JCC Chair Halts Meeting When Talk Turns Personal

By Desiree Parker Thursday, January 12, 2012

James City County’s Board of Supervisors Chair Mary Jones called a recess at Tuesday evening’s meeting rather than let a citizen continue with his statements against her during a public comment period.

He was referring to two warrants in debt (civil claims for money) issued for Jones on two occasions within the last year or so – one dating back to Jan. 2011 for $4,102.86, owed to Discover Bank, and one issued in April last year for $1,562.98 owed originally to Chase Bank.

According to court records, Jones did not show up for either of the two hearings, and in both cases the court found in favor of the collections agencies looking to collect on the amount due. Records do not indicate that Jones has paid either amount due.

When Richardson started to mention Jones’ debts, she gaveled him and told him his comments needed to be relevant to the topic being discussed.

He argued several times that his point was relevant because it dealt with leadership and integrity, and dealt with keeping a budget as well as his assessment of Jones’ leadership ability.

Jones repeatedly asked him to keep his comments relevant to the discussion, and then she asked him several times to be seated. Finally, Jones called for a recess. (You can watch the video of the meeting on the county website).

Richardson accused her of “restricting my rights.” Richardson told WYDaily Wednesday that he felt Jones “was trying to silence her critics, and [she was] trampling on the Constitution” when she wouldn’t let him speak.

WYDaily asked Jones several questions about the issue in an email after the meeting, including why she did not appear in court and what her response would be to people who challenge her ability to make sound fiscal decisions about taxpayer dollars if this isn’t something she seems to be able to do privately.

Jones responded, “I have a clearly demonstrated record of professional performance and beyond what I have already stated for the record, I will not dignify this charade with further comment on the personal finances of my family.

“We have too many serious issues facing the citizens of James City County to be distracted by this divisive political gamesmanship and my focus shall remain on the betterment of our community for its citizens.”

WYDaily looked at other court records and found that, of 24 local elected officials in the three Triangle jurisdictions, two had warrants in debt filed against them, but one case was dismissed and the other was terminated through a non suit.

Board Vice Chair John McGlennon said he didn’t feel it was appropriate to comment on Jones’ financial issues without firsthand knowledge of the situation, but he noted that “voters select candidates for office, and I respect their judgment. These are difficult times, and people are struggling with personal financial issues.”

As for Jones’ decision to cut off Richardson’s comments, McGlennon said “citizens have the right to say things that we sometimes find uncomfortable,” and that “focusing on the financial records is within the bounds of something an elected official should expect.”

He said he would not have stopped Richardson from speaking.

“If someone had been making charges against me or another board member, I would not have stopped them,” McGlennon said. “It’s part of being an elected official; people are going to be harsh with their criticism.”