When we asked our readers in a poll about four months ago whether they believed our county commissioners would roll back their pay and benefits, more than 700 responded, and they spoke in almost a singular voice: Eighty-six percent said the commissioners would not cut their pay and benefits.
It was a disappointing indictment of this county’s leadership.
At the time, we disagreed with the poll’s respondents, believing what at least four county commissioners told us. We will paraphrase, but the four — Chairman Noah Woods and Commissioners Tom Taylor, Roger Oxendine and David Edge — acknowledged in face-to-face conversations that a problem existed and that it would be addressed.
While we still have faith in those four, more votes are needed, and our confidence that corrections will occur erodes each day that they don’t.
Just to make sure everyone is caught up, we will remind you that this newspaper did research last year showing that Robeson County commissioners’ pay and stipend when combined is the fourth highest in the state, their health benefits are better than county employees and unlike any enjoyed by county commissioners elsewhere. They have a retirement plan, and their discretionary fund, which provides $40,000 a year for each commissioner to disburse as he pleases, is unmatched. The commissioners immediately scuttled a plan that allowed them to continue receiving a salary after leaving office when it wilted under the sunlight this newspaper provided.
All this in perhaps the poorest county in North Carolina, where property is taxed at one of the highest rates in the state and many needs go unattended.
The commissioners directed County Manager Ricky Harris to use his staff to conduct his own study, which they received on Nov. 21. The commissioners at the time said they would address their pay and benefits after the holidays, which have now passed.
On Wednesday, they begin a three-day retreat, and it doesn’t seem likely that their pay and benefits will be addressed. Woods, the chairman, is cryptic about the commissioners’ plans, but it appears they expect to discuss the matter while crafting the budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
That the commissioners called for the study suggests they believed, based on our reporting, that a problem existed. As the study confirmed our findings, the obvious conclusion is that action is needed.
If the commissioners skip the opportunity to address their pay, benefits and discretionary fund this week, and kick that ball down the road five more months, then the conclusion will be simple — that the commissioners intend to milk this cow as long as possible.
They have a chance this week to prove us wrong — as well as most Robesonians, who clearly don’t have faith that they will do the right thing.
As they won’t answer our questions on the matter, perhaps they will yours. If you would like to ask your commissioner directly, here are their phone numbers: Chairman Noah Woods, District 4, 910-521-9006; Raymond Cummings, District 5, 910-521-4934; Tom Taylor, District 7, 910-739-6403; David Edge, District 6, 910-258-1166; Lance Herndon, District 8, 910-733-5482; Roger Oxendine, District 3, 910-628-8667; Jerry Stephens, District 1, 910-671-1991; and Hubert Sealey, District 2, 910-628-5923.
I do want to advise you that it is policy to allow anyone to speak for five minutes but it is also the policy to not respond by the county no matter how wrong the statements may be and believe me I have heard some confused statements. The time is for comments but not debate. I think the only response you will get is if you are personally charging someone with something that can not be substantiated. I am not taking up for the board but I must say if you we're sitting in one of those seats you would more than likely vote the way the board does. Things almost always look different on the outside than it does on the inside. The Philadelphus mining is one example, the board almost always votes with the commissioner that represents the district. With so much concern about the mining I personally drove to the area without knowing anyone living there to draw my own opinion and personally I do not see what all the fuss is about. I did not have a dog in the fight and that was my opinion and we all have one.
I am not a daily reader of these on line articles so do not expect to see me here regularly. I stay on the run, I am very busy. I just happen to hear from a friend of the comments so I am here. I am not one to hide or hold my opinion even tho they say it is not wise of a public servant. You have a right to ask and I feel I am obligated to answer.
As I said I always answer my phone if possible and always return messages when left.
Thank you for caring enough to go see for youself. That shows concern. I respectfully disagree with you on the minining issue. And my disagreement is not with the decision itself, but in how that decison was carried out. And that is why I hold Mr. Cummings soley accountable for that fiasco.
Lastly, if the Commissioners' policy is not to respond to the citizens duirng the meeting, then what is the point in having the citizens on the agenda? Comments go no where, but intense dialogue facilitates communications and brings about understanding and maybe even change.
This policy seems absurd and makes the Commissioners appear autocratic.
Lynn E. Locklear
Lynn E. Locklear
Thanks for stepping up and honestly acknowledging that you are responsive to county concerns. I hope that you have not been chided for so responding by your cohorts...I hope that they are beginning to come around some...maybe the retreat will bring some new perspectives....we don't want our county to stagnate....there are lots of taxpaying citizens all over the county who are concerned. What is the vision for OUR future with a quality life...just please ponder this...we are all in it together. 2013 is a new beginning!
I have a number of questions to ask and will do so at the 18 Feb session during the time allocated in the agenda for citizens.
I look forward to your responses and am pleased to see your willingness to engage citizens on these important matters.
I must still agree with locklik though. I have not called any commissioners, but have tried to communicate with them a number of times in this forum via the pen without any luck until now.
Thank you for responding and I look forward to the dialogue 18 Feb.
An open lines of communicaitons between citizens and their representatives is how we move forward together for the betterment of all people.
Lynn E. Locklear
I look forward to the meeting and it seems you have shown that you are honestly working toward a change.
I mis-stated that I have not called any Commissioners and want to correct the record. Since moving back home I have called Mr. Cummings 3 maybe 4 times, and he did respond to inquiries and/or pointed me in the right direction.
Lynn E. Locklear
Joint and show your support.
Lynn E. Locklear
District 5
Chairman Woods seemed to relish in his rendition that "they had listened". Jerry Stephens even voiced that he remembered a time before when they had acted and then "had to eat alot" afterwards...not sure what or when he was referencing. But, after a break they returned to proceed with the united vote of approval despite heavy opposition from the community. And this was after this whole shady business plan had already been voted down in Red Springs...it was rerouted through the County Commissioners for approval. They probably thought that since it was the week of July 4th that their meeting that night would be short and sweet and sealed with a kiss...not so. There were about 100 people there that night. Since then, much has come to light. Let's continue to pray for our leaders and support them in their efforts to do what is best for our county. It's got to be tough wearing those shoes. But no accountability for the discretionary funds? ok nevermind.
Show up Feb. 18th and let them know you care about your county.
I told you county residents to do as I do, speak loud and proud to em in public. Embarrass them and their family out shopping or eating. Ruin their eavining. Sometimes you have to get on their level to get their attention. Picket their homes with signs waving to passing cars. Make a mockery of them just as they have us.
You have cops around here earning just above the poverty level, while they sit back and live the high life. What a joke.
Maybe it's true, the poorer a person is the less educated they are, and we are the poorest county.... and these commissioners know it.
I remember a story about this same sorta crime in California recently. They ended up locking those up, maybe we should look at getting a lawyer to see what legally can be done. I'm tired of being squezzed by the leaders and the losers...