THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, February 14, 1995 TAG: 9502140302
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
The newest Dare County commissioner, Shirley R. Hassell, a Democrat from Manns Harbor, said Monday she has no plans to switch parties, despite her speech Saturday night at the Republicans' Lincoln Day Dinner.
``I can tell you that I am not planning to change parties,'' Hassell said. ``So you can put that rumor to rest.''
Hassell said she was invited by the Republican Party to speak at the dinner as a representative of the commission.
``I spoke in a bipartisan way,''she said. ``I told them that we needed to work together, Republicans and Democrats, to provide better leadership for the people of Dare County. I felt honored to be invited.''
Dare County Republican party Chairman Danny Gray said Hassell was invited to speak at the dinner because the local GOP wanted a county, state, and federal perspective on government.
``We had (Republican U.S. Rep.) Walter B. Jones Jr. there. We tried to get someone from state government but were unable to on such short notice. We invited Mrs. Hassell from the county because we felt she was the closest to the people. She seems to be the person on the commission most in tune with the people of Dare County.''
Dare County Democratic Party Chairman Bo Taylor said he was ``flabbergasted'' that Hassell spoke to the Republican gathering. But added that he was not completely surprised.
``In a way it's not surprising, but I'm very dismayed. But without knowing all the facts as to how she came to be invited, or the nature of her speech, I can't really comment.''
Gray, when asked if the subject of switching parties had come up, said ``It's been discussed. I can't say it hasn't. But she hasn't switched parties. If she does, you can bet we'll make an announcement.''
Hassell said she was ``excited'' about the opportunity to meet Jones, North Carolina's 3rd District representative. She said she asked for his help in developing policies dealing with children's issues.
``I'm working on grandparents' and children's rights'' she said. ``I've spoken to both Republicans and Democrats on the issue.''
Hassell, who ousted an incumbent Democrat in the primary and defeated Republican Charles Elms in November, took office in December. On the commission, she represents District One which includes East Lake, Manns Harbor, Stumpy Point and Manteo. She said political affiliation will not affect her position on issues.
``Party will not have anything to do with it,'' she said. by CNB