All tagged dontario hardy
RALEIGH, N.C. – State Representative Chris Humphrey (R – Kinston), the incumbent representative for North Carolina House District 12, issued the following statement welcoming former Kinston Mayor Dontario Hardy to the race for the seat representing Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties:
The Kinston City Council voted Dec. 2 to approve a contract committing the city to pay $7,500 per month for lobbying services, a decision made before newly elected council members were sworn in and seated.
Mayor Don Hardy is seeking a third term leading the City of Kinston, emphasizing his continued focus on public safety, affordable housing, and infrastructure improvement. A U.S. Navy veteran, longtime law enforcement officer, and Kinston native, Hardy says his record of service and experience positions him to keep building on the city’s recent progress.
In response to a recent statement from the Mayor of Kinston defending the proposed FY26 budget and property tax rate increase, North Carolina House Representative Chris Humphrey issued the following statement:
I feel compelled to address recent statements made by Lenoir County Commissioner Keith King and North Carolina House Representative Chris Humphrey regarding the City of Kinston’s proposed FY26 Budget and property tax rate. As the Mayor of Kinston, I believe the public deserves a clearer and more complete understanding of the facts, particularly those that were not fully explained or were presented without proper context.
Leaders and citizens alike mourn the passing of Buddy Ritch, reflecting on his legacy of service and dedication to the city he loved.
On Thursday at Queen Street Deli, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, now a gubernatorial candidate, addressed a crowd on his visions and commitments for the state's future. The event, highlighted by local dignitaries including Mayor Don Hardy and Councilmember Chris Suggs, underscored Stein's focus on education, public health, and community engagement.
The city of Kinston held a historic City Council meeting where the results of the 2021 Municipal election led to the swearing-in of the youngest city council member in North Carolina. Council members Robert Swinson IV and Chris Suggs were sworn in as well as Mayor Dontario Hardy. In addition to the swearing-in of council members and mayor, Mayor Hardy also selected Council Member Antonio Hardy as his Mayor Pro Tem.
The Kinston Mayoral race has four candidates including incumbent Mayor Dontario Hardy, current Mayor Pro Tem Felicia Solomon, Jeffery Warren, and Zac Holcomb.
“What the governor is seeking to do is conniving and dangerous to everyone in the state who cherishes their freedoms and balance of government,” said Lenoir County Commissioner Eric Rouse. “Under the veil of public health, he is trying to expand his powers into areas of government that he would not otherwise be permitted to or have authority over.”
“We will be following the order for sure and talking to individuals that could be in violation. We will be warning individuals who are not following the order and if they continue, we will follow up with the enforcement action. Everyone must do their part,” said City of Kinston Mayor Don Hardy.
More than 20 people took the oath of allegiance to become U.S. citizens at Harmony Hall Thursday morning.
Neuse News Editor Bryan Hanks recalls one of the good guys — U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones, who passed away on Sunday on his 76th birthday.
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