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As a retired school counselor, I have seen numerous instances of harassment in my career. To hide behind the veil of anonymity only makes the action worse, because it opens up the way for speculation in its most destructive form. To discover who is at fault was always the school authorities’ primary goal, in addition to reducing the further negative fallout facing the victim, his/her family and others.

What has happened recently to the Bullis family is a horrible event in and of itself, but the rampant speculation that has been put forth is adding insult to injury! Many seem to have forgotten that no one really knows the reason for this illegal act, except the person who placed the call. Period. Assumptions, accusations, innuendoes, and rumors have been made in the media that are unfounded, and will remain so, unless an investigation is forthcoming. Any attempts to discredit anyone by name or any one’s affiliation by encouraging and fostering such behavior is beyond reprehensible, it is unforgiveable. Those responsible are as guilty as the caller himself.

What kind of a signal are we sending to the community at large, especially children and teens, if this situation goes unaddressed by the authorities? Harrassment of any kind is a punishable offense and should not be tolerated. This is not an instance of bad behavior, but one which effects the safety and security of all citizens of Pamlico County, whether they be in the public or private sector.

There is no place for partisanship of any kind in matters such as this. We all should encourage and support a thorough and ongoing police investigation now. If this matter is not cleared up quickly and efficiently, there are no winners… we all lose.

Enough damage as been done already.

Mr Bullis owes it to his wife’s peace of mind to further the investgation towards an appropriate resolution, and to his community to see that this is handled by the proper authorities and not by or in the media.

Paula Valinoti
Oriental, NC
Sept 23, 2012

An unfounded accusation by Roger Bullis that Republicans are responsible for a threat his wife received is as despicable as the telephone threat. Both are detrimental to our community.

Bill White
Merritt, NC
Sept 22,2012

I am appalled but not shocked at the news that Pat Bullis was subjected to an obscene phone call Monday evening. That Roger felt the need to withdraw his name from consideration as a candidate for County Commissioner as a result of this call as well as other invasive acts makes this a sad day for Pamlico County. Such mean spirited attacks against those of another party who seek to serve the public apparently knows no boundaries. That the call was made anonymously only identifies the caller as a cowardly bottom feeder afraid to crawl from under his rock into the light.

As a born and raised southerner, I am ashamed that this happened in my town, in my county, in my state, in my country. As a veteran who served to restore and secure freedom for the people of another country, I am saddened that the freedoms enjoyed by citizens of my own country are so abused by those who profess to be patriots. There is nothing patriotic about what happened here, only another wedge driven into the widening chasm between our political factions.

Chris Mele is an honorable person who, I am sure, votes and acts in what she considers the best interests of our district and county. Nevertheless, after 14 years, I felt that Roger should be allowed an opportunity to bring some new ideas into county government in our area. As a registered independent with a conservative bent, I am willing to vote for and also to support his candidacy. Signs supporting him are on my property and will remain there in the hope that he may see the support offered by most who have written here and consider returning to the fight. My skin is thick enough to handle any nasty attacks that may come my way. I am old, crusty and just too damn stubborn to be frightened from doing what I consider in the best interest of my home and my homeland.

Tom Lathrop
Oriental, NC
Sept 21, 2012

It is very disheartening to hear about an incident that is now being discussed all over Pamlico County. The idea of someone being allowed to make anonymous phone threats to anyone for whatever reason is most distressing. The possibility, repeat possibility, of this being a politically motivated call by the opposition party makes it even worse. I’ve run for public office several times prior to moving to Oriental and suffered threats and voter fraud during some of those elections. However, I never painted the opposition party with the same “broad brush” that some of the other letter writers have. I guess I was raised differently or attended better schools. In one of Mr. Bullis’s letters, he thought the county should have zoning. This is something that is hateful to a lot of county residents. Could this be the catalyst that drove someone to make a call? Several of the other letter writers were quick to judge without any supporting facts.

More important – why isn’t the Pamlico County Sheriff’s office investigating this? If I had ever received a threat of this type and was concerned about my family’s safety, the first call I would make is to the police not the media. Do I assume that a police report was not filed? If this is so, why not? As a taxpayer whose taxes support the sheriff and his deputies, I demand an investigation! I believe that there is a means of identifying phone calls and if it takes a subpoena to access those records, do it. That would settle the matter once and for all and if it did take place, prosecute and hopefully rid us of this type of person.

Joe Valinoti
Oriental, NC
Sept 21, 2012

I am not a fan or friend of Mr. Bullis, but the alledged (to my knowledge nobody heard this call but Mrs. Bullis) threatening phone was beyond despicable. However, Mr. Obama recently said, shooting from the hip isn’t wise. Before we let an alledged incident further divide what used to be a pretty peaceful place to live, lets wait for the facts to surface.

I am not accusing anybody of telling less than the truth, but is there a recording of the call? Why didn’t Mr. Bullis report this incident right away to the phone company and appropriate law enforcement If I came home and found my wife “sobbing” I would be on the phone to law enforcement and the phone company right away.

And calling for Mrs. Mele to with draw from the race is one of the most irrational, and stupid comments I have heard for a long time. To this writer’s mind something smells.

E.B. Duer
Oriental, NC
Sept 20, 2012

The thought provoking comments regarding the Bullis resignation should cause all of us a moment of contemplation. Per Ericksen may have made the most sensible comments in his Sept.,19, 2012 letter to Towndock.

The community at large deplores harassment. Let us not blame a whole party or it’s candidate for loss of the opposing party’s capable candidate. Let us, instead, use the resources of the law to bring to justice the culprit responsible for the said harassment.

Sandra Evens
Oriental, NC
Sept 19, 2012

Negative campaigning, aka mudslinging, goes back to the earliest days of our republic to the campaigns of the late 18th & 19th centuries. It’s become so engrained in U.S. politics, that it’s been called “as American as Mississippi mud”.

As a society, we seem to accept distasteful behavior between those running for political office. It often makes for tantalizing gossip and certainly provides fodder for interesting, often heated, debates amongst those who care to follow it. We’ve all had our share of snarky remarks from people who don’t agree with our political views and can shrug it off to everyone having a right to their own opinion. But it’s stepping way over the line when one thinks it’s acceptable to threaten another—for any reason—let alone a difference in party affiliation or political idealogy.

What happened to Mr. & Mrs. Bullis is an outrage that goes beyond what any candidate should be expected to tolerate, and hopefully he’s reported it to our police. In the meantime, if someone out there is getting a cheap thrill over this unfortunate event, think again: the slings and arrows that were shot at Mr. Bullis have done nothing but rally our community against this type of behavior, regardless of who it is!

Judi Heit
Oriental, NC
Sept 19, 2012

I am a Mele supporter. I deplore the fact that Roger Bullis’s wife received a threatening phone call. However, I do not appreciate Mr. Bullis’s implication that all Republicans are promoting “fear, intimidation and hatred”. I have been Republican for many years holding offices at local and state levels and that has never been part of our “playbook”! Please do not paint us all with your angry brush. Both parties have large tents with people of diverse political and social opinions. There are people of both parties or who are not affiliated at all whose comments are full of “vitriol and hatred aimed at people of other opinions” as was stated in his letter. I deplore them also.

I have been through 10 election campaigns with my husband with our signs torn down and our opponents’ signs torn down. But we didn’t blame all Democrats for the actions of people with no ethics or understanding of the political process.

There are a few in this community (I do not know their affiliations) who are inconsiderate in voicing their political opinions, in my opinion, but those few do not erase the impact of the many caring people who make our community a wonderful place where I want to live.

And lastly, Chris Mele had nothing to do with this and has always held to a high standard in campaigning and in office. Why in the world would she withdraw from the race or apologize for something for which she carries no fault?

Donna A. Creech
Oriental, NC
Sept 19, 2012

How very sad for our wonderful town and county that our next elected commissioner must ride to victory on the coattails of bigotry!

Linda M. Zielinski
Oriental, NC
Sept 19, 2012

Regarding Mr. Bullis and his wife’s regrettable experience I question the logic that led Mr. Bullis to the conclusion that the call came from a Republican. I’ll assume that every one knows what anonymous means. The majority of the people in Pamlico county are Democrats, 2 to 1 by voter registration.The majority of Pamlico natives are also Democrats as is evidenced on election day. Logic would suggest that some one making a comment about “going back to where you came from” would be a native not an immigrant . Conversely most of the Republicans in the county are from somewhere else and would seem much less likely to make such a comment.

Additionally, at the Republican Party headquarters we’ve had a number of people come in to change their party affiliation suggesting that not every Democrat is happy with what their party has become. Admittedly all this proves nothing except the absurdity of the knee jerk reaction that it must have been a Republican when there isn’t a single fact to support that assumption. But then why let facts get in the way of a good story.

Les Auth
Oriental, NC
Sept 19, 2012

My husband and I also own a “small piece of dirt” in Oriental. We intend to build there in the coming year if all goes well. I was born and raised in Winston-Salem, my husband in Denton. We are retired, not rich and want to live in North Carolina again. My father was a WWII vet; my mother is English and was in the Woman’s Land Army in England during that same war. My husband is a Vietnam vet and I retired with 22 years in the Army.

I keep up with Oriental daily via this site. I have followed the clean up efforts from Irene when neighbors were helping neighbors, the possibility of losing two free ferry services and the ongoing land swap issue. I look forward to who will be at the Farmer’s Market, long for the day that I too can be there for the 4th of July and Christmas parades and the two dragons and their separate New Year’s Eve celebrations.

When it is election season I shall not be afraid to put signs in my yard for whomever I support. If that means a chance of social ostracism, what loss to me? People with true class get it from the heart and soul, not from money or family background. However if it means that someone should step on MY land and try to vandalize My signs, that is another thing. My father and mother taught me long ago to stand up for myself, to try to keep peace with my neighbors but not to take crap from anyone. Sorry about the “crap” part but it seems the only printable friendly word I can use in this email.

Bullies hide in the dark and are afraid to show themselves in the daylight. Bullies can also hide behind what may be called genteel manners but are really hateful thoughts veiled in polite words. I’m a southerner so I know both types. Bullies will not keep me from Oriental.

Iris Nance
Columbia, SC
Sept 19, 2012

I am shooting from the hip here……maybe I’ll aim next time.

I dont live in Pamlico county, yet. Have owned a piece of dirt that my wife and I want to retire on someday. This is the first thing TownDock has written (as in local news) that has given me pause. I always go to TD for a lift (as in I cannot wait to move down! Or over which is more the case.)

At the risk of lowering the bar even more by resorting to vernacular-speak, I offer this……Ms, Miss, Mrs Mele should publicly apologize to Ms Bullis for the shallowness of her constituents. Call me and I’ll tell you what I really think.

Dennis Melton
Denver, NC
Sept 19, 2012

How does it happen in Pamlico County that a person with new ideas is forced out of an election for a county commissioner? Roger Bullis wrote an insightful article on August 3 published in TownDock. How Does a County Grow? He asked questions. Are we afraid of questions? Are we afraid of growth? Is our County Board a closed group that does not welcome new ideas?

People who come here frequently say, I love living here. It is so beautiful. Everyone is so helpful and friendly. There is so much to do whether your interest lies in sailing, fishing, kayaking, racing, music, movies, reading, acting, knitting, swimming, yoga, zumba, biking, birding, exploring, hiking, farming, gardening, hunting, socializing … you name it, you can find a group.

So where does the hate come from? Hate for people who are not of your beliefs but who want to exercise citizenship by serving the community through their experience and education? Would it be better if everyone thought just alike? Dressed alike? Ate alike?

Tom and I have been visiting Oriental since the mid- 60’s and moved here permanently in 1987 ….. we were attracted by the sailing opportunities, the people who were born here who were so welcoming … especially the Truitts, the Bonds, the Tingles, the Spruills and the people who moved here and the diversity of their backgrounds and interests, looking for friends and looking to be a friend.

I am so sad that Roger has withdrawn from the race for Commissioner. He is a light that should not be put under a basket. His light should shine in our county.

From the heart,
Liz Lathrop
Oriental, NC
Sept 19, 2012

Like many this morning I did not need caffeine to be jolted awake. The news that Democratic County Commissioner candidate Roger Bullis had withdrawn from the race because of what can only be described as night rider tactics aimed at him and his family was enough to bring me to full attention. Aside from being wide awake, I am appalled and depressed, and it appears that I’m not alone.

But, there is at least a partial cure for our condition: track down the person or persons who engaged in this pattern of intimidation and arrest them. The last time I checked, this kind of behavior is criminal (on state and federal grounds). Also, the last time I checked, we have a Sheriff, an Attorney General, an F.B.I. and other agencies who should be able to assist us. In short, we need to get the bottom of this. It’s one thing to engage in this kind of behavior, it’s quite another to get away with it.

Per Erichsen
Oriental, NC
Sept 19, 2012

Mr. Bullis and the community should not be to quick to blame partisan politics. There has always been a “born here/been here vs came here” friction just below the surface. With the older “born here” population dying off and the increase of population of the “came heres” it may only get worse.

I am sure there are several individuals who are extremely upset about losing jobs or family property because it had to be sold to support older parents and grandparents and to pay ever increasing taxes. As the sign behind the counter in Ray Creech’s hardware store (now The Steamer) said, “We don’t care how you did it up north.”

Darrel Jorgensen
Former Oriental Resident
Sept 19, 2012

It was with much sadness and disappointment that the news of Roger Bullis’ withdrawal from the County Commission race hit my inbox. Roger is a friend and a good man who decided Chris Mele was not representing Oriental’s best interest on the county commission. He thought his experience might serve our interests better.

What happened this week is disgrace to all of us. Pat Bullis did not deserve to hear the verbal abuse and obscenities directed at her husband. She is a kind and considerate woman who gives her time and treasure to this county. Whoever you are, shame on you and a pox on your house.

On a personal note, it’s possible this person, this scrum masquerading as a human being, may be someone I considered a friend. This disgusts me in ways that put all my friendships in question. Who do I know that harbors these evil values? How do I confront my friends who disagree with my political views? Should I pack up and leave this morbid atmosphere?

What has happened to our community? Chris, are you not repulsed by this? How can you stay in the race while a local terrorist has driven this good man to withdraw?

Doug Sligh
Oriental, NC
Sept 18, 2012

I’m appalled. Our forefathers, my father, and my son along with many many others served our country to protect our rights to live in a democratic society, where individuals are free to express their opinions, vote, and run for public office. We fought for those privileges and rights both here and abroad. Millions of lives and gazillions of dollars were spent in this effort.

I do not want to believe that anyone presumes that those privileges include the right to intimidate, bully, malign, or personally attack those who speak an opinion different from our own. The current political climate of hatred, attempting to limit the right to vote, and harassment of individuals running for national or local public office smacks of hypocrisy in those who follow the tenets of the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, any other religious text, or what I assume your mother and your teachers taught you. I want my country and my freedoms back.

Respectfully submitted:
Marlene Miller
Oriental, NC
Sept 18, 2012