I was deeply disappointed by what seemed a flagrant abuse of power by Chairman Larry Caddell at the Aug. 21 Board of Commissioners’ meeting.

The board had previously voted to form a joint committee to find a solution, acceptable to the county and the veterans, that would preserve and protect the purpose and sanctity of the Moore County Veterans Memorial.

Chairman Caddell asked the Veterans Memorial Committee to recommend six or seven members. He said the board would honor the recommendations by Raymond Doby, chairman of the committee. He also told Chuck Spelman of Vietnam Veterans Chapter 966, an outspoken supporter of protecting the memorial, that they would be happy for him to serve.

The committee nominated five members, including Spelman, and notified the commissioners. Before the commissioners’ meeting, Caddell asked Doby to appoint a sixth member. A letter including the sixth member, Robert Cooke, was read at the meeting. It received unanimous acceptance.

But Caddell later said the following would serve on behalf of the veterans along with Doby and Cooke: Ruby Hendrick, Joanne Atkins and myself. Chuck Spelman was absent.

Commissioner Tim Lea made a motion to put Spelman back on the list, but it died for lack of a second. No reason was given for excluding Spelman.

I thought we lived in a democracy. Has our county government turned into a dictatorship, where free speech is punished? To me, this was a definite abuse of power. Commissioner Caddell ignored his own commitment to include Spelman. Whatever happened keeping your word?

Does this inspire your faith and trust in our government? I don’t know about you, but it gives me great cause for concern!

Carolyn Mealing

Seven Lakes