W. TERRY SMITH
A parent was upset with the schools. A man told about jobs available in neighboring Roberson County. An elected official told about her plans to help ex-offenders. The police promised to protect and serve. And the recreation director said programs would be provided but volunteers were needed to coach and youth needed to participate.
Welcome to the East Tarboro Community Forum Thursday night at the Oakland House. A standing room only crowd of about 100 residents attended, including Ward 6 Councilman Melvin Muhammad and Town Manager Sam Noble.
Greg Higgs acted as host.
“I want to thank Greg and everyone for coming out,” Muhammad said. “I feel your pain. I’m a brother before I am a councilman. I want to hear your concerns. Your concern is my concern.”
Shunell Knight told about her struggles with Edgecombe County Public Schools. Her son, she said, was an A-B student but had been suspended 14 days this school year.
She said the school administrators were unresponsive to her and efforts to meet with the superintendent were unsuccessful.
She said she had gotten 745 signatures on a petition that she mailed to Gov. Perdue, state School Superintendent June Atkinson, Sheriff James Knight and others.
Atkinson’s aide advised her to make her concerns known to the local district.
Walter Jones of On Time Transit told how he had helped people find jobs with Perdue in nearby Robersonville that paid $9 per hour.
Jones also warned those seeking employment they had to pass a drug test, which was proving difficult.
Jones also reported Robersonville Packing Co. was opening and would be hiring up to 400 people soon.
Clerk of Court Carol White told about her re-entry and transition program for ex-offenders and others that had criminal records.
“These men and women need a hand up,” she said.
In 2006, 293 people returned to Edgecombe County after being released from prison. These people need jobs, housing and transportation.
Her group – It Starts with U Foundation – is planning to host a breakfast for employers to explain to them the need to hire ex-offenders who are determined to turn their lives around.
Early in the meeting at least two young men left after trying to complain about police. Later in the meeting, some folks said they wanted police to do more enforcement and some said police were harassing young people, especially dropouts and jobless males who loiter in the streets.
Police Lt. Moose Hale said, “We are here to take care of any concerns you may have. You don’t have to see Councilman Muhammad or the town manager, come see us.”
Parks and Recreation Director Jarvis Pettaway said the recreation department was “willing to try anything if we have participation.”
Athletic Director Warren Mitchell pointed out, “We can’t get the kids to sign up.”
Reggie Moss stood up and recalled when recreation programs began in East Tarboro years ago and how parents volunteered.
“We need something to fill the kids’ empty hours,” Moss said. “Put forth some possibilities.”
Muhammad said, “(President) Barrack (Obama) had “a lot of money out there” and hoped the parks and recreation department looked at getting some of it.
“I’d like to see some computers at the Ray Center,” Muhammad said.
It was a friendly two and half hours with applause for the various speakers.
Higgs promised a newsletter soon and another meeting in June when new District Attorney Robert Evans would be invited.
