think you asked reasonable and genuine questions in your first response. Best.
Commented: Monday, November 10th, 2025 @ 2:14 pm
By: Austin Garrison
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Commented on Another Political Campaign BeginsCont. from comment 1: Many in my community have reached out to me and were simply not satisfied with Mr. Hickman's leadership. They felt that this was not an overnight problem and that he did not do enough in his first two years on the board to help prevent the eventual result. Now to my youth. We have seen across the country a passing of the torch and an influx of youth into both parties. This should not be feared but celebrated, especially in the conservative movement. Students have been elected to statewide and municipal offices across the state. I would be the closest removed from Primary and Secondary education on the board, able to understand more closely the struggles that students and teachers alike are dealing with. I think this is a very positive trait to have. In further comments or communications, I can go more in-depth on my views and goals. They are simply too much for this thread. God Bless.
Commented: Monday, November 10th, 2025 @ 1:32 pm
By: Austin Garrison
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Commented on Another Political Campaign BeginsConservative Voter, thank you for your respectful response. I can admit, I do not have the life experience that Mr. Hickman does, though I do not believe his particular experience is necessary for a school board seat. I am a full-time student at ECU studying Political Science and History, with the goal of attaining my PhD and teaching at the university level. In my early years of college, I also worked full-time for the Town of Aurora, getting to know the people of my community intimately. I am also a dependent of family, as a full time student it would simply not be feasible to live on my own. I have no shame in that. As to your point about my involvement in the protest for the closing of Snowden School, I spoke out vehemently against it to many both in my community and in positions of power. I did not believe at the time that making what would ultimately be a political statement, as some did, at the expense of those I care about was the best course of action. Cont.
Commented: Monday, November 10th, 2025 @ 1:26 pm
By: Austin Garrison
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Commented on Another Political Campaign BeginsGood Afternoon, Everyone. I am the so called "unknown" "young homosexual" from the southside of the river. I would like to first put this out there though I do not believe it matters, I am not a homosexual. I'm not sure who would post something like that about me and why, but it is incredibly childish and unhelpful when adults are attempting to have conversations about actual policy. To Commissioners Deatherage and Richardson (those people who ACTUALLY hold elected office in this county, rather than some unknown troll on a web forum) I would be more than happy to sit down and answer questions about why I am running. I have nothing against Mr. Hickman and him and I have had many good conversations, especially in regards to the school closure in my home of Aurora. I simply feel that youth and positive communication ability are sorely needed to make this county as great as I know it can be. I would love to talk at our next BCGOP meeting with those who want to have REAL conersation. Best.
Commented: Monday, November 10th, 2025 @ 12:34 pm
By: Austin Garrison
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