Statement on recusal from vote on seismic testing resolution

On Monday I was recused from a vote on a resolution related to offshore drilling and seismic testing. I was also recused from a vote on the same issue last month. The reason is that one of my business interests is a website on which I sell advertising. I have current and recent advertisers who are actively engaged in various aspects of this debate.  I consulted with the county legal staff who confirmed that this created a conflict of interest in this matter, which is why I requested recusal.
– Frank Williams
Brunswick County Commissioner

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS BASED ON QUESTIONS FROM CONSTITUENTS (posted at 12:10 p.m. on 8/18/15):

– I was working with these advertisers long before this issue ever showed up on our agenda, which meant I had a conflict on this issue from day one. That is why I was also recused a month ago when the board voted unanimously to support seismic testing.

– The only conflict of interest for a commissioner recognized by state law is that of a pecuniary interest, which is what required me to be recused.

– Recusal was the ethical and legal course of action.

– Anyone on this board or any board has the potential for a conflict at some point unless they have no job, no business interests and/or their immediate family owns no property in the jurisdiction in question.