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Resignations prompt ethics accusations and a council defense in Weddington
Summary
Council member resignations and a town planner departure prompted public accusations of ethics violations and a prolonged council response defending its conduct; the mayor and other members urged civility and noted personnel matters cannot be discussed publicly.
The Weddington Town Council spent a large portion of its May 11 meeting addressing recent resignations and public accusations that have stirred residents. Former Council member Clayton Jones’ recent resignation and the subsequent departure of the town planner prompted numerous public comments and direct accusations during the public‑comment period.
Resident Clayton Jones used his public comment time to highlight that job descriptions changed in September 2021 so that the planner reports to the town administrator, which he said created a "de facto" manager‑council structure. He urged the council to explain the reason for the job‑description changes and to ensure elected officials exercise oversight of department heads.
Christopher Neave, another resident, accused Planning Board member Bill Deiter of violating the board’s code of ethics by publicly commenting on pending projects and by using social media, and alleged that organized groups spent more than $71,000 to influence council elections. Neave urged corrective action, referencing language in the advisory board ethics document that allows removal for violations.
Council members strongly pushed back. One council member detailed the campaign accounting process and said shared advertising costs were properly documented and treated as in‑kind contributions; the council repeatedly said campaign donations do not buy votes. The mayor and other members described social media misinformation as corrosive and urged residents to rely on official records. Several council members emphasized that personnel matters and employment issues are confidential under state law and cannot be discussed publicly; the mayor said legal counsel would address procedural and legal questions.
Town attorney Kevin Ringelwat provided a separate briefing on the forms of municipal government and said the town’s current practice—delegating day‑to‑day administrative tasks to staff while the council retains policy authority—is within statutory bounds. He advised that, if the council adopts revised job descriptions, a follow‑up legal review of ordinances would be appropriate to ensure consistency.
No disciplinary action was taken during the meeting; council members directed staff and legal counsel to continue administrative and ordinance work and asked residents to consider applying for vacant seats if they want change.
