County Commission Quotebook

Notable quotes from Tuesday’s Burke Board of Commissioners meeting:

Burke County Sheriff Banks Hinceman, recounting the heroic efforts of Deputy Raymond Early and Deputy Candace White in assisting a man whose arm was amputated by a piece of drilling machinery:

“I’m proud of my deputies that they cared that much to try to help this man during this time…Those deputies served Burke County and the Burke County Sheriff’s Office with professionalism, integrity, and compassion.”

County Manager Brian Epley, discussing the county’s plan to transition the boards of health and social services from administrative to advisory roles and how the move fits into Burke’s long-range plans:

“Now, we’ve transitioned into this ‘rethink’ phase of the plan, which is really all about continuous improvement — that’s challenging traditional norms and asking ourselves, are there ways that we can increase efficiency, increase effectiveness? Trying to magnify our impact.”

Isaac Crouch, Burke Board of Health Chair, during the public hearing on the transition:

“I and many others have fear of or concern of the influence of politics on public health and decisions that should be left to doctors, nurses, public health professionals.”

Rob Nelson, during the public hearing:

“How could people not think that all along, you weren’t going to listen to anybody? I don’t see how the community could rise up any more in opposition to this than what we have done.”

Artie McKesson-Logan, during the public hearing:

“Where is the evidence supporting that this model is going to be more effective than the current model for Burke County?”

Leslie Kern, during the public hearing:

“My Daddy used to say, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. And the fact that we have gotten national recognition means that we’re doing something right.”

Mary Charlotte Safford, during the public hearing:

“These two departments save children’s lives, so why would we mess with what we have in place?”

Richard Owensby, during the public hearing:

“I’m a little concerned about the control of the opioid settlement money. (I’m) Not that involved with that, but that’s something this county really needs. We need a lot of rehab in this county. I’m hoping that’s not something that becomes a political football.”

Dr. Jonathan Brisson, during the public hearing:

“Public health is not, and should never be, a partisan issue. It is about protecting lives, preventing disease, and promoting a healthier future for all of us.”

Jessi Stout, during the public hearing:

“My opinion on this matter is nothing against you all as commissioners, as I’m sure you all do an excellent job on what you do on a daily basis. But I truly believe decisions that impact health care should be made by those who live and breathe health care on a daily basis.”

Jeff Brittain, Board Chair:

“We think both departments are doing great work, but we think we might could do things better, so that’s the reason that we’ve considered this.”

— MQ