Parked outside a Red Bank political forum Tuesday afternoon, a minivan’s back window made itself clear: “Anybody but Pierce and Jones.”
But Commissioner Floy Pierce never defended herself against the white scrawl, opting to miss her second straight public forum as five other candidates talked about recruiting new business to Red Bank, rebuilding its image and maintaining a steady government.
Election Day is Nov. 2.
“I’m not trying to run from anything,” said Pierce, a two-term incumbent representing District 1. “If I lose, then I might regret it, but right now I don’t want to bring anymore negative to this city.”
Pierce sat in the audience during an Oct. 11 forum in which all other candidates participated. She is running against Robert Perry and David Smith.
At Tuesday night’s commission meeting, Sonny Crawley again accused Pierce of misusing funds for the Red Bank Community Center, saying she funneled earmarked donations to a private seniors group.
Pierce denied the allegations before criticizing Mayor Joe Glasscock for “allowing” the complaints during the meeting. His opponent is John Roberts.
“I’m ashamed to serve on this board with people who don’t respect our city,” Pierce said.
Glasscock said he’d settle the spat “since you’ve made this open mic night,” but he and Commissioner Ruth Jeno continued with the same accusations.
The minivan paint job’s other target, Commissioner Greg Jones, participated in Tuesday’s forum and promised to “stand for the truth,” refuting allegations that he steered City Manager Chris Dorsey to fire ex-police chief Larry Sneed for political reasons.
Despite his own incumbency, Jones railed against the current Board of Commissioners, charging that the city’s politicians cannot work together.
“I’m not really proud to be a part of that,” Jones said. “It’s time for a change.”
After Jones said he would increase his communication with Chamber activities, his opponent, Edward LeCompte, shared a knowing glance with the crowd and promised to be “active” if elected.
The exchange came a few days after Jones accused his challenger of getting preferential treatment before the Oct. 11 forum, a charge LeCompte denied.
At Tuesday night’s commission meeting, Red Bank Neighborhood Pride President Darin Wright criticized Jones for making the accusation, claiming her organization didn’t give LeCompte questions in advance.
She also disputed the theory that her public writings against Jones’ re-election made the forum unfair.
“If you’re up there every [meeting] saying, ‘Hi, Mom,’ I’m sorry, but I don’t know what you’ve done,” she said.
Jones stood by his complaints.
Contact Chris Carroll at ccarroll@timesfreepress.com or 423–757-6610.