Burgin Reaches The Ethical Cliff
January 23, 2013
Burgin Reaches The Ethical Cliff
One man Command to drop Lawsuit
Burgin and House
Harnett Dispatch
Daniel Glover
Public Opposition
Last night reach an all new time high for the County Commissioners; the meeting room was packed with citizens speaking on behalf of dropping the lawsuit and others to continue the lawsuit. The tension was high throughout the meeting. Many residents expressed their concern about how the present board was trying to vote down the lawsuit to cover up allegations against Commissioner House and former employee Randy Rogers. Some members called the actions of the board corruption and that the current board was trying to cover up.
Out of nowhere
After closed session Jim Burgin began to read different memos and the minutes from closed sessions surrounding the case and said that there was never a vote to commence the lawsuit against Gary House. Then Jim instructed County intern manager to call the attorney and have the case dropped against Gary House, immediately after that Mr. Burgin moved to adjourn the meeting leaving some commissioners not even knowing what was going on. Commissioner Miller spoke up an “asked what just happen.” Commissioner Hill informed Mr. Burgin that he could not do that and that it was illegal to give those orders.
Outrage of Crowd.
Hill and House
The large crowd began to express their feeling and the meeting turned into a chaotic scene with people screaming crook and telling Mr. Burgin that he was unethical and that they would sue him. County attorney Snow said that in his legal opinion that Mr. Burgin was not allowed to give that order but Mr., Burgin stated that he had all right to. One person in the crowd said this is not Harnett County, instead this is Burgin County.
The aftermath
Following last night County Commissioners have had a busy day on phones with concerned residents about their civil rights being violated by no representation. One lawyer contacted the local government association and confirmed from there legal counsel that in fact Mr. Burgin had violated ethics for an elected official and that no one Commissioner has the right or duty to direct in the manner of Mr. Burgin. Many residents have contacted the ACLU and the NAACP about this situation and these groups are working on bringing a resolution to this affair.
