THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 7, 1997 TAG: 9702070581
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B4 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NAGS HEAD LENGTH: 41 lines
A flier faxed to some members of the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce by the organization's headquarters has angered opponents of a two-high school plan in northern Dare.
They contend that the business organization is advocating passage of a proposed $59.5 million bond issue, which includes plans for a second high school north of Oregon Inlet.
They also say that School Board members Susie Walters and Donna Buxton may be guilty of a conflict of interest by serving on the chamber's education committee. Superintendent Leon Holleman is also on the panel
However, Chamber President Rick Mizelle denied Thursday that the chamber was taking a position on the controversial issue.
``We have tried not to speak in favor of either one high school or two north of Oregon Inlet,'' Mizelle said. ``Anything that may have led people to believe that may have been erroneous or misleading.''
Mizelle also denied charges that the flier was faxed selectively, to members who favored a second high school for the northern beaches.
``The fax was sent out to all members who have a dedicated fax line,'' Mizelle said. ``If someone gave us a fax number that was not a dedicated line, we can't send it out on our system. And, not everyone who is a member wants every fax we send out. But no one was intentionally excluded.''
Despite Mizelle's explanations, the flier did not sit well with some at Wednesday night's public meeting who were angry about a single paragraph:
``Please make every effort to be present and speak to support the facilities package for a May referendum.''
``How can this not be a conflict of interest?,'' said Mary Ann Johnson of Kill Devil Hills. ``We believe the best thing is one high school, not two.''
Walters said she did not believe the document takes a position.
``I don't think that's what it says,'' she said. ``We were invited to sit on the committee, but we're not a part of the chamber board.''
Chamber member Roxie Pritchard was troubled by the fax.
``I really don't think the chamber should be asking people to come to a meeting to take a certain stand,'' Pritchard said.