Sunday Edition: Tracy Phillips Speaks Reality To Edgecombe County Residents

Letter:
Aug 11, 2023

The state’s annual report cards on the status of Edgecombe County are in, revealing that our community is facing significant challenges. According to the state’s rankings, the health outcomes of our residents, in terms of length and quality of life, are at the bottom of the charts. Likewise, the mortality rate in Edgecombe County is at the top of the charts.

The N.C. State Superintendent of Education has given the Edgecombe County Public Schools an F, stating that 70 percent of our schools are low performing. The county continues to rank at the top in high unemployment, severe housing problems, persistent poverty, a lack of economic growth and a declining population. To make matters more challenging, 33 percent of our population is aged 65 or older, and it is projected that the population will continue to decline, contributing to a shrinking tax base.

In spite of these hardships, Edgecombe County residents pay the second highest property tax rate statewide. With an imminent tax increase due to an upcoming tax revaluation, the burden on the county’s residents, especially those least able to bear it, becomes more pronounced. High taxes displace families who have invested generations in their communities.

Perhaps most alarming, a recent N.C. State Auditor’s report revealed clear red flags about gross mismanagement of taxpayer dollars, repeated failures to reconcile bank accounts, late penalties and inaccurate payrolls, resulting in the waste of valuable resources that should have been utilized for the betterment of our community. Despite the facts, the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners chairman has expressed his full faith and confidence in the county manager’s performance.

This feels like a relentless attack on the very fabric of our lives. The implications of these challenges are glaring — a failure in leadership and a battle for our county’s survival. If we do not unite, speak up and hold our elected officials accountable, the future of Edgecombe County hangs in the balance. The choice is ours: survival or extinction.

We have the power to bring about change through upcoming elections. In the meantime, it will require collective action and engagement from all of us to improve our lives and the lives of our families and communities, sparking a paradigm shift. Together, let us demand the change we deserve. The residents of Edgecombe County deserve nothing less than a bright and promising future.

Tracy Phillips

PS: From Stepheny – Councilman Andre Knight has served in Ward 1 for 20 years. He has ruled the roost and is partially responsible for the dismal reality. Ms. Phillips speaks of the CHANGE that must take place through elections. Listen to her, this is one wise lady who sees the reality of Edgecombe County. Please share her letter with your friends. Make election day plans with your neighbors who don’t ordinarily vote but would go with you. It will make a difference that will be welcomed.