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The October 29 afternoon update, “Valdese councilman resigns 3 weeks after he was appointed to fill a vacancy,” is a sad commentary on the politics of hate. Our tiny, friendly Valdese population of 4,700 is a microcosmic example of the worst we see in our national election.

With Paul Mears’s departure, the Valdese Town Council lost a vital member. He has a business degree and deep experience in management, real estate investment and construction. The loss of those capabilities came at the worst possible time when the council faces multi-million-dollar construction and facility decisions.

Paul Mears became disqualified when he changed his residency, as the council members were informed on Thursday, October 3, four days before the October 7 council meeting.

On October 4, I confirmed with the town attorney that Paul’s relocation removed him from the council and was irreversible. I further confirmed the two requirements to fill a council vacancy: 1) by a majority vote and 2) only in an open session. (Town Council Ordinance Book No. 9, Rule 31, Appointments, “The council MAY NOT CONSIDER or fill a vacancy among its membership EXCEPT in open session.”)

The irony of the few hateful comments about the October 7 appointment is that it may have been the first time in the town’s history that a council appointment had not been determined behind closed doors. The manipulative and secretive 2022 appointments caused citizens such an uproar that 2023 saw an unprecedented nasty election that swept in a new council majority. The council did not adhere to its stated process in making the first appointment without the benefit of the required resume.

The second 2022 appointment process was more troubling. After several delays, eight applications were received. The council adopted a redistricting map, disqualifying two applicants. Further delay enabled a non-resident to establish residency and become the eighth applicant, who was then appointed. None of the other five applicants were considered in open session, as the council rule requires. Four applicants were interviewed privately, and one was ignored.

The efficient and open council appointment on October 7 resulted in a good and capable Christian man. He was dedicated to serving his community during the coming year, with no intention to politic for future office. As he reported to the News Herald, he could not abide with the pointless hate we in elected office are subjected to.

Glenn Harvey Valdese, NC, councilman