New Bern Alderman Meeting--Almost a Brawl!

January 11, 2012

Last night, being the good little Watchdogs we are, Lucy and I attended the New Bern Alderman Meeting (to observe--we were not going to speak).

We arrived to find the meeting room and ante-room packed (which became standing room only--against the walls and on the stairs).  Later we learned the majority were there to speak at the public hearing on redistricting--but our sharp little watchdog noses smelled a set up (Victor Taylor and supporters).

The bashing began over the previous appointment of  Tracy Spellman to the Housing Authority Board.  Aparently, Mayor Bettis had to withdraw her appointment (administrative error??? not as many positions open on the board???).  The Mayor extolled Ms.Spellman's virtues, and promised she would be appointed to the next opening on that board.  Well it was obvious that Alderman Taylor wanted to make it about something else.

Alderman Taylor and his supporters made a mockery of  procedure for a public meeting.  He acted like an angry idiot, and the crowd began to sound like an angry mob.  Unfortunately, the Mayor and staff failed to keep order in the room (and outside the room) so it was very hard to hear what was said or evaluate the situation.  Be sure and watch the rebroadcast on City 3 TV (on Suddenlink).

The issue was further complicated by the selection of Mayor Pro Tempe.  Taylor was aided by Alderman Dana Outlaw in this verbal lashing.  (Was this the real reason for bringing in a crowd?)

The Mayor and Alderman eventually were able to move on with the agenda.  But the public hearing on redistricting was pretty wild as well!  People just grabbing the microphone and speaking.

One citizen speaker pointed out that the " a ward does not belong to an alderman."  He stated that redistricting should be drawn according to what makes sense---NOT by where a particular alderman lives, "they should not be saying, I want this and I want that."  I got the impression, by what was said by a couple of different alderman, that people could request to be allowd to vote in another ward, hope I got that wrong.  Redistricting is to be taken up again with public hearing on January 24th meeting.

Here is what the media had to say, but I urge you to watch the rebroadcast and tell me what you got out of it!

SUN JOURNAL NEW BERN:  Bettis, Taylor take the gloves off: Meeting erupts in accusations, name-calling-- New Bern Alderman Victor Taylor and Mayor Lee Bettis went after each other Tuesday night during the Board of Aldermen meeting in a verbal slugfest, calling each other sneaks and liars. The arguing in City Hall lasted more than an hour with the mayor pounding his gavel at times for order and an overflowing aldermen’s chamber occasionally jeering. The majority of the people were there for a redistricting public hearing that was moved to Jan. 24.

CONTINUED:
http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/bettis-103503-taylor-mayor.html


Sparks Fly at Local Aldermen Meeting—(Note: This is Channel 12’s take on the incident, I was there and the Mayor was set up by Taylor (who made himself and the issue look stupid, with the help of Alderman Dana Outlaw). A heated discussion rocked the Board of Aldermen meeting in New Bern Tuesday night. At issue is the recent appointment of New Bern Housing Authority member Tracy Spellman. Alderman Victor Taylor, who is mayor pro tempore, recommended Spellman’s appointment to the Housing Authority. She was sworn in December 13, and fired by Mayor Bettis the next day. Bettis and Taylor outlined different reasons for the swift termination. Bettis said he fired Spellman because he did not have time to vet her qualifications before the appointment. In a phone interview, Taylor said Spellman was fired because he was elected the new mayor pro tempore, instead of Bettis's choice for the position. A war of words erupted when Taylor and Bettis discussed the issue Tuesday night. The conversation quickly deteriorated into an all-out character assault. "You're a liar," Bettis said at the meeting. "You have deceived everyone on the Housing Board with this appointment." "When you explain how I'm a liar, maybe we'll get somewhere here," Taylor said. Hundreds of citizens attended the meeting, and booed both politicians. After nearly two hours of fighting, no resolution was reached in the dispute.
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http://www.wcti12.com/news/30182536/detail.html