Residents urge Duplin County to back a skate park and improve records transparency

Two members of the public addressed the Duplin County Board of Commissioners during public comment on Oct. 6.

Jahir Matute identified himself as a representative of Magnolia Skate and asked the county to support a local skate park, saying the group has "about 65,000 views" of its efforts and local support from Magnolia, Warsaw, Wallace, Rose Hill, Wilmington and Clayton. Matute said the nearest skate park is at least an hour away and that a local facility would provide a safer, designated place for skaters and cited a community cleanup event to build momentum.

Jessica Thomas, from the Sirecita community, urged the board to respect open-government rules and public-records law. Citing state law, she said "the public records and public information are property of the people" and said she had begun broadcasting the meeting to ensure citizens who were not present could follow proceedings in real time. Thomas raised concerns that delays and legal fees tied to records requests have cost the county money and called for steps to restore trust between citizens and government.

Why it matters: Public comments are a formal avenue for residents to raise local priorities and to call for greater transparency in county administration. Thomas cited North Carolina public-records provisions and the right to broadcast open meetings; commissioners did not take immediate formal action in response but heard the concerns on the record.

The board acknowledged both speakers and moved on to its next agenda item.