Letter to Hyde County Board of Commissioners

Ocracoke resident and business owner Marissa Gross read this during public comment period at the November 4th BOC meeting.

Honorable Commissioners, 

For the most part, I have witnessed daily an amazing amount of respect and generosity passing between residents of Ocracoke, post Dorian. The feeding/caring of the community, items such as the new bicycles for the island children, and the amazing donation of over 50 appliances by two island residents (no strings attached, and or hoops to jump through) that went directly to people in need. However, I am concerned about the potential misuse of power and attack on our civil liberties. Islanders have been witnessing non-homeowners admitted to stay as "volunteers." 

These visitors are being hosted, in most part, by committee members, elected, and non-elected officials alike who have taken liberties with their positions. I feel that if those in question are able to simply pass their visitors and paying clientele off  as "volunteers," then we as a community should also be given our freedom to conduct business with tourists as best we can, even if it is simply "day trippers" we allow. This is an attempt to move forward in rebuilding our economy, and open the island. It is unclear to myself how anyone can be here visiting, charter fishing, and generally vacationing while others are intentionally being held hostage to unemployment. As we are not able to make money, we are also unable to generate tax dollars for the county. 

As for the ferry situation and HWY 12, over the years we have endured several months at a time post-storm and or bridge repair, without access to the north end Hatteras Ferry route. Currently, we have 4 means of transportation to the mainland, including the two routes from Hatteras. One can predict that visitors will be more than willing to use any schedule put forth by the county should we allow re-entry – without disrupting the building supply deliveries, or the needs of our residents. 

I would also ask the board to investigate a rumor involving Habitat for Humanity being denied access by our county commissioner. It was also rumored that the offer was indeed put on hold until his building contracts came through. If this is truly what has happened and is happening presently, we MUST re-structure the committees that are in control of such decision making immediately. It is beyond comprehension that such an offer would be turned down. One other rumor in question is the involvement of our Hyde County financial officer being involved romantically and financially with the head of Smith Debris removal who currently holds the contract with the county.

While I am only a 17-year resident, and not an official local, (and possibly may be kicked off the island after reading this statement in public).... I love this community. I have built a life here for myself, several businesses, and deeply believe in our resilience to rebuild this amazing island. It is my hope we set some true and tangible goals this evening, as there have been none thus far.  Thank you.

Marissa Gross

 

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