Angier Commissioner Calls For Unity After Resignation

‘In order for us to look forward, we have to acknowledge where we’re at’

By Emily Weaver
Daily Record of Dunn

ANGIER – The Angier Board of Commissioners voted to accept the resignation of its fellow Ward 2 Commissioner Ashley Strickland “with a heavy heart” and a call for unity at its Tuesday night meeting.

Strickland’s fellow board members thanked her for her service and agreed to accept the names and addresses of people interested in taking her place. The willing candidates will be interviewed for the position at a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28. The selected candidate will fill the seat until the next election on Nov. 4, 2025. Whoever wins the election for that seat in November will fill the remainder of Strickland’s term that ends in 2027.

Strickland sat along a wall in a crowded audience a few yards from the empty seat she filled for a year before submitting her letter of resignation Dec. 26. Her public letter cited “ongoing internal conflicts” and “adult bullying” for reasons of her departure. A more personal letter, sent to fellow board members and shared with the public, referred to public humiliation on social media and a loss of trust in the mayor.

“With the sudden resignation of Commissioner Strickland I have been forced, uncomfortably, into a period of reflection. Reflecting on this past year and all that has been accomplished on behalf of the board and the staff is unfortunately, right now, being overshadowed by miscommunication, pride and lack of accountability,” Commissioner Sheveil Harmon said at the meeting. “Someone recently asked me what I had learned in the past year as commissioner and overwhelmingly the answer was that the interpersonal dynamics of the board can get in the way of doing the work.

“I made a commitment to my neighbors to be the kind of elected official that I thought was missing when I first began sitting in this room in 2019. What I didn’t know at the time was how God would use me to be the kind of difference we needed, but I’m only one person, setting aside the past in order to look forward to the future. In order for us to look forward, we have to acknowledge where we’re at. I’m asking calmly and humbly for you, Mayor (Bob) Jusnes to make this right, acknowledge the existing distrust and do your part to work on rebuilding it,” she said.

The mistrust she referred to surfaced after Jusnes’ company, Black River Woodwork, was awarded a contract to renovate the Angier Museum, a nonprofit that operates inside the town-owned depot. His company was paid $50,569.02 for the work through a state grant administered by the museum. The state grant required bids from three contractors before the project was awarded, but it was never put out to bid.

The museum’s President Alan Coats, a former commissioner, and Jusnes have both claimed they didn’t know the bids were required, even though it was specified in the grant. Jusnes’ fellow commissioners said they weren’t informed of the work beforehand.

It was only after Jusnes completed the work and others raised concerns about how it came about that a memorandum of understanding was created between the town and museum documenting what they can and cannot do.

A new town policy now requires more oversight when it comes to the maintenance, repair and upgrade of town-owned facilities.

“We have to work together, not be friends, but we must respect each other’s position,” Harmon said at the meeting. “Leadership is often defined not by what we achieve in moments of ease, but how we respond in times of challenge. Today, I want to acknowledge the present adversity and to embrace the opportunity for growth that it brings. Leaders must listen without judgment, speak with purpose and foster an environment where every team member can feel heard and valued.

“Despite any personal feelings, I cannot ask for respect when I’m also not willing to give it,” Harmon continued. “I value everyone here and I’m willing to work through the issues. That respect has to be on all sides and accountability has to be a part of it. The loss of Commissioner Strickland is a profound one for this board and for our town. Her time on the board served as a powerful catalyst for growth and continued improvement and I speak for myself when I say that.

“Her dedication to kindness, gentility and respect is so deep that she was forced to make this very difficult decision. I commend her courage to do what is best for her family and for herself,” Harmon said. “As a board of commissioners I recognize that we’re not yet where I hoped we would be, even after a whole year together. I have made it my mission to work diligently toward where we need to be, a place where our leadership reflects the strength, resilience and unity of this community. No leader achieves success alone. Overcoming difficult situations requires collaboration, earned trust and the strength of a united team. Mutual respect is the foundation of that unity.

“It’s about recognizing that every voice matters and diversity of thought is often the key to creative solutions. We must continue to foster mutual respect within our team and throughout our town,” she said. “… While the road may be challenging open communication will remain at the heart of my efforts, including accountability of each other within this board when we inevitably make mistakes. Taking ownership of decisions and how they may effect others is crucial. Honest dialogue, especially when it’s difficult, will guide us towards solutions that advance the goals of our community.

“This is a pivotal moment for Angier, one where we must recommit ourselves to the future we envision: one of progress, unity and pride in all we accomplish together,” Harmon said. “As we prepare to fill the big shoes that Mrs. Strickland leaves behind, I hope to find candidates that share these values. We have to find a middle ground — the common ground that exists between all of us that being our passion for doing good things for the town of Angier. Leadership through adversity demands courage, the courage to make tough decisions, to respect those who challenge you and to communicate with transparency even when it feels vulnerable.

“Together, we can navigate challenges, build trust and emerge not just individuals, but as a united force,” she said, adding that she prayed for God to lead her “towards what to say” Tuesday night.

The packed crowd responded to her speech with applause.