THUMBS DOWN To the Murphy Town Council

Editorial

Props to highway patrol, Snow
THUMBS DOWN To the Murphy Town Council for continuing to remain silent on why police chief Mark Thigpen was forced to resign on Aug. 3. The council also has failed to address remarks made by council member Sandra Sumpter at its Aug. 8 meeting. At that meeting, Sumpter told a Murphy business owner that it was none of her business why Thigpen was asked to resign. The council works for the public – not the other way around – and still owes an answer on Thigpen and an apology for Sumpter’s arrogant behavior.
THUMBS UP To the N.C. Highway Patrol for cracking down on drunk drivers and making our roads safer. During an Aug. 5 checkpoint in Murphy, officers made numerous alcohol and drug arrests. The patrol also is to be commended for inviting the media along and giving the public a firsthand view of the process.
THUMBS UP To state Sen. John Snow (D-Murphy) for refusing to accept campaign contributions from lobbyists. The General Assembly passed legislation this year that forbids the acceptance of money from lobbyists, but the ban does not begin until Jan. 1. It’s good to see a local politician stand up and refuse to accept money from special interest groups.
THUMBS DOWN To the Graham County Grand Jury for refusing to indict Johnny Lee Williams. This is the second time in three years a grand jury has failed to indict an admitted killer. A grand jury’s job is to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial, not guilt or innocence. With an apparent confession, we are appalled an indictment was not returned.

There is so much indifference in this county, no one cares to write to their newspaper, post anything here. Your law-enforcement is a reflection of its own constituents. You get what you deserve! Change will only come many years from now when people truly stand up for change. In the meantime, you can keep reading about the private helicopter lessons in the newspaper at county expense, and the three marijuana plants seized... and what a great job the sheriff is doing on the "WAR ON DRUGS", WOW! Our tax dollars at work.

Someone with some intelligence needs to audit this Sheriff's office and determine if all expenditures are in compliance with state and federal statues. I dare anyone to complete an audit from 2000 to present. Oh, I forgot, who really cares...

VOTE FOR CHANGE!!!