VOTE 2010: Patterson wants to know why Hill closed stores

THE FOLLOWING IS A NEWS RELEASE FROM THE PATTERSON CAMPAIGN:

Nakina, NC (NEWS RELEASE) – On October, 11th Tristan Patterson stands outside of a closed up Hills Home Run gas station with a former employee who said they arrived at work Friday and were told “Go home, you no longer have a job!”

“While Mr. Hill has a right to sell any of his properties, I am concerned over the dozens who he provided no transition period, and gave no warning to the impending closure. Columbus County is hurting, and it’s hard when someone who has positioned himself as a ‘Community leader’ has the citizens work their hearts out in their jobs and he repays them like this.” A clearly frustrated Tristan said.

Calls to Dewey Hill enterprise were not returned and no explanation for the closure was given to the employees outside the store with Tristan.

Patterson says “As upsetting as the employees who are jobless and in the dark, even more disturbing is the fact that without warning, TWO fire departments that protect our community have abruptly lost their diesel fuel provider, possibly causing a major safety issue!”

“This is not about politics, it’s about wonderful citizens like this” pointing towards the former Hills Home Run employee “They deserve better, they deserve to be safe, and they deserve more opportunities to work for a decent wage in a stable company.” Tristan said.