Star-News: Lack of transparency in removal of public official has created tension in the gated community of St. James, which is also incorporated as a municipality.
The Star-News reports that when the town council of St. James, a Brunswick County gated community and municipality, decided in closed session to oust a planning commission member, residents became concerned about the town’s leadership.
The council decided to treat the planning commissioner as an employee – rather than an appointed official – and called for a closed session to discuss her performance. The council then came out of closed session and announced its decision to relieve her of her post with little explanation why.
In an editorial in favor of transparency Tuesday, the Star-News argued that the closed session was inappropriate and the discussion should have been held in public.