This letter is in reference to a conflict between our Mayor Jim Willis and Councilwoman/Mayor Pro Tem Mary Evans.
Miss Evans had a private conversation with auditor Carl Head prior to the last City Council meeting. Mayor learned of this conversation prior to the Jan. 19 regular City Council meeting. He then chose to confront Mayor Pro Tem Evans during this public meeting, without her being given notice beforehand.
Mayor Willis had properly consulted with NC School of Government prior to this confrontation.
As a long time resident of the city of Laurinburg I would just like to share my opinion on this matter. Even though the NCSoG had advised Mr. Willis that it would be proper and ethical to discuss this matter with Miss Evans, I personally feel that in the best interest of one and all Mayor Willis should have done that in a private session – as a demonstration of “ethics and proper behavior.” There was no need to do this during a regular Council meeting.
Councilwoman/Mayor Pro Tem Evans stated that the auditor had “always extended an invitation to the council for any questions.” Therefore it seems that Miss Evans felt that she was following the proper and ethical guidelines. We sometimes need our elected officials to be proactive enough to step out on their own, as Commissioner Tim Ivey has done, to look below the surface when needed; without doing harm.
America is going to try to mend itself after an awful time of dangerous division. I would respectfully ask Mayor Willis to please do all he can at our local level to treat all persons with respect in a sincere attempt to not further division, but to promote civil discussion. Civil discussion is best done at the up-close and personal level as a first step, rather than on a public platform.
Thank you.
Stephen Dickens
Laurinburg