Berger sets the record straight on tax money for Gravely party

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — WWAY continues covering controversy surrounding taxpayer money going to the commissioning of the USS Gravely. We sat down with Brian Berger to get the facts straight Thursday night.

The USS Gravely has come and gone, but some complain about the money spent on the naval destroyer. County commissioners voted to give $25,000 dollars for the commissioning week as did the city. After several attempts to see where Berger stands on the public funding for the commissioning WWAY finally got the answer.

“Regardless of whether it was $5,000 or $25,000 dollars would not have changed my vote,” said Berger. “I would have voted no in either instance. I believe that there are issues in this community with transparency and accountability.”

WWAY requested to see the break down of the funds so taxpayers could see where their money went. Berger’s talked about the money, but he says no matter what he exactly said or how he said it the bottom line is he does not approve of the city and county giving taxpayer money for the commissioning.

“The $50,000 dollars for entertainment on top of the other funds to have the commissioning here, which was already a done deal but spending $50,000 on top of that in this economy of local taxpayer money I did not support that then and I don’t support that now.”