Hoke County’s video coverage of the commission’s May 6 meeting is sound-free the entire time members of the public address elected officials. It’s like watching the opening credits in a blockbuster movie, total silence while the sky darkens behind and an angry, torch-bearing mob gathers.
It’s stunning viewing, with a cleverly timed audio feed that miraculously returns to clearly hear Commissioner Allen Thomas’ well-scripted outburst. His character indictment of the entire News-Journal staff is epic. He was magnificent in claiming the frivolity of the paper’s lawsuit demanding the county release public documents. Jack Nicholson’s agent gives it two thumbs up and compares it to one of the star’s best scenes in A Few Good Men. “You can’t handle the truth.”
Hit the first link above to watch the Hoke County production. Its Rotten Tomatoes score is already up to 93 and rising—nominated for a Golden Globe for post-production work and writing.
All of the News-Journal publisher’s eloquent explanation that public records belong to every citizen is muted. Only the last few seconds of her leaving the podium remain in the video. Those few frames don’t even qualify as a cameo appearance, disqualifying her for union membership among Hollywood’s elite. I’d file a freedom of information act request for the script to determine if that slight was deliberate, but we all know how that’ll turn out.
Thomas’ soliloquy came to a climax with the simple question: “Why didn’t you call me?”
[Raise cue card, stage right.]
[Crowd obediently hushes and lowers their heads, lifting them a few seconds later as they turn in unison with to gaze hatefully at insolent journalists seeking the truth.]
[Stage center, gavel bangs after pregnant pause to build tension.]
“Next order of business.”
[It echoes across the chamber and the subjects obediently resume silence, bowed reverently, hoping the next head to roll would not be theirs.]
Lost in that drama is the fact Thomas failed to mention his phone number and/or e-mail is not listed on the Hoke County website. It’s the same for all the other commissioners, despite the fact every county adjacent to Hoke makes that contact information plainly available on their websites for every commissioner. Here in Hoke County, though, ordinary citizens have no recourse when their public records request is ignored. And should we really have to nag anyway?
Precisely how to get in touch with our elected officials is a big secret, cliffhanger, another reason to stay tuned. But first, a word from our sponsor (insert company name here). While we’re waiting for this episode of “As the Commission Turns” to resume, why not cool off in that new pool. Stay there until he*l freezes over, and/or Hoke County electecati realize they are not above state and federal law.
Spoiler Alert: Arrival of both events will be simultaneous.
*Photo: Commissioner Allen Thomas’ (right) performance was flawless, except for the single moment he forgot his lines and had to refer to the script. Hoke County Commission Chairman James A. Leach (left) obviously wasn’t pleased, but critics claim it didn’t compromise the scene’s impact.
County government is a joke
Were there no other recordings? I wanted to hear Jessy not Allen who doesn't even live in Hoke County!