New Hanover County Commission

New Hanover County Commission votes to oust Brian Berger

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:31:25 +0000

Embattled New Hanover County Commissioner Brian Berger is likely on his way out.

Chairman Woody White called for Berger’s resignation last month after a series of actions over the last several weeks by Berger that alarmed the Board – including the public accosting of Governor Pat McCrory during a ceremony at Cape Fear Community College.

The Board voted last night to censure Berger and to file an amotion. Just before the vote, Commissioner Thomas Wolfe castigated Berger for refusing to step down.

" I think the best you could do is resign. You’ve brought shame and dishonor upon this council. And I'm mad about it and I don't want to put up with it anymore."

Brian Berger interrupted, saying, "We're going to have to disagree on that, and..."

Thomas Wolfe fired back.

"Well, of course we are. You can't see where you've done anything wrong. You think you're a white knight on a shining horse. Well, I got news for you Mr. Berger. You're not. You're a disgrace. Do the community the right thing. Stand up like a man and resign."

New Hanover County Commission Chair calls for Brian Berger's resignation

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 21:21:28 +0000

At a news conference Friday afternoon, New Hanover County Commission Chair Woody White called for Brian Berger’s resignation. The call came after a series of recent incidents that have heightened concerns about the safety of county staffers and what some are calling Berger’s deteriorating mental condition.

NHCo. Commission approves group to study HB 438

Sara Wood — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:49:20 +0000

New Hanover County will begin looking at whether or not it should consolidate two major agencies: the departments of health and social services. The board of commissioners approved the creation of a committee to study the many options of House bill 438.

Business Brief: NHC Commission Chair Woody White Part II: economic growth strategy

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:00:00 +0000

After proving to be an especially hot topic during election season, economic development now tops the agendas for national, state, and local leaders.

Spirited public debates on the issue recently centered on whether a baseball stadium would revitalize downtown Wilmington or if Titan Cement should operate a facility in Castle Hayne.

In a recent interview, Woody White, newly-appointed as Chairman of New Hanover County’s Commission, offered his strategy for growing the local economy.

Port enhancement zones could expand tax incentives for business in NHC

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 03:57:54 +0000

New Hanover County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution last night to request port enhancement zones in the county. If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the three zones would provide higher tax incentives to businesses willing to expand or relocate in those areas.

One potential zone is near the Port of Wilmington, one is in Castle Hayne, and the third is near U.S. Highway 421 – east of Castle Hayne.

Woody White, Part I: The Berger Problem

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:23:11 +0000

When New Hanover County Board Chairman Woody White took office December 3rd, he had a slew of issues he planned to address as a new community leader.

Berger's DWI arrest renews hopes for his resignation

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:02:33 +0000

Embattled New Hanover County Commissioner Brian Berger is facing yet another legal issue after his arrest early this morning on a DWI charge.

NHCo. commission swears in newest member

Sara Wood — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:18:41 +0000

This morning, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will swear in its newest member. Republican Thomas Wolfe will fill the vacancy left by former commissioner Rick Catlin.
Wolfe’s appointment came as a surprise to Dr. Derrick Hickey, who was nominated by the New Hanover County Republican Party.

NHCo. Commission Candidates Attend Debate Forum

Rachel Lewis Hilburn — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 16:22:22 +0000

Republican and Democratic candidates running for New Hanover County Commissioner gathered at UNCW’s McNeil Hall last night for a candidates’ forum hosted by the League of Women Voters and WECT.

NHCo. to Vote Again on Family Planning Grant

Sara Wood — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:25:06 +0000

On Monday the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners will once again vote on an almost $9,000 state family planning grant it unanimously rejected last month.