Squabble leads to mayor's banishment from Town Hall
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INDIAN TRAIL, N.C. -- Mayor John Quinn is banned from going inside Town Hall without supervision and is no longer allowed to write in the newsletter or on the Web site. Some Indian Trail Town Council members say his conduct led to the ban but Quinn contends that he’s just a political target.
"I don't know how you can have a really good working relationship and get a lot accomplished without working together," said Karen Williams, co-owner of a consignment shop across the street from Town Hall.
Town council voted in favor of keeping Quinn’s writings out of the newsletter and off the site last week after he planned to put a letter about a conversation with an elected official into the latest edition. As part of the ban, Quinn is also not allowed in Town Hall without the supervision of the town manager.
"Some of the council members, not all, would like to have you believe that I've done something wrong in some way or intimidated staff or harassed our staff," Quinn said, explaining that he’s a target because he spoke out against the council on several issues like adding a Union County sheriff's substation.
Council member John Hillinger voted against banning the mayor, saying although Quinn can rub people the wrong way, the board “overcorrected on the issue."
One council member, who spoke to News 14 Carolina by phone, called the mayor childish and immature and said there have been numerous problems between Quinn and Town Hall staff. The mayor says that's not true.
"Personalities really shouldn't have a whole lot to do with what we're here for. We're here to serve the people," said Quinn.
Council members say they wanted Quinn to focus on the positive things in the area like a new farmers market and no tax increases. Quinn says he's willing to rewrite the letter, but was never asked, and for now, he plans to continue to fight against the council to get his privileges back.