BY JUNIOUS SMITH III
Staff Writer
Monday’s meeting was the last for Kinston City Councilman Bobby Merritt.
Merritt, who won his seat in 2009, decided not to run for reelection this year elections and will be replaced by Wynn Whittington on Dec. 2. Whittington received the most votes in the Nov. 5 election.
Merritt said he has enjoyed his time on the board and believes in the future of the city.
“It’s been a good four years,” Merritt said. “I learned a lot about what it takes for the city to run and I think Kinston is going in the right direction.”
Moving on, Merritt — who serves as the director of workforce development at Lenoir Community College — said he will turn more focus toward his job and family.
“I’ve got more responsibility at work,” Merritt said. “I also want to spend more time with my wife and visit my kids who are out of town. I don’t regret any of this.”
Mayor B.J. Murphy was first elected the same year as Merritt and said he appreciated what Merritt did for the council.
“Bobby’s connection with LCC and economic development has certainly been a plus for the city of Kinston,” Murphy said. “Any time a citizen puts their name on a ballot, they open themselves up to public criticism. Then to have an opportunity to serve in that role, that person certainly deserves recognition and appreciation for their service to the community. The city of Kinston truly appreciates his time and his devotion to the affairs of our community.”
Mayor Pro Tem Joe Tyson said it had been a pleasure to work with Merritt during the past four years.
“Bobby took his job as a city councilman serious,” Tyson said. “He approached things with clarity and he analyzed them beforehand. He kept himself attuned to problems within the city and tried his best to solve them. He worked well with other council members, and did his best to try to make the quality of life for citizens of Kinston better.
“I have the utmost respect to him, his dedication, and his loyalty as a member of the city council. Bobby will be missed, but I’m confident Wynn Whittington will be just as dedicated to the city and the citizens.”
Merritt will be in attendance for the next city council meeting, which will be held on Monday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. He will start the meeting, then give up his seat to Whittington after the councilman-elect is sworn in.
Junious Smith III can be reached at 252-559-1077 and Junious.Smith@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JuniousSmithIII.