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Presiding council chair withdraws from ballot, cites harassment of family
Summary
The council's presiding officer announced withdrawal from the upcoming ballot, saying ongoing attacks and an incident in which a child was told a parent hoped the mayor would die prompted the decision; council members publicly expressed support and urged civility.
The presiding chair announced to the Morehead City Council that they had withdrawn their name from the ballot for the 0.333 term and will not seek that office again, attributing the decision to sustained personal attacks and the impact on family.
"I chose to withdraw my name from the ballot for 0.333 term...That decision was deliberate, and it was something very peaceful and to be in the best interest of my family," the chair said. The chair added that after a child told their 7-year-old that their parents hoped the mayor would die, the harassment went "too far."
Several council members voiced support for the chair's service and expressed disappointment about the attacks, with one member noting an unusually large number of supportive contacts from constituents. The chair urged community members to redirect energy toward civic service and to stop personal attacks.
The chair said the withdrawal was final and provided no additional procedural motions beyond the announcement; the council proceeded with other agenda items and later moved into a closed session as part of the evening's business.
