Ockmond: Taking Care of Business

Just a few moments ago, I had a conversation with Paul Ockmond and we managed to be respectful of one another and our conversation ended with a handshake and a smile. How wonderful it would be if those elected could sit and reason with one another, put a period and move forward. Ockmond stated that he wanted to get clarify some things that I stated in the blog. Paul said he didn't like the fact that I referred to him as a pit bull and he clarified some things regarding his building. After looking at his office, I saw the damage and he stated that the damage was a result of tearing down the adjacent buildings. Paul said that it's not for cosmetic purposes; he wanted the building repaired because the damage was caused by those working for the City of Lumberton. Paul stated that he never wanted to do anything that would damage the reputation of the City of Lumberton and that he just want his building restored to it's original condition. I usually don't get the opportunity to speak with the people I blog about, but it was refreshing to see a man that has the ability to address the things that were said about him. As many of you know, most of the men, especially those elected to serve, have the tendency to handle their concerns like a group of gossip girls. But Paul was not pleased with the things I reported and wanted to discuss his concerns with me face to face and not behind my back like the Crider, Gibson, and Johnson.(Ooops. .I forgot. . they don't read the blog they just react to it and vote accordingly.) Paul did state that he was out of line for addressing the board since he was not on the agenda, but he also stated that he wanted to have the work completed on his office building. There was a special called meeting held Monday, but the meeting was cancelled due to the lack of a quorum. Another special called meeting will be held Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 6:00 p.m.; the board will make a decision regarding the restoration of Paul Ockmond's office.