Beth Dawson gives State of the County Address, White announces a rebuttal

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — County Commission Chair Beth Dawson delivered some good news in the State of the County Address. She said the county is fiscally strong.

“New Hanover County is rated in the top 3% in our country,” said Dawson.

Dawson said while they were many positives they didn’t meet some county goals like an significant increase in the average weekly wage rate.

Commissioner Jonathan Barfield said he is happy with the work they’ve done.

“It’s great to hear again that our county’s economy and that the state of county is strong,” said Barfield.

But Commissioner Woody White said he has some critiques for the address and the commission. White said he and two commission candidates Patricia Kusek and Jim Brumit are releasing a video with their thoughts.

“What they are going to talk about is and I’ll say a few things too is the record that Dawson has of raising taxes, expanding welfare, things she didn’t talk about tonight,” said White.

Barfield said a rebuttal is unnecessary.

“I don’t understand the need for a rebuttal, there’s nothing to rebut in what was said tonight, because the county is doing remarkable things, our community is strong,” said Barfield.

Differing opinions and disagreements are nothing new to the commission. Opinions even vary when it comes to figuring out how to get along.

White said the commission might need different members.

“We need folks that are going to be consistent to their principals after they win elections,” said White.

Barfield said what they commission needs to focus on is what’s best for the county and come together.

“It’s time to unify and speak with one voice moving forward, and not with division,” said Barfield.

Last year White released a response after Barfield gave his State of the County Address.

White said they expect to release their counter statements on YouTube Tuesday morning.