ROCKINGHAM — The August meeting of the Richmond County Board of Commissioners was the first in person since January for Commissioner Jamie Gathings.
Gathings addressed the board and the audience toward the end of Tuesday’s meeting to issue a public apology.
“We all know what’s gone on here the past seven months,” he said, “so, glad it’s over with.”
The day prior to the February meeting, the rest of the board approved a resolution that had him denied from participating for 90 days and barred from county-owned buildings following reported complaints from county employees and fellow commissioners.
Gathings was allowed to rejoin the meetings remotely starting in May, and a settlement was reached in July that allows him back in the chamber. Part of that settlement included Gathings making several written and public apologies, and getting reimbursed for legal fees.
(NOTE: Gathings has previoulsy issued apologies in a statement to the RO.)
“Tonight … I’d like to see us move forward,” he said, before addressing several matters to the board and “the public we serve.”
“At the beginning of this year, tension between myself and other commissioners became public, and I take responsibility for my actions and my statements,” Gathings said. “While it is in nature for strong leaders to have strong opinions, the way those disagreements played out is not what this county is expecting from us, nor me.”
Gathings went on to apologize to Commissioner Robin Roberts and Dr. Tammie Gainey — wife of commissioner Jason Gainey and owner of Sandhills Best Care — “for the statements I made that embarrassed you or made you feel uncomfortable.”
“I still believe that debates (are) healthy,” Gathings continued. “It means that we care deeply about the county’s future. But debates have to push us towards solutions, not distractions.
“Starting tonight, I’m committed to mak(ing) sure our discussions stay productive, professional, and focused on progress. I want us to find a common ground; let’s work together, something that shows the people of this county what cooperation looks like.
“We don’t have to agree on everything, but we owe it to them to move forward together. And that’s my commitment to everyone tonight.”
Roberts thanked Gathings for the apology and Gathings also offered apologies to Commissioners Justin Dawkins and Andy Grooms.
Commissioner Gainey also thanked Gathings.
“It is humbling for somebody to do that,” Gainey said, “and I think it’s also important…at least on my part, to say I receive what you’re saying and I accept it and I think this board would feel the same way…welcome aboard.”
“We look forward to a positive relationship as an entire board moving forward,” said Chairman Dr. Rick Watkins. “There are so many positive things that are happening in Richmond County.”
Watkins highlighted the recent groundbreaking for the Hendrick Center for Automotive Training at Richmond Community College and the future Amazon Web Services data center campus at the Energy Way Industrial Park south of Hamlet.
“We have so many other ancillary businesses and individuals that are reaching out wanting to be a part of Richmond County,” Watkins said. “So there are bright days ahead and a lot to be excited about. And this board wants to move forward in a positive direction and make sure that we do everything within our power to make Richmond County a shining star — not only in North Carolina, but all across our country.”
