Leadership Matters, Apparently Committees Do Not

While only 214 delegates attended the New Hanover County Convention, it was no less electrifying. It was good to see friends and rivals alike, along with political enemies who became friends again. It was also promising to see new blood vying for local and county positions here in New Hanover and in Pender. Yet it was clear that the room was divided like a typical Sunday at a Southern Baptist Church just before the congregation splits to form a new church—an atmosphere indicative of the past several years. 

First, hats off to Nevin Carr and his team. The work of a few individuals has carried the party for the past two years. Even amidst the turmoil, Nevin and the core volunteers stayed committed and continued the work, leading to victories in a purple county. 

Second, congratulations to John Hinnant and his newly minted-team. It was clear that the GOP delegates wanted a familiar face at the helm, and John Hinnant and his team are no strangers to the county party. After all, Hinnant is the name we know. The name we’ve seen on the ballot, at the polls, knocking on doors, making calls, and in the trenches with volunteers. The role of party chair is not easy. It is a thankless job requiring a behind-the-scenes operator with the political prowess of an elected official. As chair, you juggle expectations of politicians, of state leadership, of your volunteers, and of the GOP voters. I wish John and the new GOP leadership team well. They have a lot of work to do to keep the proverbial congregation together in the big revival tent. 

Yet the brief moment of optimism from the slate election quickly faded when the motion to condemn…er…disapprove the actions of School Board Chair Melissa Mason was introduced. I’ve already written about Mrs. Mason’s actions. The motion began with the usual party disruptors disputing the motion word count, debating parliamentary procedure, and other fillibuster-esque points. Some people love to hear themselves talk.  

Then finally the actual motion was presented. I applaud Mrs. Mason for rising to speak in her own defense instead of a surrogate speaking on her behalf. I anticipated an explanation. After all delegates and voters in that room deserved to know why appointing Mr. Merrick and Mrs. Justice to committee chair positions was a good idea and not a compromise of our conservative values. After all, Mrs. Mason holds her fellow board members to the same high conservative standard. 

Instead of clearing the air, Mrs. Mason’s speech was an angry tirade that consisted of isolating herself even more from fellow conservative board members by attacking them, justifying her lone votes on many board issues, and saying that she had no intention of backing down or resigning (no one asked her to resign in the first place). However, the comment that was the loudest in the room was Mrs. Mason saying that committees don’t matter. That should be a blow to every current and former school board member who spent countless hours working on policy and curriculum changes in committee. The work is done in committees and Mr. Merrick and Mrs. Justice know that. Otherwise, why ask to be a committee chair in the first place? 

While I agree with others who spoke that the motion itself could have been better drafted, it served its purpose to bring everything out in the open. It allowed Mrs. Mason to comment publicly about her decisions. It also gave us a clear indication that it’s time for a change on the school board in 2026. I’m looking forward to having at least one new person rise to the occasion in the primary. 

As for the party, if we can’t come together to put in the work to register Republicans and get Republicans elected, then detractors need to leave and form an independent club. Remember, it only takes one gallon of salt water to contaminate millions of gallons of fresh water. We can’t afford to pollute our party anymore. 

Originally published in The Wilmington Conservative.