Moore County, NC Commissioners hear abortion debate

 

Image in public domain.

The Moore County Board of Commissioners heard public comments on the June 24 decision to overturn the 1973 Roe Vs Wade law allowing abortion at the regular 19 July meeting.

Citizens packed the old Carthage courthouse.

Prior to the regular meeting, citizens held a peaceful demonstration on the sidewalk around the courthouse. One group requested Moore County be a sanctuary for life and to not allow abortion clinics, and a second group opposed the request.

“It’s great to see such a large group of people,” said Vice Chair Catherine Graham.

During public comments, there were 12 speakers in support of life, requesting that commissioners make Moore County a sanctuary for life and to not allow an abortion facility.

There were 10 speakers against making Moore County a sanctuary for life and to allow an abortion facility.

Calvary Memorial Church Pastor Charles Garrison said the Declaration of Independence and the Bible in Genesis declare the inalienable right to life. He shared statistics from 1996-2020 abortion clinic data that shows 96.5% of abortions are for social or economic reasons.

Garrison shared that .39% of abortions are for rape, 1.4% is to save mother’s life, 1.28% is to preserve a mother’s mental health, and 6.9% are for eugenics when defects are detected.

Tim Russell said he was speaking on a large group of voters who support abortion. He said there is a small minority trying to change the current law. He submitted a resolution to the commissioners seeking preservation of the right for abortion through North Carolina law.

Speaker comments included:

*A story on praying for pregnant mothers and how a timely adoption came to fruition for the family, providing the only grandchild.

*Statement on 26 centers supporting pregnant women and their children.

*Statements on freedom to choose abortion.

*Support for Moore County as a sanctuary for life.

*Stories from women who regret abortion in youth.

*A statement compared a fetus to an organism—the same as a fungus.

*Statement on life beginning at conception.

*Statement on commissioners needing to provide low-cost daycare and more sex education.

*Story from a woman who survived a threat from her father to be aborted and now has 19 grandchildren and is ecstatically grateful for life.

A presentation from the Executive Director of Partners in Progress on the Workforce Development Realignment provided recommendations to evaluate how the workforce and economic development programs work together.

There are eight separate prosperity zones, and 22 development boards cross the zones.

She said the governor recommended realignment with the Mid-Carolina Workforce with Cumberland, Sampson, and Harnett Counties, and Lumber River. A letter of intent was drafted by the clerk and the board voted to take steps to realign.

In new business, the board approved the resolution authorizing Moore County as a member of the Sandhills Regional Library System, as part of the 10-year member renewal process.

The board approved $50,000 in funding for school nurses to provide care in the public schools for the 2022-2023 school year. The funds come from the state and must be used for the purpose of nurses in schools.

Presently, there are 14.5 nurse positions with one part-time nurse in the Moore County public schools, and they need 17 to meet state recommendations of one nurse per every 750 students.

Moore County Schools has one nurse per every 900 students.

The board agreed to support a legislative request for the North Carolina General Assembly to revise the Program Enhancement Teacher Allotment for kindergarten through fifth grade to kindergarten through eighth grade. This would allow 15-16 more teachers and would help all counties.

The board agreed to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for 2022-2024. The agreement verifies county support for all social services programs, expect for medical assistance.

There will be no financial impact on taxpayers for the DHHS agreement.

The board accepted two preliminary tax settlement reports on who listed personal property but owned no real property and whose taxes remain unpaid for 2021-2022, and reports for real, personal, and motor vehicle taxes.

In 2020-2021, the county collected 99.74% in taxes, the highest ever. The county has collected over 99% for 30 years, creating a state record.

The board charged the Tax Administrator with collecting personal property taxes for 2022-2023.

The board approved a request to lower the 2022-2023 planning and inspections fee for new residential and commercial construction from $500 for same day inspection cancelation down to $250.

 

The end.

Stephanie M. Sellers

Journalist