All tagged mayor

BJ Murphy: The Evolution of Neuse News - Five Years of Local Impact

BJ Murphy: The Evolution of Neuse News - Five Years of Local Impact

BJ Murphy
Columns, Local News

As I stroll down Queen St., looking back on the five-year journey of Neuse News, I'm struck by the crucial role we've come to play in our community. When we embarked on this venture, we were simply a group of friends, concerned by the glaring absence of local news reporting and community relevance. We noticed a lack of accountability for public officials and a lack of accessible information for our neighbors. In starting Neuse News, we didn't claim to be seasoned journalists or skilled videographers. Through our publication, social media presence, website, newsletter, and breaking news text alerts, we've aimed to counteract the decline of corporately-owned print news and provide a trusted news source for our community.

Former Kinston Mayor Johnnie Moseley passed away over the weekend

Former Kinston Mayor Johnnie Moseley passed away over the weekend

Neuse News
Local News

On May 14, 2022, former Kinston Mayor Johnnie Moseley passed away at the age of 79. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time according to Mills Funeral Home.

Moseley served two terms as Mayor from 1997 to 2005 and was the first African American in that role. He served as mayor during the devastating effects of Hurricane Floyd and during the West Pharmaceutical explosion. He also was on Kinston City Council from 1985 to 1997 before becoming mayor.

The city’s water reclamation facility is named the Johnnie Moseley Regional Water Reclamation Facility because of his work post-Hurricane Floyd to build a facility out of the flood zone.

Chris Suggs: Let's talk about money

Chris Suggs: Let's talk about money

Chris Suggs
Columns, Politics

Although there hasn’t been any public discussion regarding it, once again, there is an increase in pay for the mayor and members of the council being proposed in this year’s budget. This isn’t to say that the increase isn’t justified, my concern is that once again potentially controversial items are being presented in the budget that haven’t been formally discussed. Whether it’s the more than $100 million annual operating budget for the city, or a $6.3 million allocation from the federal government, each line item deserves thorough inspection and candid conversations about how they align with our priorities — especially one that has proven time and time again to ruffle feathers.

I’ve expressed my desire with the mayor and members of the council for us to have dedicated meeting time to talk about our city budget and finances, but aside from Councilwoman Felicia Solomon, the other members of our board haven’t shared that desire.

Letter to the Editor: Elijah Woods for Felicia Solomon for Mayor

Letter to the Editor: Elijah Woods for Felicia Solomon for Mayor

Neuse News
Letters to the Editor

As we approach Tuesday, November 2nd, my thoughts continue to grow about the results of the City Council and especially the Mayoral elections. The office of mayor is considered the chief political office in city government. The importance of this role cannot be taken lightly. This letter is not a personal indictment against Mayor Hardy, the man, but an expressed uneasiness about his leadership skills and concern about his judgement which impacts us all as citizens of Kinston.

Obituary - Carol S. Sykes

Obituary - Carol S. Sykes

Pink Hill Funeral Home
Obituaries

PINK HILL - The Honorable Carol S. Sykes passed away on Friday, August 26, 2021 at N.C. Heart and Vascular Hospital in Raleigh. A celebratory Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31 at the home of Leigh Turner (aka Turner Beach) at 105 Bill Sutton Road in Pink Hill. To encourage social distancing please bring your lawn/beach chair and happiness in your heart for a life well-lived.

BJ Murphy: If not you, who?

BJ Murphy: If not you, who?

BJ Murphy
Columns, Local News, Politics

I am more concerned about the next four years for Kinston today than I was four years ago.

The impasses we face with the City of Kinston pose significant challenges for our community’s future, and we need leaders to step up at a time such as this. The mayor’s seat and two councilmembers’ seats are up for grabs, and the $10 filing fee period ends on Friday, July 16th at 12:00 pm.

Now is not the time to complain. Now is not the time to critique. Instead, if you feel led to run or compelled to serve your community greater than your role today, here is your opportunity to influence or shape the change you desire.

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

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

BJ Murphy
Columns, Local News, Politics

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.

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