Statement on H2GO Resolution

On Monday, June 5, 2017 the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution encouraging H2GO to postpone further action on its proposed reverse osmosis plant until after the November 2017 election. Click here to view a copy of the resolution as presented prior to the meeting.

I have heard many citizens express their concern that it appears construction of this plant is being rushed. All this resolution asks is that the process be slowed down to allow for a debate in the court of public opinion between now and November, and then the voters can have their say.

With that said, it is important to point out that this resolution does not speak ill of H2GO or its board. Additionally, contrary to some speculation, this resolution does not mean the county is taking the side of one town over another. As previously stated, all the resolution asks is that the process be slowed down to allow for a thoughtful debate in the court of public opinion between now and November. At that time, the voters in H2GO’s service area can make their voices heard one way or the other.

In closing, reasonable people can disagree on issues such as this, and it’s important for us to be able to do so with civility. I respect the strong opinions held by people on both sides of this matter, and I believe that advocates on both sides sincerely believe their position is the correct one.

This has become an emotional and divisive issue in northern Brunswick County. That’s one of the reasons I felt the need to weigh in and encourage H2GO to slow the pace, and that’s why I now encourage people on both sides of the issue to conduct the debate respectably.