Discussion highlights year of budget strains, public tension, and high interest in local races
With municipal elections set for Tuesday, Nov. 4, Neuse News Managing Editor Kristy Kelly and Magic Mile Media President BJ Murphy sat down to reflect on a year of unexpected filings, budget debates, and public controversy that helped shape local races across Lenoir and Greene counties.
The two described 2025 as a year that began quietly but gained momentum in the final days of candidate filing, particularly in Kinston.
“Right up until the last day, there were no surprises,” Kelly said. “Then suddenly, we had new candidates for mayor and several more for council, all at once. The way it happened was surprising.”
Eight candidates are seeking two open seats on the Kinston City Council. The mayor’s race also expanded in its final hours. In La Grange, five candidates are running for three commissioner seats, and Pink Hill’s two commissioner seats have three remaining candidates after one withdrawal. Snow Hill’s mayoral race is uncontested, but six candidates are running for three commissioner seats.
Budgets and Tax Pressure
Much of the political intensity centered on this year’s property revaluations and rising tax burdens. As values rose sharply countywide, State Rep. Chris Humphrey urged local governments to adopt revenue-neutral tax rates to avoid placing additional strain on residents.
Kelly said the warning came early.
“He was saying, look, this is going to hurt people—your neighbors, the people you see at the store. Renters too, because costs get passed down,” she said. “He was pushing for the least harmful route.”
Kinston later adopted a budget that lowered the tax rate but still increased total property tax collections by nearly $4 million—meaning most property owners will pay more. Council members also approved raises for themselves during the same period.
“Not everyone had the full picture at the time,” Kelly said, noting that officials were working from estimates that suggested a smaller average increase than what residents ultimately received.
Police Controversies and Community Response
The year also saw significant public reaction to law enforcement issues. In May, Snow Hill residents mobilized after learning commissioners were considering dissolving the town’s police department. The department remained in place after community pushback.
In Kinston, a viral video in July showing an officer detaining a young man led to sharp debate before more information emerged about the incident. Statements from the city and mayor drew criticism for tone and timing.
Kelly said the speed of online outrage compared to slower official processes created confusion and mistrust.
“People were reacting to 15 seconds of pain, and it was emotional,” she said. “But the cameras and the attention left the room as soon as the speaking stopped. The outrage didn’t stay to hear the rest of the conversation.”
Candidate Eligibility Challenge
Another issue heading into Election Day involves Kinston City Council candidate Quarla Blackwell, whose eligibility has been formally challenged due to felony convictions and ongoing probation. Her name remains on the ballot, and votes for her will be counted. A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5.
If she places among the top two vote-getters, the Board of Elections may decline to seat her or could call for a new election, depending on results.
“That decision will come down to the board,” Kelly said. “The most likely outcome is that she wouldn’t be sworn in.”
Call for Participation
Despite the number of candidates, Kelly said the broader community continues to struggle with civic engagement, citing declining involvement in clubs, volunteer efforts, and local support networks.
“We’ve talked about politics all year,” she said. “But the real crisis is participation.”
Kelly issued a straightforward challenge to voters.
“I dare Kinston. I dare Lenoir County. I dare Greene County. I dare you to go vote,” she said. “Show that you care about the community around you.”
Polls on Tuesday, Nov. 4, open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. Neuse News will broadcast live election night coverage beginning at 7:15 p.m. from its studio with results from Kinston, La Grange, Snow Hill and Pink Hill.
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