By Leslie Bray Evans
News Editor
A proposed Ethics/Conflict of Interest Policy became a controversial subject at the November 5 meeting of the Walnut Cove Board of Commissioners. According to Town Attorney Kevin Berger, this policy “keeps you [commissioners] from exhibiting undue influence.”
The policy would place restrictions on what could be discussed between members of the board and town employees. Walnut Cove Town Manager Homer Dearmin explained that people would have to go through him to get things done in the town. Commissioners would not be able to go to a town employee and request work to be done.
Board member Polly Goolsby was outraged at the restrictions that would be placed on her as a citizen of Walnut Cove. “Sounds like you are stomping on my right to free speech,” she declared. She asked if this meant she couldn’t have a conversation on the street with a town employee.
Dearmin said this was not what it meant. He stated that it simply means Goolsby is not allowed to use her influence as an elected official to get something done behind his back. Goolsby interjected that the policy would make her afraid to talk to town employees in case she got them in trouble.
She continued, “I don’t feel comfortable coming into that town
See ETHICS, page A2
office,” claiming that employees there watch her “like they think I’m gonna do something.” Goolsby added, “I think it is
ridiculous that if I go to the town office to request something that I have to go through the town manager.”
Mayor John Hodgkin tried to ease the tension, “I don’t think this policy has anything to do with your conversation with a town employee.”
“Oh, yes, it does,” Goolsby shot back.
Board member Lora Carter spoke up, “Our ethics are already in the statutes.” Dearmin attempted to explain, as Hodgkin had earlier, that it has been suggested by experts that such a policy be put into place, to avoid future problems.
Walnut Cove town resident Sharon Conaway then asked to be able to speak. Her opinion was that this policy could be unfair since Walnut Cove has no third party provider to mediate disputes. She gave the example of a town employee who feels that the town manager has asked him or her to do something unethical. According to Conaway, that employee would have no recourse, since everything has to be channeled through Dearmin and since there is no human resource department. She said that the North Carolina School of Government doesn’t recommend this type of policy, although it is not illegal.
Commissioner Dr. Debbie Cowan stated that she wanted more time “to peruse” the policy and thus made a motion to table the discussion. Carter seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.
Another big issue discussed was the problem with the completion of the Walnut Cove Library. Walnut Cove citizen Tom Grubbs was present to address the board about “what’s not happening at the library.” He noted that the library still has the same carpeting and the cabinets are warping. According to Grubbs, two county commissioners have already called him to offer to help resolve the problems.
“I think we need to call someone in,” Grubbs opined. “Nothing’s getting done. . .I’m here tonight with my hat in my hand. . .I’ll do anything. . .Tell me what to do.” Later, Dearmin explained that he is preparing to meet with Walnut Cove librarian Betty Smith and that things are in the process of being handled.
Brian Booe, Stokes County EMS educator, was also present to speak to the board. He gave a report on the local ABC store and notified those present that the State is considering privatizing the sale of spiritist liquors, meaning such beverages would be available in retail stores. The funding provided by the ABC store would no longer go to the Walnut Cove Library, the Town of Walnut Cove, Stokes County, and the Stokes County Mental Health Association.
During the public comments portion of the meeting, Conaway addressed three concerns: why the youth winner of the Walnut Festival watermelon contest still has not received her prize, why some former town employees have not been informed of recent issues that concern them, and why there have been so many closed session meetings lately for property acquisition.
In other business, the board approved the authorization for the Fit Community grant request which would extend sidewalk coverage to make the town more pedestrian-friendly. No matching funds would be required.
The next regular board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2 at 7 p.m. at the Walnut Cove Senior Center, 308 Brook Street.
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