Resident accuses planning director of improper notices; town manager reads statement backing staff

During public comment at the Southern Shores Town Council meeting, resident Anthony Mina alleged that Planning Director Wes Haskett did not meet required notice procedures related to a zoning action and asserted that documents or reports filed by staff were falsified or incomplete. Mina asked the council to review town policy and consider terminating Haskett’s employment. "West Haskett filed an order on November 19 that stated there was no competent evidence presented to support my motion to preclude…" Mina said, alleging failures around notifications and evidence handling.

The mayor interrupted for time-limits, and later in the meeting Town Manager Cliff read a prepared statement defending Haskett. "I wanted to assure the citizens of the town of Southern Shores that Wes Haskett has the full support of the town manager and all staff," Cliff said. "Wes has followed all laws and town ordinances and applied them fairly and consistently." One council member echoed that support.

What happened next: the mayor closed the public-comment slot after Mina’s remarks because time had expired. Council did not take immediate personnel action in public session; Cliff’s statement and a council member’s echo of support were the only formal responses recorded on the meeting’s public record.

Why this matters: Mina’s comments raise allegations of procedural lapses in planning notices and filings; the manager’s on-the-record defense signals the town intends to stand by current staff pending any formal review process. The council did not announce any investigative steps or personnel hearings on the record that night.