Frady resignation reveals turmoil on Glen Alpine board

In a move that caught several Glen Alpine leaders off guard, board member Jim Frady resigned Monday morning, exposing concerns about pettiness and personal agendas. One board member pushed back at his sentiments, while others supported them.

Mayor Michelle Lewis had two differing reactions to the situation; one statement she provided took a more neutral approach. “I was surprised by Mr. Frady’s resignation, but I strongly believe each person must make difficult decisions to what they are willing to commit to,” she stated. “Sometimes that means walking away from prior commitments.”

However, on Facebook she wrote in a post, “One down. IYKYK” (if you know, you know). Lewis declined to comment on the post.

For board member Jason Miller, his moral commitment is the only reason he is serving out his term until November, adding that he was extremely concerned by Lewis’ post because it reveals a clear divide to the public.

“If that comment is how I take it, not only is that unethical … I’m appalled,” Miller said.

Miller said his concerns while on the board have been identical to Frady’s, leading to his decision not to run for reelection. Over the past four years of his time on the board, Miller said his biggest takeaway is that Glen Alpine does not need a governing body.

“We do not need to be governed. I truly believe we need to turn in our charter and let the county take us over,” Miller said. “With all the pettiness, I think there are personal agendas, and we’re too small of a community to have five people with their own personal agendas.”

He isn’t the only one. Board member Sheila Perkins said she also considered resigning from the board for similar reasons to Frady, also adding that he has contributed significantly to the community with his knowledge and professionalism.

“I’ve served on many boards, but this one has had the most interpersonal conflicts,” Perkins stated. “It appears the board may have strayed from its main responsibilities and goals. Mr. Frady’s concerns about leadership and vision being affected by personal agendas are understandable.”

Perkins stated that one example can be seen in one board member’s non-compliance with the town’s zoning ordinances and the inability to abide by those regulations, though she did not state which board member.

“I have lived in Glen Alpine my entire life and ran for the board to serve the town and give back. Both my family and small business have thrived for many years in this great community,” Perkins stated. “Therefore, I was dismayed by one leader’s reaction to Mr. Frady’s resignation on social media, revealing that if elected officials don’t fit into their ‘clique,’ they are disregarded. Clearly some board members aim to marginalize those who disagree with them.”

Ultimately though, Perkins will remain in her seat as she said she believes the residents of Glen Alpine need a strong advocate. While she said she is unsure about running for reelection in November, she said, “I will not be silenced or forget the community and citizens I care about.”

Board member Reid Scott, after reading Frady’s resignation letter, had a different reaction. In a letter to the editor, he stated that Frady should have been more involved in the town’s everyday events “rather than criticizing the very people who really care about our citizens.”

Scott referenced disagreements with Frady such as management and use of Simpson Field, the Burke River Trail trailhead park, and the property that Glen Alpine purchased near Foxhole. He provided his stance on each situation in his letter to the editor.

“When Mr. Frady was voted to replace an open seat on the board, I voted for him because he was from a part of town not represented,” Scott wrote. “I have made a lot of decisions in life, voting for him is one of my most regrettable.”

When it comes to Frady’s comment that the board has caused distrust among town employees, Scott stated that “maybe the employees that I have criticized should do what our citizens pay them to do. The board is responsible for the operation of our town. If Mr. Frady does not want to do his job, he has done the right thing. We as a board need to do our job of being responsible for the day-to-day operation of our town or we should all quit.”

Mayor Pro Tempore Luke Boone did not respond to requests for comment.

Boone and Scott are the only two board members whose seats are not up for grabs this November. Both Lewis and Perkins also have terms that are ending, but neither has decided whether to run for reelection. Two seats will automatically be empty as Frady and Miller will not be returning.