THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 7, 1996 TAG: 9601050209
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 05 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines
Commissioner objects
I was somewhat dismayed that neither I nor the public was notified of the news conference on Dec. 29, 1995, regarding ``Operation Seasons Greetings.'' Not only were we not permitted to attend, but neither I nor my attorney was contacted to speak on my behalf.
Obviously, Mr. Roland Dale did not do his homework. The letter he referred to dated Oct. 20, sent to Dare County Attorney Al Cole, clearly stated that I had agreed not to divulge the information I had discovered nor jeopardize the investigation, but asked for a meeting in which to discuss the expenditures and an explanation as to when and how the money would be replaced. (There was no response to the letter).
There was no meeting with my attorney, ALE officer Bill Williams and the district attorney at which a ``gag order'' was suggested. A gag order was never mentioned, nor was it necessary.
I have known about but not divulged knowledge of the expenditure since September. I have in no way jeopardized the investigation nor the lives of anyone involved!
I have made it quite clear that I am happy for the success of the raid, but I am concerned about major decisions being made while members of the Board of Commissioners are excluded.
It is not up to any one individual to determine who on the board can or cannot be trusted. The voters put their trust in me when I was elected. We are there to make decisions for the people - as a board, not individually.
If this had been brought before the board, having all the facts before me, I most likely would have warmly supported the investigation. The fact is, it was not.
If an expenditure can be made, however meritorious it may be, without full knowledge and support of the Board of Commissioners, what is to say that other expenditures, without merit, might also be made?
Such expenditures, evidently secretly appropriated, fly in the face of a democratic form of government.
Shirley Hassell
Dare County Commissioner by CNB