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Residents and supervisors press to display former supervisor’s portrait after policy change
Summary
Public commenters urged the Halifax County Board of Supervisors to reverse a recent policy change and allow a portrait of former Supervisor Hubert Pannell on the board’s Wall of Fame; board members debated whether the adopted eligibility language requires three full terms or counts partial terms and deferred a final action but several members indicated support for placement.
Public commenters and several board members urged the Halifax County Board of Supervisors on June 1 to place a portrait of former Supervisor Hubert Pannell on the board’s Wall of Fame, arguing that his record of public service meets the recently adopted eligibility language.
Ms. Jennifer Champion, speaking during citizens’ comments, called for civility on the board and criticized a newly adopted 12-year eligibility rule as unfair to Reverend Pannell. Champion said her own properties showed assessment increases of 71.059 percent and 39 percent vs. an advertised average of 4.75 percent, and she asked for follow-up documentation about asbestos removal from the Garrett Building. Chair Larry Roller said staff would follow up on the asbestos inquiry.
Multiple residents described Reverend Pannell’s community service and leadership. Dennis Stewart and Earl Howerton recounted Pannell’s military service, his work with students and community organizations, and his leadership roles including serving as Board chairman and on the Department of Social Services Board. Reverend Hubert Pannell addressed the board and listed accomplishments he attributed to his tenure, including advocating for a one-cent sales tax that funded a new high school, pushing for teacher salary increases, supporting new housing in Sinai, and helping with courthouse construction and the Henrietta Lacks statue.
Supervisor Bryant Claiborne argued that the policy adopted in 2023 requires service of “three terms” and does not specify “three full terms,” and he said Pannell had served portions of three terms and therefore satisfied the policy as written. Vice Chair Robbie Smart moved to allow Pannell’s portrait to be displayed and was seconded; other board members raised procedural concerns about acting without prior notice. County Administrator Ron Brade advised that the adopted policy language could be read to permit display based on three terms. Chair Roller said he preferred to discuss the matter through the normal agenda process rather than take immediate action but expressed willingness to consider the issue at a future meeting.
No formal vote was taken on June 1. Several supervisors said they supported displaying Reverend Pannell’s portrait, while others emphasized following established procedures and noted the matter could be addressed at a subsequent meeting.
The board closed citizens’ comments and moved on to the remainder of the agenda; members directed staff to follow up on outstanding citizen inquiries and left the question of immediate placement unresolved.
