THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 11, 1996 TAG: 9609110467
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, Staff writer
DATELINE: KILL DEVIL HILLS LENGTH: 48 lines
A dispute over home-operated businesses erupted into a call for the resignation of Kill Devil Hills Commissioner E.M. ``Coy'' Harbeson Monday night by Commissioner Bill Morris.
An angry Harbeson said he would never step down.
A board vote that turned down Neil White's request for a home-operated business permit sparked the clash.
White was asking for a permit to sell firearms and hunting supplies through a catalog from his Bay Drive residence. At a meeting last month, White argued that his business wasn't different from other home-based businesses such as Avon or Tupperware.
However, Planning Director Greg Loy said granting the request would set a dangerous precedent for the town.
``I know Mr. White would run a reputable business,'' Wright said. ``But if we approve this, and Joe Blow comes in and opens a business with four Harleys under his house, how can we tell him no?''
Morris and Commissioners Jimmy Hanks and Jeff Shields voted against the request. MayorDuncan Wright spoke against it. Harbeson was White's lone supporter.
Harbeson argued that the town's planning board had approved White's request, and said that White was being unfairly punished.
``There are a number of home-operated businesses in this town that haven't come before this board, as Mr. White has, to apply for a permit. I think Mr. White is being discriminated against,'' Harbeson said.
When Morris asked Harbeson to name the businesses that were operating in violation of town ordinances, Harbeson refused.
After a closed session, Morris called on Harbeson to step down.
``I believe Mr. Harbeson said he was aware of residents in Kill Devil Hills who were in violation of the law he was sworn to uphold,'' Morris said. ``I believe he has a duty to resign.''
Harbeson responded: ``I'm not going to step down. Never. I could say things about you and the way you are.''
Wright quickly cut off the argument, and Morris' motion died without further action.
After the meeting, Harbeson said, ``My only response is that if I were to step down, I think it would be a great loss. I will continue to represent the interest of all the taxpayers of Kill Devil Hills, not certain individuals or groups.''
White said he understood, but did not agree with, the commission's logic concerning his application. by CNB