All tagged kinston city council

Sammy C. Aiken: A twelve-year councilman's vision for Kinston's future

After twelve years of committed service on the Kinston City Council, Sammy C. Aiken, a retired 20-year U.S. Navy veteran, has plans for the future of the city he represents. Although he was born and raised in Eden, he’s lived in Kinston for 42 years, and his service stretches beyond his tenure in the Navy. He has contributed to the community, serving on boards and committees.

Antonio M. Hardy: A Marine Corps Veteran with a Vision for Kinston's Future

With 31 years of dedicated service in the United States Marine Corps under his belt, and a further two years serving as Kinston's Mayor Pro Tem, Antonio M. Hardy is no stranger to leadership. A native of Kinston, Hardy has announced his intention to run for City Council in Lenoir County, aiming to continue his mission of being a "voice for the people" and fortifying the connection between city and county.

BJ Murphy: The Never-Ending State of Emergency

Roughly one year ago, Governor Cooper declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19, and while an emergency is typically seen as a momentary crisis, this has been harnessed into the “new normal”, expanding bureaucratic control over citizens’ lives for an alarming period of time. Regardless of the continued state of emergency, our local officials are holding themselves to a different standard. The Kinston City Council and Lenoir County School Board continue to meet outside of their chambers and only through Facebook or Zoom. Are they afraid for their safety while asking their staff to be dismissive of their own? Are they worried about facing parents and the community in a real public forum again?

BJ Murphy: So, about last month...again

At the October 5th Kinston City Council meeting, the elected members unanimously approved two motions allowing city employees new vacation days for June 19 and Election Day. With roughly less than five minutes of discussion, both motions passed.

The City of Kinston has 378 positions on payroll and have about 350 positions filled at this time. Let’s assume all 350 are eligible to vote. If 70% take the time to vote, that will equate to approximately 245 employees exercising that right. Since 61.2% have already cast their ballots in our area, it would mean about 214 employees have already done so.

Based on historical numbers, the cost per vote on Election Day (31) is roughly $1,729, plus time and a half for our police, fire and other essential employees.

BJ Murphy: So, about last month...

Have you ever had something gnaw at you long enough that you finally had to address it?

Last month the City of Kinston requested that Neuse News run a Public Notice informing the community of the proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 budget. Having served for eight years as mayor, I know the budget process and numbers well. Glaring to me was the proposed $26,100 increase in the mayor and council’s salary line item. Surely that was a mistake. Surely in a time like this that would not be on the table.