By Michelle Bliss
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/whqr/local-whqr-985177.mp3
Wilmington, NC – Four members of the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners hosted a press conference last night where they urged their fifth member, Brian Berger, to resign.
WHQR's Michelle Bliss reports that Berger has issued a statement in response saying that he will not resign. The board does not have the authority to force any of its members to quit.
All four of the board members at last night's event pleaded with Berger, who was not present, to resign.
Chairman Jonathan Barfield says that Berger's continuous personal issues are distracting the board and citizens from important issues like the budget and hurricane preparedness.
Jason Thompson echoed Barfield's reasoning and also issued a public apology to the Wilmington Police Department for an accusatory letter Berger wrote to Police Chief Ralph Evangelous.
All four commissioners who spoke say their decision did not come lightly and that they hope Berger will seek professional help.
Earlier this week, they asked Berger to offer an apology to county citizens and the police department at Tuesday's regular board meeting. After Berger refused, and treated the meeting like "business as usual," the board scheduled yesterday's press conference.
Barfield says this type of situation is unprecedented for New Hanover County commissioners and there has been no talk of a possible replacement.
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