It may have happened before in Guilford County, but, if so, no one can remember when.
A recently elected Guilford County commissioner jumps ship – in a highly public and confrontational way – from one party to another. This week, former Democratic District 6 Guilford County Commissioner James Upchurch abruptly left the Democratic party and became Republican District 6 Guilford County Commissioner James Upchurch.
Without naming Democratic Chairman of the Guilford County Board of Commissioners Skip Alston, Upchurch’s parting statement took some swipes at Alston – as well as some of the other Democrats on the board.
The nine-member board now has three Republicans and six Democrats.
When the county commissioners elected Alston to a new year as chairman on Thursday, Dec. 2, Upchurch was the only no vote from either party.
Upchurch in his press release announcing the party change, complained of being told to “fall in line” and made allegations of wasteful spending that clearly pointed in the direction of the county’s longtime Democratic leader.
All of this compelled Alston to respond and Friday, Dec. 3, the chairman did just that.
“I have been requested by many of the media outlets to respond to the accusations listed in a recent statement released by a fellow commissioner,” Alston said in the prepared statement.
“While I would never presume to know another’s personal political ideology, nor would I wish someone to be asked to support something they do not believe in, I am not surprised at Commissioner Upchurch’s recent announcement. I am, however, deeply disappointed in the manner to which Commissioner Upchurch has chosen to make his announcement. His statements regarding his ‘reasons’ for the change are blatant mis-truths and, plainly stated, not representative of the true facts to which he himself has been a part of. Rather, his statement is reflective of a young first term commissioner who over the past year has chosen to not engage in local government, to understand the financial workings and responsibilities of a county and the mandated role and responsibilities a member of a Board of Commissioners carries.”
Alston added that Upchurch “speaks in support of a false narrative vilifying the democratic party for advocating for equity and inclusion.”
“His statements are reflective of one who is ignorant of state law,” Alston continued, “blind to medical science and flippant to the weight of the responsibility one assumes as an elected official charged with protecting our communities.”
Upchurch also called a recent county redistricting effort led by Alston as “racist” and “gerrymandered.”
Alston responded to those allegations as well.
“Regarding his remarks on our local redistricting efforts, the Guilford County Board of Commissioners led by the democratic majority worked closely with the republican party,” Alston stated. He added that it “received unanimous votes from republican board members and included the republican Majority WHIP, Jon Hardister, in the drafting of the final approved map to the consensus of both political parties for the County Board of Commissioners and the County Board of Education.”
Alston concluded, “Simply said, Mr. Upchurch’s political philosophy and party association are for him to decide; however, the manner which he has chosen to do so is not reflective of an elected official charged with the public’s trust.”
THIS is what we Southern country folks call a hissy fit. While I’m not an Upchurch fan as of yet, at least he showed some testicular fortitude (a real rarity among that age group) in taking a stand and making the change. It probably coulda/shoulda been timed a little better, but whatever….. To each his own as they say. It should probably be a relief to know you’re no longer expected to be one of Skip’s b!+c#es.
Applause Applause for a very cogent statement.
Hell hath no fury like a politician scorned. Especially a minor one.
Hissy fit is the perfect description for Skip’s diatribe. Upchurch initially voted for Skip’s ridiculous mask mandate. I wrote all of the county commissioners about that, and Upchurch was the only one to respond. We conducted a reasonable dialogue, and when the issue came up again he voted against mask mandates. I gave him a lot of credit for that.
Wow skip talk about total BS you’re a good one to talk about the publics trust in an elected official I don’t know Mr. Upchruch but I’m happy to see him leave the Democratic Party.
What did anyone expect Alston to do? Just take it sitting down? Of course he had to come back in a belittling way to his board member.
The truth is what it is.
Who fitched-a-pissy-hit?
King Skip is upset he lost one of his sheep. Glad for Upchurch to stand up and be honest and not let the King rule over him as he does his other flock. Don’t worry King Skippy, you have more sheep(liberal crooks) to choose from and work with.
people can really get touchy when they get poked with their own stick.
Wow, Skippy is a lawyer, banker and a scientist, but I think acting like a poor sport fits him better.
Maybe Upchurch is a rarity in the political world. Maybe he doesn’t want to be a dictator. Maybe he doesn’t want to tell everyone exactly how to live their lives. Maybe he doesn’t know all the answers and maybe he respects the people that elected him instead of treating them like peons and no bodies. Well, except at election time.
Are you suggesting that our politicians show a little humility — that maybe we should be treated like adults? What a novel concept! Someone should make the suggestion to His Excellency and Royal Imperial Highness, Roy Cooper. . .
Curious that he accuses one of being ignorant of the law as the Chairman instituted a mask mandate which had to be walked back due to not following the proper notification time as defined by the law. One could call that ignorance of the law as well.