Disclosure (novel) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Joel Johnson, Rockwell, N.C.
♦I will preface my letter with the following disclaimer: the mall purchase is likely a great deal that will solve the space problems facing county departments. I support pursuing the purchase, but only with full disclosure to the public.
The problem I have is the lack of transparency. In 2012, Jim Sides preached on government transparency and made very effective changes in approving the rating of our county with the John Locke foundation. I am never hesitant to give praise where it is due: that was a good thing for our county and I applaud Jim for those efforts. I will also not hesitate to call him out publicly when he (and other commissioners, sadly) demonstrates blatant hypocrisy by restricting access to information and ongoing negotiations regarding said mall purchase. It is no surprise to me that this is occurring, but that is not a reason to allow it to be left unsaid. Shame on any commissioner taking part in this (or any other) clandestine behavior.
We, the people, deserve to be fully aware of the goings-on within our county government. You were elected to office to conduct the business of the people. For the past several years, it seems our county has been the source of controversy, bickering and ridicule. Commissioners: you were elected to office by the people. Stop conducting business behind closed doors. I’ve heard it said by a commissioner directly that most business is taken care of long before the commissioners public meetings are held. This is unacceptable, and you demonstrate a clear lack of integrity by conducting yourselves in such a manner.
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