Nags Head appointment, public comment highlight board tensions over selection process

Public comment and a nomination for a planning‑board seat underscored continuing tension over appointment processes at the March 5 Nags Head board meeting.

During public comment, former commissioner Susie Walters criticized the board’s inability to reach consensus at a prior meeting to fill a commissioner vacancy left by Kevin Brinkley’s resignation. Walters said motions at the previous meeting failed on 2–2 splits and that “the most qualified applicant who has led the Nags Head planning board as chair for 7 years was not selected,” adding that in the absence of qualifying reasons “the perception is that sexism exists on this board.” Her remarks urged the board to reexamine motivations and applications.

Later in the meeting Commissioner Lambert nominated Basil Belches to fill a planning‑board vacancy, citing his work on the multifamily working group and rezoning engagement. The nomination was seconded and approved by voice vote; the mayor said staff would send a letter thanking Belches for his willingness to serve.

The mayor also recommended the board step back from a formal nomination process for the open commissioner seat and continue dialogues until there is clearer support for a candidate. The board agreed to continue discussion without a final appointment that day.

The transcript records Walters’s accusations as public comment; board members did not engage in an extended rebuttal during the meeting. The nomination and appointment of Basil Belches to the planning board were completed by voice vote.