At the
February 1 Town Commission meeting, Mayor Sherrill Styron announced
that the commissioners could not reach consensus on appointing
a new board member to finish the term of Joe Harris who resigned
in January.
The
February 1 meeting would have been the first official open town
meeting since Harris’ resignation. It was unclear how
the commission determined it could not reach a consensus if
an open official meeting had not been held during that time.
At the February meeting, the names and qualifications of those
who applied for the job were not discussed. Six residents have
applied.
It was noted at the meeting that the town could proceed with
just four commissioners for the rest of the year, or at least
until the scheduled elections in November. Nothing in the town
rules requires a replacement for Harris be tapped.
Mayor Holds Tie-Breaking Vote
Until a new commissioner is tapped, Mayor Sherrill Styron holds
a tie-breaking vote.
When a full five member board is seated, the Mayor does not
have a vote, but with just four town commissioners, the mayor
could break ties on issues coming before the town. One big vote
this spring could be the anticipated fine-tuning of the town’s
Growth Management Ordinance (zoning rules) which could limit
multi-unit dwellings in the older part of Oriental.
The mayor also holds the deciding vote should the four commissioners
deadlock over the replacement for Joe Harris.
At Least A Half Dozen Candidates
For The Job
As of February 1, six residents has submitted letters to the
town saying they were interested in being commissioner. Among
them are: an innkeeper/developer, a yacht broker/developer,
a retired Methodist minister and the chairman of the Oriental
Board of Adjustment.
Commissioner Dick Moat says that any other residents interested
in the job should send a letter to town hall signaling their
intentions.
The six residents who have applied for the commissioners seat
are: George Duffie, Henry Frazer, Hugh Grady, Hector Le Duc,
Tim Rogers and Joe Valinoti.
In the interests of open discussion over filling the commissioner’s
seat, here are the letters as submitted to the Town.
George
S. Duffie, Jr.
904 First Avenue
P.O. Box 937
Oriental, NC 28571
January 17, 2005
Mr. Wyatt Cutler, Town Manager
Town of Oriental
P.O. Box 427
Oriental, NC 28571-0427
Dear Mr. Cutler:
It is my understanding that Commissioner Joe Harris has resigned
his office and that the Town of Oriental will appoint someone
to serve as interim commissioner through the balance of Mr.
Harris’s term.
This letter is to formally submit my name for consideration
for this appointment. Briefly I will detail some of the factors
which I believe qualify me for consideration.
My educational background is as follows: Bachelor of Arts, Wofford
College, Spartanburg, SC (1957), Master, Duke University (1961),
and Doctor of Education, University of South Carolina (1982).
My doctoral degree is in the field of administration.
I am retired after 40 years in ministry in the United Methodist
Church. My career included an extended assignment as campus
chaplain at the University of South Carolina, which was followed
by my appointment as a United Methodist District Superintendent
(administrator), as well as assignment to various parish churches
as senior minister.
Professionally, my somewhat unusual career in ministry has placed
me in a variety of situations in which my skills for negotiation,
cooperation and conciliation became important assets. For example,
my time in campus ministry was served in the context of the
years of intense campus unrest and student protest. I believe
that my abilities to assess and channel diverse and strongly
held points of view were instrumental in finding creative and
workable solutions to resolve difficult campus/institutional
conflicts over a period of some fourteen years.
Next, my appointment as a district administrator for the denomination
placed me in a geographical setting in South Carolina in which
the textile industry, which had been a dominant factor, was
being phased out and the economic transition was toward highly
technical industrial development. In the context of that severe
economic dislocation, my specific role as superintendent was
to negotiate closure of certain churches located in textile
villages, to facilitate cooperative mergers of churches in areas
of economic and residential transition, and to develop new congregations
in areas of rapid residential growth. My service as superintendent
involved numerous occasions for negotiation, compromise, collaboration
and conflict resolution. Of the 77 churches for which I was
administratively responsible, 9 were minority (Black) congregations.
At the time of the devastating landfall of Hurricane Hugo in
Charleston, SC in 1989, I envisioned and oversaw the successful
creation of a comprehensive relief/recovery community public
service organization which is still in operation after fifteen
years, addressing the needs of citizens for adequate, basic
housing.
My final parish appointment at the time of retirement was as
senior minister of an 1,800 member congregation with a large
staff of employees which I directly supervised.
My age is 69, and until retirement in 1998 I was a resident
of South Carolina. However, my mother was born in Oriental (and
subsequently she died in a boating accident off the Oriental
waterfront). During many summers of my childhood and teen years,
my family spent extended periods of time in Oriental. As a kid
I headed shrimp on Garland’s docks for pocket money! I
therefore regard myself as both a “been here” and
a “come here” in terms of my citizenship in this
village which I deeply love and respect.
I have personally owned residential property in Oriental since
1976. In 1982 my wife and I purchased our present home site,
and in 1996 built our home here. Since retirement we have lived
in Oriental at the above address.
Therefore, because of my personal background and my professional
experience, I believe I can offer to the Town of Oriental a
creative, mature, balanced, objective and competent voice on
the Commission, at a critical time when there are important
decisions to be made on behalf of all of our citizens.
I will be happy to supply details with reference to any of the
above or answer any specific questions which you may have. Thank
you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
George
S. Duffie, Jr.
HENRY FRAZER
2105 White Farm Road
Oriental, NC 28571
252-249-0686
January 31, 2005
Oriental Town Council Board Members
c/o Wyatt Cutlet
507 Church Street
Oriental, NC 28571
Dear Board Members.
After much contemplation, I am submitting this letter for your
consideration in filling the vacancy that has been created on
the Oriental Town Council.
I have been a resident for the past fifteen years and over that
time have witnessed the town grow and evolve. I began visiting
Oriental around 1970 for weekend sailing trips with my family
and it was during that time that my affinity for Oriental took
root. Between that time and til time I graduated from East Carolina
University in 1986, I returned to Oriental on weekends and during
summer vacations to work aboard boats and teach sailing with
til Oriental’s School of Sailing. After graduation, I
returned to Oriental as a full-time citizen and began to work
to make a living for myself. I became a property owner in the
late 1980’s. Since that time I have served the community
in various capacities. I served on the Town Planning Board for
three years, two of those years were spent as Chairman of the
Board. I have twelve years of service as a member the Oriental
Fire Department in which I currently serve as Vice-President
of the Board Directors.
We are facing pivotal times and how we choose to respond to
the changes that loom before us will dictate the town that we
will leave to the youth of our community. I believe that these
challenges much be faced evenly, thoughtfully and responsibly.
IT is my opinion that reasonable growth is good for ORiental
and that my experience with development would of benefit to
the board. My projects -Sailcraft Marina, Windward VIews Townhomes,
Whittaker Pointe, the rejuvenation of Ms. Sil’s restaurant
and my current project, the renovation of the Ole’ Ford
building-speak to my level of commitment to the area as well
as the quality of work I expect of myself.
The projects that I choose to undertake, I believe, are to the
betterment of the town in general; and are not merely undertaken
for the sake of profit.
Thank you for your consideration of me for the board position
and I appreciate the task each of you have undertaken on behalf
of the community.
Sincerely,
Henry Frazer
Hugh
Grady
508 Church Street
Oriental, NC 28571
252-249-1078
March 25, 2005
Mr. Wyatt Cutler, Town Manager
Oriental, NC
Dear Wyatt:
Please add my name to those under consideration for the seat
on the Oriental Board of Commissioners recently vacated by Joe
Harris. My interest, experience and contributions to the Board
I feel would be:
1. As a resident of Oriental and proprietor of the Inn at Oriental
for 7 years I am a part of and understand the business climate,
the tax base, local development and the issues it creates, as
well as how differing groups within perceive and react to them.
the middle ground in most local issues seems uninhabited, I
feel most comfortable there and would try to be a bridge to
the differing parties.
2.My business involvement prior to moving to to Beaufort NC
in 1993 was with NYSE member firms[ Legg Mason, Donaldson Lufkin
and Jenrette, Baker Watts&Co.]reviewing, structuring and
acquiringand managing real estate properties for client investments.
This developed and required a broad knowledge and experience
with commercial and multi family property economics, feasibility
and management.
3. Perhaps due to interest or proximity I attend most Planning
board meetings and am most aware and fire interesting the present
discussions and controversies. Some issue that do not appear
pressing such as Parking, consideration of making Broad Street[which
I believe will be dominantly commercial sooner than expected]
and Midyette St one way in opposing directions should soon receive
attention as they will be much harder and more expensive to
improve later.
4. Meetings to discuss any questions or clarifications would
be welcomed.
Thank You,
Hugh Grady
Hector
LeDuc
305 Mildred Street, Oriental, NC 28571
252-249-0945
February 1, 2005
To the Oriental Town Commissioners:--
Dear Sirs,
It is my understanding that you are to vote on appointing a
replacement commissioner at this evenings meeting. I would accordingly
like to volunteer my services as a replacement for Jo Harris.
I have 4 years experience as Commissioner in the period 1996-2000.
During that time I was Police Commissioner and member of both
the Tourism and Recreation committees.
Please take this letter as my official request for your vote
at the meeting
Yours Sincerely,
Hector LeDuc
Timothy
L. Rogers
402 Broad Street
POB 1052
Oriental, NC
252/249-1496
To: The Town of Oriental
Thank you for the opportunity to express my interest in the
vacant position of commissioner. Having carefully weighted the
responsibilities, I feel compelled to express my interest. Since
moving to Oriental in 1996, I have found a true home with a
real sense of community, and I would be honored to serve the
town in the capacity of commissioner.
I feel my background would be beneficial to the town. During
1986 to 1990, I worked during summers as a counselor at Camp
Sea Gull, and then as a fulltime environmental education instructor
from 1994 to 1996. It was during this time, that I first became
acquainted to Pamlico COunty and the town of Oriental. I have
a B.A. degree in Political Science from Berea College in Berea,
Kentucky, and a number of my classes were devoted to state and
local government. Also, involvement with local civic v ventures
such as the Croaker Festival, Running of the Dragon and Pamlico
Paddle have led to meeting a broad based sampling of Oriental
residents.
Our town needs the input of all citizens, particularly the younger
citizens. We want to be able to raise families in a safe, comfortable
environment. Our input is essential for implementing and carrying
out long term goals for our town.
Perhaps my strongest asset is my willingness to do my homework,
and research the facts in matters facing the Commission. I am
well known in the community and most think of me as very approachable
and reasonable. When people approach me they know I am sincere
and willing to listen to differing view and opinions before
making any decision.
Again, thanks for the opportunity to express my interest in
this vacancy. We have something extraordinary in Oriental and
we as citizens have a responsibility to preserve our community.
It is a responsibility that you can be assured I will take seriously.
Sincerely,
Tim Rogers
Joseph
R. Valinoti RMC USNR (RET)
5309 Bogue Drive
Oriental, NC 28571
252 249-1655 joesail@pamlico.net
January 31, 2005
Dear Mayor Styron, Commissioners Wagoner, Moat, Bohmert and
Midyette:
When, and if, you choose to appoint a member to fill the unexpired
term of Commissioner Harris on the Oriental Town Board, please
consider my name as a perspective commissioner. I presently
serve as chairman of the Oriental Board of Adjustment and am
Oriental's Recycling Coordinator in addition to my director's
appointment by the Pamlico County Commissioners to the Coastal
Regional Solid Waste Authority.
My qualifications are:
- Served a 3 year term as one of four elected councilmen for
the town of Highlands, NJ (pop. 5,000 with approximately 50
employees)
- Chaired the following committees in that municipality at various
times: Public safety (included the Fire department, Emergency
Management and a 14 member Police department), Public works
(17 workers in sanitation, recycling, water department, sewer
department & streets)
- I have also served as chairman of the Highlands Board of Adjustment,
recycling coordinator, shade tree commissioner and emergency
management coordinator.
In addition, I owned and operated a small business for 32 years
and served in the USN/USNR for over 30. I am one of the founders
of the present Highlands Chamber of Commerce and served as president
of the Highlands Lions Club.
Oriental is going through some tough times during it's present,
rapid growth and hiring of a new police chief and officers.
During my 20 year tenure in Highlands, I had attended various
training courses and seminars for all departments including
the 150 hour Recycling/Solid Waste Coordinator certification
course through Rutgers University. I feel that with all this
past experience and training I can help the governing body make
those tough decisions that are coming including the controversial
Growth Management Ordinance.
Thank you,
Joe Valinoti
