Some of you read my last blog on August 13th entitled “City Nepotism Policy Up For Debate” regarding the City Council pushing for an amendment to their current Nepotism policy.  The amendment, if passed, will allow family members of City Council members and the Mayor to work for City government, so long as there is no direct or indirect reporting relationship.  Indirect reporting? That’s pretty much impossible to pull off.  Supervisors, department heads and others will be extra cautious when dealing with family members of elected leadership.

Nepotism policies have been around for ages.  These policies safeguard against favoritism, cronyism and unfair work practices regarding hiring, firing and promotion of employees,  We don’t think it’s a good idea to change a policy on a whim.  In this case ONE Councilman brought the idea for the amendment to City Council stating his relative (brother) applied for a job with the City of Kinston and was denied due to the Nepotism policy, albeit he may have not been the most qualified.  The current Nepotism policy has been an accepted fact for decades but this ONE Councilman decided it may be “unfair”, that maybe more highly qualified employees could be had if WE amended the policy to allow family.  The idea was put into the form of a motion August 3rd and on August 17th passed the first reading in a 3-2 vote.  You can see the amendment HERE.  Read my Kinston Free Press column HERE.  Read the Kinston Free Press post-Council meeting article HERE.

The good news is there must be a second reading at the September 8th meeting (5:30PM).

Some folks aren’t taking this lying down.  Sources tell me there have been multiple call to Councilman Joe Tyson, as well as, emails.  Mr. Tyson was the swing vote.  This is a nonpartisan issue.  Why wouldn’t our residents rise up?  You can write your council members and tell them what you think at council@ci.kinston.nc.us

You can also call the City Clerk at 252-939-3115 and ask for specific contact information. This is your town.  If this gripes you, don’t be afraid to speak up.  Otherwise, the second reading will pass untested.

And finally, Logan Thurman, a local businessman has started an online petition.  Hats off to this gentleman.  You may go to the link, read the conditions, and sign the petition adding your name to the growing number that are fed up with this action.

Here it is: http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/prevent-the-city-of-kinston-from-changing-the-nepotism-policy.html

KEEP CALM AND SIGN THE PETITION!