NAVASSA — Navassa’s District 2 town council seat will remain vacant for another month after the council opted to not take action on the issue during its Thursday meeting.
The board received three applications to fill the seat vacated by James Hardy on Nov. 17.
READ MORE: Navassa replaces James Hardy as finance officer as he resigns from council
The board also advertised Hardy’s seat before he had officially left office. Mayor Eulis Willis told Port City Daily the town opted to extend the advertisement through Wednesday in an effort to stay above board, though the town did not receive any additional applications.
Last month he told PCD he feels the town has a target on its back because of recent controversies involving its finances. The town went through a government shutdown in June and expects a late audit report.
Willis said there may be an issue with one of the applications, noting an appointee must live in the district and be registered to vote. He told the board that enforcement of those policies is performed by the county board of elections and “there seemed to be some questions about at least one application.”
Willis declined to specify which of the three applicants may not be qualified, noting it would be his opinion. Yet, he intends to follow up with the Brunswick County Board of Elections next week for official guidance on whether or not the applicant could be appointed.
Two, Latonyia Lowe and Thurman Everett, have addresses listed in the area in their voting records, Chiwale Thomas is listed on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website as inactive with an address in Wilmington
Brunswick County Board of Elections director Sara Lavere said the board checks the residency of people based on their voter registration when they file to run for office, but the appointment process is handled by the town and based on existing voter registration. Lavere said when Willis called her office with questions about who would be eligible for the appointment, she advised him on the rules and that the board would base eligibility on current voter registration.
When Willis showed the voter registration records to town attorney Norwood Blanchard, councilman William Ballard asked for a printed copy. The two spar verbally during meetings often, Willis respoded by telling Ballard “it’s on the internet, voter lookup.”
“I want a copy from you,” Ballard said, pointing out Willis was a few minutes late to the meeting because he was making copies of other documents.
Blanchard told the council they could opt to hold a special meeting once it confirms the applicants are eligible with the board of elections. Willis told PCD the town is looking for an official opinion on whether the applicant is qualified or not
He said when the board plans to make an appointment, it must discuss the applicants in public, noting the position is an elected seat rather than a town employee who would be protected by state privacy laws.
“The public will be notified,” Willis said.
Ballard made the motion to table the issue until January, which passed unanimously.
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