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Residents press commissioners on law enforcement structure, child abuse prevention and committee appointments during public comments
Summary
During public comment at the Harnett County Board of Commissioners meeting, residents urged the board to keep a single elected sheriff’s office, called for stronger child abuse prevention efforts, volunteered for litter cleanup and raised concerns about commissioners’ committee assignments.
Several Harnett County residents used the public comment period to press commissioners on local law enforcement structure, child abuse prevention programs and citizen access to county advisory committees.
Larry Mitchell of 478 Century Drive in Cameron told the board he favors having a single law enforcement agency — the elected sheriff’s office — rather than creating a separate police department, saying a police force "will not solve" current problems and that sheriffs have constitutionally rooted authority and broader responsibilities. Mitchell also described starting a local litter pickup effort on Shady Grove Road and appealed for volunteers.
Sarah Lee, who identified herself as a family integrity advocate, spoke about April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month and urged community education about risk and protective factors. Lee on several occasions linked symbolism and community awareness to prevention efforts and said, "I'm going to wear blue this month for the children," describing blue as a symbol for child abuse prevention and urging the Board of Social Services to consider a prevention plan under applicable statutes.
Rebecca Brock encouraged greater transparency and responsiveness around committee appointments after a speaker said they had applied to several committees, including the Dangerous Dog Committee, and had not heard back. Brock read a list of commissioners’ committee assignments as shown on the county website and asked that vacancies be filled. She also urged Commissioner Bruce Matthews to consider resigning from one of his roles to avoid splitting focus between the commission and the school board.
Other speakers sought contact information for staff support, and county staff directed applicants to follow up with Deputy County Manager Coley Price after the meeting. The public comment period was capped at one hour; individual speakers were given up to five minutes each.
