I watched the Jan. 20 council meeting online and was appalled at the horrible treatment of councilwoman Mary Evans by Mayor James Willis concerning her seeking clarification on the city financial report.
I have heard the accounting representative say many times in council meetings that if they had any questions or needed clarification about his report to call or meet with him. After Mr. Willis brought up the issue in the council meeting, Mrs. Evans told the mayor that she was seeking clarification. As a citizen, I am glad that a council member takes her elected position seriously enough to seek clarification. This helps her to vote wisely on issues and benefits those who elected her. According to law, she did nothing wrong. All she sought was a clarification.
After her reply, the mayor should have dropped the issue.
Yet, the mayor continued to berate and bully her in a public session. He could have come to her privately or done this in a closed session. Yet, he chose to try to publicly bully her. It makes me wonder why he was so bothered by her seeking clarification?
His abusive treatment of her in meetings is an ongoing issue. Mrs. Evans is an equal member on the council, not his subordinate. In fact, the mayor’s role is more of a ceremonial role and to chair council meetings. His role is not that of a dictator.
Dr. Martin King made two powerful statements: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
I am very disappointed that none on the council defended her but allowed him to berate her publicly. He will do that to them too if he is allowed to get away with such conduct. As Dr. King so wisely observed, “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
I applauded Mrs. Evans’ diligence in doing her job as an outstanding city councilwoman. She is an example of what a true servant of the people should be. It is my hope that the mayor will pursue a more civil way of conducting himself at council meetings.
Rev. Michael Edds
Laurinburg