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Public commenters accuse Craven County of censoring comments and demand restored recordings, apology
Summary
Three citizens used the petition period to raise grievances: David French accused county officials of censoring public comments and listed seven demands including restoration of recordings and public apologies; Reverend Ray Griffin questioned a lawsuit and removal of religious symbols; Reverend Damon King sought assurance he would not be censored.
During the public‑comment period David French identified himself and said he has advocated for victims of hurricane damage since 2018. He accused county leadership and the public information officer of censoring public comments and of misleading the press. French listed seven demands, including that the county restore and share public comment recordings (including May and June sessions), convene an official meeting with apologies from named officials and move public comment to the beginning of meetings with extended time limits. His remarks included allegations that the county destroyed a local shrine and misused taxpayer funds; the board did not take substantive action during the meeting and the chairman ended the speaker’s time.
Reverend Ray Griffin asked for information about a lawsuit he referenced, sought clarity on who brought the action and raised concerns about removing religious symbols; he said he had expected more information from the county. Reverend Damon King said he wanted assurance he would be permitted to speak without censorship and thanked the board for the opportunity to speak.
None of the public commenters received detailed responses that resolved the allegations during the meeting. The claims made during public comment — including the allegation of censorship and the asserted $9 million of waste — were not substantiated or addressed in detail on the record at the July 6 session.
