The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 on Monday to amend the town’s charter to establish four-year staggered terms for elected board members.
Until now, the mayor and commissioners have served two-year terms. The change will take effect this election cycle in November.
Board members Bryan Marley and Joanne Scarola and Mayor Pro-Tem Kenjuana McCray voted for the change. Board members Elyse Craver and Jerry Legge voted against it.
The change was on the ballot in 2018, and Hope Mills voters rejected it.
CityView asked commissioners why they voted the way they did on Monday — and why they didn’t put the issue on the November ballot for residents to decide.
Commissioner Bryan Marley
“It was the right thing to do for the town. It’s something that’s come up the last seven years,” Marley said. “It has a lot to do with continuity and the town being able to do more things with grant opportunities and funding. Some of the questions lenders ask are about terms and how the town operates the continuity of government.
“We have a lot of projects going on right now and we need that stability,” Marley continued. “As it stands right now we can have three new board members come in and override what the other board spent two years doing.”
Why not put the measure on the ballot? “That was an option this board looked at and this board felt this was the right way to go,” Marley said.
Commissioner Joanne Scarola
“When we’re doing something like a strategic plan, that’s a long-term plan. We still have to run for office, but we don’t want people to come right behind and change it when we’re putting all this money and effort into a strategic plan. A lot of the stuff we do is long-term plans and we have to look long term. I’m not a robot and I’m allowed to change my mind. Some get upset, but I try to explain to them we have 18,000 citizens and listen to everyone.”
Why not put the measure on the ballot? “Personally, I want to get it done, especially with the strategic plan being done. Now’s the time to get it done,” Scarola said.
Mayor Pro-Tem Kenjuana McCray
“I think it’s the right decision,” McCray said. “It may not be popular among some people, but I hope it’s the right decision.”
Why not put the measure on the ballot? McCray said the election focus should be on the candidates, not this particular issue.
“I remember 2018 and it was a very nasty election with that being on the ballot. I think this is an important issue and I think people will use it to have another nasty election and use it to attack people instead of the focus being on the candidates’ issues. I didn’t want to see that again,” McCray said.
McCray echoed Marley and Scarola’s view that it’s also about long-term planning and funding. “It’s about strategic planning. When trying to get funds, they look at the turnover of the staff and the town manager,” McCray said. “It makes for better continuity and consistency.”
Commissioner Elyse Craver
When asked why she voted against amending the charter, Craver responded, “The citizens don’t want it. They want to be able once in a while for the board to vote the way they want us to vote. They are our bosses and we don’t take that into consideration. I just don’t think it’s right.”
Commissioner Jerry Legge
Legge could not be reached for comment but previously said he was against the change because residents have already voted against it. “I can’t imagine that many people changing their minds,” Legge said previously.
Legge attended Monday’s meeting by phone. He announced his retirement at the end of his current term.
“I want to take this time to announce I am resigning from this board effective at the end of the term because of my health. I can’t keep not going to meetings and expect the people to respect me. It’s been a pleasure,” Legge said.
He said he enjoyed working with board members past and present. “I love each and every one of them. I love this town. I’ll do anything for this town, except run for another office.”
A referendum?
Residents who disagree with the change can file a referendum with the board of elections no later than 30 days after Monday’s vote. At least 10% of registered voters in the town would have to sign a petition. Then a referendum would be on the November ballot..
CityView spoke with several citizens who said an effort to gather the signatures needed for the referendum was now underway.
Hope Mills resident Amanda Ingram spoke during the public comment period in opposition of amending the town charter.
“I’m not surprised,” she said after the commissioners voted. “As I mentioned tonight, this board has consistently, over the past few months, made decisions that do not reflect the interests of the majority of Hope Mills residents. If this is something the majority of the town supports, why not put it on the ballot to show it’s what we want and agree to change? I would like to see it put to a vote. If it passes, I’ll support it one hundred percent. I don’t like three people making decisions for 18,000.”
The board of commissioners will meet again for their regular scheduled meeting at 7 p.m. on Aug. 4.
