THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, February 22, 1995 TAG: 9502220439
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: MANTEO LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
Dare County Board of Commissioners Chairman Robert V. ``Bobby'' Owens Jr. has taken the newest member of the panel to task for a speech she gave at a Republican Party dinner earlier this month.
Owens' criticism concerned remarks fellow Democrat Shirley R. Hassell made at the GOP's annual Lincoln Day dinner on Feb. 11.
``No commissioner should speak for the entire board,'' said Owens. ``Everybody on this board has a right to say anything they want to as individuals, but not collectively for the board.''
Dare County GOP Chairman Danny Gray said Hassell was invited to speak as a representative of county government, ``since she was the commissioner closest to the people.'' Gray said the party tried to get representatives from all levels of government. Hassell shared the podium with Republican U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr.
Hassell defended her actions, saying, ``I did not go to represent the Board of Commissioners,'' she said. ``I was asked to speak, and I spoke. I spoke in a bipartisan way, saying that both parties needed to work together for the good of the county.''
Hassell said she also wanted to meet the new 3rd District congressman.
``I am involved in children's issues and wanted to talk to him and ask for his help.''
Hassell pointed out that she had already received the support of State Sen. Marc Basnight, a Democrat, in her efforts on behalf of children.
The Lincoln Day speech prompted speculation that Hassell was planning to switch parties. Hassell flatly denied she was considering such a move. by CNB