City Council Speech – October 7, 2025Good evening, Council Members.

I stand before you tonight as a voice for the many residents who feel ignored and dismissed. We have asked serious questions about the integrity and accountability of our city leadership, and we are still waiting for real answers.

Tonight, I demand transparency on behalf of the people of Kinston. Here are the questions we want answered:

1. Did Rhonda Barwick, Chief Goyette, and Officer Christian Heath commit insurance fraud by having Officer Heath rear-end Ms. Barwick’s personal vehicle, then filing a claim on the city’s insurance to replace her car?

2. How many city vehicles has Officer Heath crashed, resulting in costly repairs and replacements paid for by taxpayers?

3. Why is Officer Heath still employed, despite multiple suspensions and even being promoted?

4. Why was Officer Sawyer Stringer allowed to return to work after allegedly filing a false police report, only to resign after being charged with a DWI while on duty?

5. Why was Quante Jones fired for a minor offense, despite no prior reprimands, while others with more serious allegations remain?

6. Was Brian Lucas allowed to resign after allegations of theft, and is he now winning city contracts as a private contractor?

7. Why aren’t there policies to monitor and report what council members spend on travel and trips?

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These are not rumors. These are documented incidents that demand answers. The silence from this council is unacceptable. We deserve to know how our city is being managed, and why some are held to different standards.

So tonight, I call on this council to take immediate action:

• Launch an independent public audit into these incidents and personnel decisions.

• Hold a public forum where citizens can ask questions and receive direct answers.

• Establish clear, transparent policies for handling misconduct and tracking council spending.

• Commit to regular public reporting on disciplinary actions, contract awards, and council expenditures.

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Kinston deserves leadership that is honest, fair, and accountable. We will not be silent, and we will not stop asking questions until we get the answers—and the justice—we deserve.

And finally, to the Mayor:

It is unacceptable for a leader to repost false information about a citizen, to conspire against those who speak up for this city, and to remain silent when integrity is at stake. This kind of unprofessional and personal behavior does not serve Kinston—it only further denotes that you lack what it takes to serve all people with integrity, regardless of your personal feelings toward them. The people deserve better, and we will hold you accountable.

Thank you.