Keith Predmore
Lake Santeetlah – The newest members of the Town of Lake Santeetlah council heard many public comments, discussed town attorneys and more at the Dec. 14 council meeting.
As contract administrator, council member Keith Predmore researched law firms Van Winkle, and Roberts & Stevens as options for town attorney.
Both law firms are close in price and the town has had experience with both. The board decided to pursue Van Winkle.
Jack Gross, Alan Davidson and Roger Carlton voiced their public comments to the council.
Gross commented on the new meeting schedule of the council meetings changed from every second Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m., to every second Tuesday at noon.
He disagreed with the council having a meeting at noon because some people might not be able to make it because of work.
“I believe your choice of meeting time was selfish, plain and simple,” said Gross. “I would like to request that the board reconsider the meeting time for the good of the community as a whole.”
The council countered that people can view the meeting on Zoom and their goal is to represent the community. Later in the meeting, a resolution to change the meeting schedule to noon on Tuesdays was approved unanimously by the board.
Roger Carlton asked the council consider internet or fiber-optic improvements.
Council member Kevin Haag mentioned Zito Media made a presentation to the previous council.
“Zito was not a comprehensive program with a measurable objective,” said Carlton. “Zito may want to come back, but we’re not tied to one provider,” said Carlton.
Haag also mentioned that some citizens have complained of Zito not responding to problems.
The board also appointed and approved an oversight committee for broadband/internet. Council member Jim Hager made a motion for Roger Carlton, Chris Bradley and Haag. Davidson commented on his concern with Lake Santeetlah’s voting language.
He started his comment reciting the North Carolina State Constitution, Section 11.
“As political rights and privileges are not dependent upon or modified by property, no property qualification shall affect the right to vote or hold office.”
Davidson stated his belief that the Lake Santeetlah zoning administration does not align with the state’s constitution about property and holding office. He wanted to remind the new council about the constitution and that they swore an oath to serve the community.
He also mentioned potential secret societies in the community.
“Are you aware of any secret organizations we can document?” Haag asked.
Davidson said no, but he has witnessed accusations of secret societies within the community through email.
“I get the feeling that there are groups in this town that gather to discuss the future of the town, political condition of the town and how it’s led. Those people are being accused by others of being a part of a secret society,” said Davidson.
Davidson acknowledged that people can discuss politics freely in a democracy and should be out in the open. He said he does not agree with people accusing others of being in a secret society when their views don’t align with their own.