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Public commenters press Onslow County on transparency, elections staffing and separation of church and state
Summary
Several speakers used the public-comment period to urge the county to improve transparency, address staffing and funding concerns in elections and other departments, and to stop what a commenter described as compulsory religious practices at government meetings.
Multiple speakers raised governance and transparency concerns in public comment at the Onslow County Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 20.
Ari Rakowitz criticized the invocation and the county—s handling of certain matters, saying the county was "violating our first amendment right to separation of church and state" and called for training and removal of a sign they said signaled religious preference. Rakowitz also alleged underfunding and understaffing in the board of elections, senior center, museum and register of deeds and criticized the board—s use of closed sessions: "The public is still unsure whether the director's suspension is temporary or permanent, and the board spends so little time in open session and so much enclosed that it is very difficult to believe that only matters that must be discussed in closed session are being discussed." Rakowitz framed the comments as concerns about retaliation and transparency rather than specific personnel accusations.
Kathy Marks of Race Across America invited commissioners and the public to a Nov. 3 pinning ceremony honoring Vietnam-era veterans and described wreath-fundraising needs for two veterans' cemeteries. She requested board participation and community donations.
The public comments prompted commissioners to say they would follow up on questions raised about the elections office and other departments, and Commissioner Carpenter requested the elections board be scheduled for a future appearance to address staffing and funding needs.
No formal board action on the elections office, sign removal, or personnel matters was recorded during the meeting; the board later voted to enter closed session.
