Kinston City Council Meeting: Residents Speak, Leadership Still Silent

At tonight’s Kinston City Council meeting, residents once again showed up, though the turnout was not as strong as the city truly needs. Still, those who spoke made clear that frustration with city leadership continues to grow.

Lavonne Grady once again addressed council, demanding accountability from Elizabeth Blount, the city’s codes enforcer, for months of mistreatment. Despite being present in the room, Blount offered no apology — a silence that sent the message she may not be a good look for Kinston leadership if she cannot admit her wrongs and simply apologize to a resident who feels disrespected.

Another resident spoke on taxes and several other issues that remain unaddressed by council, highlighting the ongoing disconnect between leadership and the community’s concerns.

Then Raine Tyndall raised a serious issue about transparency and accessibility. She revealed that the link provided for citizens to submit comments was designed not to accept them, being put up and taken down in a way that blocked residents from participating. Tyndall also pointed out the lack of response from council members despite her many attempts to email them all, underscoring the perception that citizen voices are being deliberately ignored.

I also spoke before council, raising the issue of budget priorities between the police department and the sheriff’s office. The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Department operates on a $12.8 million budget, covering the entire county with full staff and responsibilities. By comparison, the Kinston Police Department consumes $10 million with half the staff and territory. I argued that this imbalance shows the police are living off taxpayers’ pockets without justification. I emphasized that if funds were reallocated, they could support mission houses for the addicted, youth programs, and community centers with after-school activities — investments that would directly help with crime prevention and community growth.

But what truly took the cake tonight was when former councilwoman Krystal Suggs used her three minutes not to address issues, but to praise her son, Councilman Suggs. She failed to honor the three-minute rule that every other resident is held to, and tried to get nasty about it...when complaints began and what was troubling is that all council members allowed it without objection, as if the rest of the community wasn’t watching the injustice unfold. Me being who I am, I made it clear before everyone that we will show no partiality any longer in City Hall. We are equal and will remain that way. No respecter of persons will be honored in Kinston.

Adding to the troubling tone of the evening, Steven Miller found every reason possible not to give residents more relief in utilities, citing revenue as the main factor. What was most disturbing is that no one on the council challenged him, even though revenue should never be prioritized over the people who are struggling now. This silence reinforced the perception that council members are more concerned with protecting the city’s bottom line than protecting its residents.

In closing, it was a pleasure to hear Councilman Suggs finally hear the cry of the people and move to make the council’s travel policy transparent. It was cool to see someone stand up and address this issue, and it will make a difference.

Written and Inspired by: Quarla Blackwell