Some local representatives expressed frustration with the slow pace of reopening under the Phase 2 plans announced by Gov. Roy Cooper on Wednesday.

Phase 2, which will begin Friday, May 22 at 5 pm, will allow restaurants to open for dine-in service at 50% capacity, and allows hair salons, tattoo parlors and other personal care businesses to reopen, also at limited capacities.

Bars, nightclubs, gyms, bowling alleys, movie theaters and public playgrounds will remain closed.

Rep. John Bell (R-Wayne), shared a statement on Facebook on Wednesday afternoon:

“Like many, I am extremely frustrated and disappointed in the Governor’s announcement today. Businesses need certainty. However, the Governor has left them in the dark and continues to move the goal posts — while only adding more regulations. This economic shutdown is killing people’s livelihoods, especially in our rural communities. People can’t work and they aren’t getting their unemployment benefits. Our small businesses cannot afford to be shut down for another five weeks. There are not enough government loans to keep them afloat. As I’ve been saying for weeks, there needs to be a regional approach. Greene County is not facing the same challenges as Mecklenburg County. I trust our counties and cities who know their communities best to put forth the right guidelines for their citizens and businesses.”

Also on Wednesday, Rep. Chris Humphrey (R-Lenoir), noted the impacts the shutdown has already had on local businesses in a statement to Neuse News:

“While I am pleased that more businesses can finally open to accommodate more customers, I am concerned that other businesses will continue to suffer. Surrounding states have found a way to open up all businesses, with restrictions. Businesses rely on assurances from state government to plan for future challenges, and I think that a one-size-fits-all executive order is a bit short-sighted. With today's announcement of the closure of the Boiler Room in Kinston and yesterday's notice regarding Stacie's Grill in La Grange, further delays cause me serious concern. Rural areas are already suffering and we cannot wait another 5 weeks to reopen the remainder of North Carolina.”

Sen. Jim Perry (R-Lenoir) expressed concern about the impact of continued shutdowns on the economic well-being of the area, in a statement to Neuse News:

“I am glad many small business owners and unemployed workers are being allowed to go back to work. We asked Governor Cooper to reopen restaurants and other personal care services a week earlier.  He said it was not safe, then he opened the next week. I will continue to support a cautious, reasonable approach, but we need Governor Cooper to address the inconsistency of his decisions. We have received conflicting information about high school graduations. We see businesses that are not afforded equal protections. These issues may not seem important to some in Raleigh, but I can promise you they are important to me, and the people I represent. These decisions are impacting lives too.”

Perry continued, “I would like for the Governor to speak to the people, and take open questions from the press. I am not talking about prescreened, limited questions. The hard truth is that Governor Cooper is responsible for unemployment and DOT, and they are both a mess. I think he needs to give the people a real plan to address all of these issues. My people are broke, and feel like he has forgotten them. We don’t need more vague generalities. The people of the East are suffering, and they need to know how the Governor intends to handle his responsibilities. The people of the East need to see hope on the horizon.“ 

Watch Governor Cooper’s Friday afternoon press conference here: www.ncdps.gov/storm-update.