Haywood County Commissioners Restore Order After Weeks of Misinformation and Disruptions
Canton, NC – In a decisive display of authority and a commitment to transparency, the Haywood County Board of Commissioners convened on December 11, 2024, two weeks after a contentious meeting where Commissioner Terry Ramey was urged to resign over his role in disseminating false information about post-flood housing relief efforts. This latest meeting marked a clear shift towards restoring order and decorum, with the remaining four commissioners taking firm stances against further disruptions and addressing lingering misinformation surrounding the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.
The December 11th meeting unfolded under the watchful eye of Chairman Kevin Ensley, who prioritized maintaining a respectful and productive environment. This vigilance stemmed from weeks of personal threats directed at commissioners, particularly following Ramey’s appearance in a YouTube video with an out-of-state individual pushing for the commission to disregard state building codes. While Ramey himself remained largely silent throughout the proceedings, the board’s determination to uphold the integrity of the meeting was palpable.
The meeting began with a public comment period, a space that had previously been used to amplify misleading narratives about the county’s response to the housing crisis caused by Helene. This time, however, the commissioners took immediate action to curb further spread of misinformation. When the first speaker refused to identify herself, Vice Chairman Brandon Rogers emphasized the board’s commitment to transparency and insisted on reciprocal conduct from those addressing them. After repeated refusals to provide her name, Ensley directed sheriff’s deputies to escort the woman from the chambers, marking a rare instance of expulsion from a commissioners’ meeting.
Later in the meeting, Chief Deputy Matthew Trantham provided an update on allegations presented at the previous meeting regarding flood victims purportedly living in tents without adequate assistance. Trantham reported that his department had thoroughly investigated these claims, finding them to be largely unfounded. Many cases involved individuals experiencing homelessness prior to the flood and unrelated to the disaster. This clarification reinforced Ensley’s assertion that Haywood County officials were actively working to support those affected by Helene, dispelling the narrative that residents were being neglected.
Ensley further addressed a separate video allegedly depicting flood victims in tents, revealing that the individuals in the video were not flood victims and were not even located within the flood-affected area. He expressed outrage at the ongoing spread of such misinformation, emphasizing that it diverted much-needed resources away from those genuinely in need. His condemnation highlighted the seriousness with which the board was taking the issue of fabricated narratives exploiting the disaster.
In a poignant turn of events, amidst the serious discussions surrounding flood relief and the fight against misinformation, the commissioners also considered a request to erect a memorial honoring the late Canton native and renowned writer, Fred Chappell. Commissioner Tommy Long, reflecting on the recent loss of his father and the turbulent nature of recent meetings, chose to read Chappell’s poem “Time When” into the record. The poem, exploring themes of grief, resilience, and adaptation to life’s inevitable changes, offered a moment of reflection and perhaps an unspoken commentary on the need for unity and informed discourse in the face of adversity.
The December 11th meeting of the Haywood County Commissioners served as a crucial turning point in the aftermath of the misinformation campaign surrounding Tropical Storm Helene. The board’s firm stance against disruptive behavior, their commitment to transparency, and their dedication to addressing the genuine needs of flood victims signaled a return to reasoned discourse and a renewed focus on the task at hand: rebuilding and supporting the community. The expulsion of the unidentified speaker and the debunking of false claims were clear indicators of the board’s resolve to maintain order and accuracy in their proceedings.
The commissioners’ efforts to counter misinformation extended beyond addressing the specific allegations presented during public comment. Chairman Ensley’s broader condemnation of the exploitation of the disaster for personal gain underscored the importance of verifying information and ensuring that aid reached those who truly needed it. This commitment to truth and accountability served as a crucial counterpoint to the misleading narratives circulated online and elsewhere.
Furthermore, Chief Deputy Trantham’s on-the-ground investigation and subsequent report highlighted the dedication of local law enforcement to ensuring the well-being of residents. By diligently following up on reports of individuals living in precarious conditions, Trantham and his team were able to separate fact from fiction, providing a more accurate picture of the situation on the ground and refuting the exaggerated claims presented by outside agitators.
The reading of Fred Chappell’s poem, although seemingly unrelated to the immediate concerns of the meeting, offered a moment of contemplation and underscored the enduring human capacity for resilience in the face of loss. It served as a subtle reminder of the importance of community, empathy, and shared experience, values that had been tested by the recent events but ultimately remained at the heart of Haywood County’s recovery efforts.
The commissioners’ actions during the December 11th meeting represented a significant step towards restoring public trust and fostering a more productive environment for addressing the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Helene. By upholding transparency, challenging misinformation, and emphasizing the importance of community cooperation, the board reaffirmed its commitment to serving the best interests of Haywood County residents. The incident served as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects of misinformation and the importance of responsible information sharing, especially during times of crisis.
Moving forward, the Haywood County Commissioners face the ongoing task of rebuilding and supporting their community in the wake of the devastating flood. The lessons learned from the recent misinformation campaign will undoubtedly inform their approach to future challenges, emphasizing the importance of accurate information dissemination, proactive community engagement, and a unwavering dedication to the well-being of their constituents. The expulsion of the disruptive individual from the meeting served as a powerful message: Disruptions and the spread of false information would not be tolerated, and the commissioners would prioritize factual discourse and the needs of their community above all else.
The meeting concluded with a sense of renewed focus and a commitment to moving forward constructively. The commissioners reaffirmed their dedication to supporting those affected by Helene, ensuring that resources were directed effectively and that accurate information was readily available to the public. This commitment to transparency and accountability served as a powerful antidote to the misinformation that had plagued previous discussions surrounding the disaster relief efforts.