
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 5, 1994                    TAG: 9406020192 
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST                     PAGE: 38    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: Medium 
DATELINE: 940605                                 LENGTH:

IT'S NO JOKE

{LEAD} When I approached the Dare County Board of Commissioners at the May 18 public budget hearing, my comments were pertaining to the 1994-95 fiscal budget. If this was misinterpreted by board members, it is not my problem.

I questioned why five top level employees received raises ranging from 13 to 26 percent and why other employees were not treated fairly. There was nothing personal directed to any of the five employees mentioned, as board members implied. These were simply the names of persons who received salary increases at far greater percentage than other employees and were not, for some unknown reason, revealed openly to the public. The list had already been publicized so it was no great secret.

{REST} Bobby Owens stated in the afternoon session - when he called the five employees in to praise them and to apologize for my having given ``undue criticism'' to them - that he wished more people had been present to hear what he had to say. I also wish that more had been present because I feel the newspaper's accounting did not do the board's hostilties justice. Mr. Owens stated that the board ``thank God, knew what was going on,'' even if the public did not.

I have to assume this to be the new agenda we were promised when Mr. Owens was elected two years ago. After hearing my comments be lowered to nothing more than a joke, I can understand why some might leave. Who wants to be verbally and publicly abused?

But that joke may have backfired. You don't openly threaten and intimidate people with their jobs. Because the board is content doesn't necessarily mean the people are happy. Mr. Owens may sit at the left hand of Gov. James Hunt, but this is NOT the left hand of God.

I ran a successful campaign promising to keep the public informed because I saw the need for it. I do not wage any personal battle with anyone. I happen to have answered the call of the people in Dare County - perhaps they, too, should heed that call.

Shirley Hassell

Manns Harbor

Democratic Nominee for Dare County Board of Commissioners

by CNB