Since it’s early November and an election is just around the corner in many municipalities, it should come as no surprise that area political battles are heating up.
That’s evident in one political sign in Stokesdale that has quite a few people talking. The sign is the result of a political feud going on between two men: Stokesdale Mayor John Flynt and Summerfield Town Councilmember Tim Jones.
Usually, campaign signs are in favor of a candidate; however, Flynt has constructed a large sign and placed it prominently in his yard that reads in all caps: “AS MAYOR, I WILL NOT VOTE FOR: TIM JONES, RANDY BRASWELL. ASK ME WHY!!!
Recently, Stokesdale resident Mary Jordhal put up a sign that stated she “WILL VOTE FOR TIM JONES, JIMMY LANDRETH AND RANDY BRASWELL. Her sign also states, “ASK ME WHY!!!”
Braswell and Jones are three of eight candidates running to fill three at-large seats on the Stokesdale Town Council.
Jones, a very outspoken current member of the Town Council who’s hoping to hold onto his seat, has had a whole lot to say about Flynt – and vice versa.
In recent months especially, Jones has been very vocal about complaints regarding the way Stokesdale is being run. He’s argued that a new town attorney access policy was implemented to keep him in the dark, and he’s been highly critical of what he calls the “big spending” ways of Flynt and the other Stokesdale councilmembers. Jones has also argued that Stokesdale paid some inflated landscaping bills that were completely unjustified.
According to Jones, the mayor has blocked his calls – which means he can’t get access to the town attorney because that policy calls for councilmembers to arrange attorney meetings and questions by going through the mayor.
Jones said this week that the mayor’s sign is just one example of that dispute between the two.
“I get the feeling that I am being kind of railroaded,” Jones said of his relationship – or, rather, lack of one – with Flynt and the other town councilmembers.
Jones said he’s the only true conservative on the board and the other councilmembers, including Flynt, don’t like it when he points out things like “high priced” landscaping payments the town has made that Jones argues are highly questionable.
Flynt said he put the big sign up because he has had it with Jones and his negativism. Flynt said he ran the sign by Guilford County Election Director Charlie Collicutt and said it complies with the law – though he knows the sign is causing a lot of raised eyebrows.
Flynt said he’s happy to tell people why he won’t be voting for Jones.
“He brings a lot of negativity to the council,” he said. “He votes no on everything.”
The Stokesdale mayor added that that even includes routine housekeeping matters like setting meeting agendas.
“And he doesn’t trust anyone,” Flynt added.
Flynt said Jones doesn’t trust the town attorney, the town clerk or just about anyone else in Stokesdale town government.
Flynt said he had in fact blocked his number on his personal phone.
“Yes, I blocked his number,” Flynt confirmed, adding that Jones would call at 10 at night or even nearly in the middle of the night.
The mayor also has a list of reasons why he does not wish to see Braswell on the council.
I realize that my comments may sound like a political move to get elected as I am running for Stokesdale town council. However as a regular attendee to Stokesdale Town Council meetings over the last 2+ years,. I always found it odd that just about at every council meeting Councilman Jones always votes NO to accept the minutes of the meetings. By the way, he has attended all those meetings he objects to accepting minutes from. ODD? In addition what I found astounding was at a recent town council meeting Councilman Jones even voted NO to accept the meeting agenda. WHY ? If you have come to a meeting to do the best for your constituents than would would you not want to discuss the agenda? I realize that a council where everyone agrees on everything is not good for the town, however there needs to be compromise. From Councilman Jones voting record there is no compromise, in my opinion it is his way or the highway and that is not good for the town. HIs actions that I have observed have given the appearance of being him being an obstructionist. That in my opinion and many others especially the people who have chosen to live in Stokesdale and not just born and raised here is not healthy for our town. As I said publicly those on the Town council need to bridge our past history with a future that will benefit all citizens. I am optimistic the citizens will make their choice based on actual facts as seen at the recent candidate forum sponsored by the NW Observer or take the time to read the minutes of past meetings.
I know nothing about Stokesdale politics, but from the tone and code words, I would endorse Jones.
Austin, Yes if they would do there research they would understand that . I have not always been a fan of Tim Jones but boy did I learn a lesson. I believe with all my heart he is the only member of council and including our town clerk that can be trusted. It took me a month to go back and read all minutes of meetings , seeing documents with my own eyes etc… I take this election very serious and hate that some are just following the wolves in sheeps clothing
Mr. Nadel has run up quite a record in his two years in Stokesdale. He was appointed to the town’s ordinance review committee and went straight out to impersonate a zoning officer, threatening a couple of store owners over some signs he did not like. He is on record as being opposed to new development. Not really the fair, unbiased position one would want on the planning board to which Flynt, Bruno and Hooks voted him on to. Tim Jones did indeed vote No. As did I. The current majority which votes 4-1 lock step for anything any of the 4 wants have made a mockery of Stokesdale.
Well said Mr. Jones , I could not agree more with you
Flynt said he’s happy to tell people why he won’t be voting for Jones. This is what the article says, yet the day after his sign went up I emailed him and asked why , and to date no answer. So this is why I decided to put the sign in my yard that I did . Yes mine says ask me why, people have stopped by to ask me and I tell them, I have had phone calls and we have a great political debate. I have written the Mayor many , many times in the past year and not once has he replied to a email. Yet I reach out to others and I get a answer back. Yes this town is divided and yes I know many in town that think Tim Jones votes nay to many times, but is this not what its about ? Why would he vote yay for something he does not believe him or the bi – laws of the town state. As to the minutes. The minutes have been a issue because they , in my opinion as well are not recorded correctly word, for word. There are minutes right now that are not correct. So why would he approve them, The NC state law says the minutes have to be “accurate”. Is Tim Jones or anyone else that votes no to something in the wrong ? I do not think so , this is what makes politics great, this is our right as a citizen , and this is our right under the 1st amendment to speak freely – Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Tim is using his 1st amendment right to have his voice heard. Should he roll over and just cast votes with the other 4 to please everyone or to help him keep his seat ? I think not. Win or lose Tim will walk away holding his head high and believing with every fiber in his being that he has served the town of Stokesdale well and with dignity and when John Flynt’s term is done I for one do not think that will be the case.
I asked Mr Flynt, “Why such a huge sign in your front yard?” and he was very candid with his answer. I encourage everyone to make time, go to Town Hall and ask him in person.
Please re-read the first paragraph. Are we talking about Stokesdale or Summerfield??
Sorry, I mean second paragraph.
Unfortunately, this debacle is Stokesdale.
I had an opportunity this week to listen to both sides of the argument. Tim Jones initiated my curiousity this past Saturday, when he campaigned door to door. I was appalled at his accusations, which motivated me to do my homework. In doing my due diligence, I found Tim Jones’ side to be propaganda, disinformation and lies. I learned disturbing things about him and not sure he has the temperment or intellect for managing a town. I spent 3 hours at Town Hall and asked direct questions of the Mayor, Mayor pro tem, & Town clerk, who gave me direct answers. I found them to be open and candid, inviting me back anytime I had questions and encouraged me to participate in town business. I requested numerous supporting documents, under the Freedom of Information Act, and was accommodated without delay. Tuesday night, I met Mr. Bruno, Mr. Rigsbee, Mr. Nadle and Mr. Foy, at the Meet the Candidates. All the men were candid and open with their vision for Stokesdale: Which is to honor Stokesdale history, support the school, ensure we stay property tax FREE, invest our town income wise and for growth, and to spend town money in a responsible way. I’m sad to say that my daughter and I were only two of a few citizens to make the effort to show to meet the candidates. I encourage my fellow citizens to seek the TRUTH. Be a part of town business and hold your council people accountable. After hearing both sides, I removed Tim Jones sign from my yard, and will be voting for Bruno/Foy/Rigsbee/Nadel.
Did they tell you they have the finances so screwed up the audit is late for the first time in 30 years. Sorry, you have been duped by these folks. Tim Jones will be vindicated when all the information comes out. I know, I was there for nearly 8 years.
Yes, we discussed the audit and it being late. Data entry takes time and I’m sure a little patience goes a long way. Also, asking for an extension is legal. Instead of splitting hairs about dates, I am looking ahead more to the outcome of the audit. If “they” were up to no good, I trust the results of the audit will prove that. And if you all claim something is amiss, call authorities to investigate. Put your investigations where your mouth is. Attorney general? SBI? Call down the thunder.
I am glad you got to spend time with them . But I can not understand how you think those 3 people you meet with would have a objective opinion on about the other candidates running . Plain and simple Flynt want Jones out so that he can get 1 more person in there to cast a yay vote so they can pass there nonsense – Flynt has a agenda by being Mayor, check it out he cares about himself only and making more money in the future because of all the land he owns. The town clerk , well she has always despised Tim Jones and I have a email between the two of us that she throws him under the bus , doing so as a town clerk is not her job. I want you to know that there was a while that I too was not for Tim Jones, but my eyes have been opened – you may not like the way he comes across but I too have seen my share of documents , have read all the minutes posted, attend meetings and have done more research than I ever wanted to , to draw my own conclusion. We don’t have to like the person personally running , we have to put that aside and vote for the right person for the job. I am sorry you got sucked in by those 3 you meet with , there should have been 1 more person there , that could have been a bit more bias . If you want any more info I am happy to chat, I am just a citizen and have nothing to gain by talking , mandmjordahl@aol.com . I will vote for Braswell/Jones/Landreth
Sucked in? All I hear on this response page is a bunch of defensive cronies, slinging mud. A whole lotta negativity towards “them” but no offer of what this town has to gain from electing you all back in.
Mary Jordahl stated, “But I can not understand how you think those 3 people you meet with would have a objective opinion on about the other candidates running .”
Sooo, the people represented on this response page have an “objective opinion on the other candidates running”? Seriously? What a laugh! So far all I have read is condescending attitudes, propaganda and slanderous mud slinging.
Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself. As I have said all along citizens need to get away from the politics. Knowledge is power!
This is interesting, I’ve been to a couple meeting(s) and looked over the recorded minutes, this gentleman HR has been brain washed. There were two NO votes most times, search the paper trail regarding the NO votes and you’ll most likely vote NO too. I’ve spoke with Tim and he supports the same agenda, he’s just cautious not to violate general statutes and adhere to sound consistent policy. Where’s the audit? 10-31-19 was the deadline. I suggest HR take a deeper look.
Randy
Brainwashed? Mr. Braswell, you could have taken time to share information, but instead you chose to insult and alienate a citizen and voter.
More flies with honey sir.
I would like someone to tell me One thing Tim Jones has stopped with his no vote. As I’ve said before, Ask Tim why he votes no he may have a good reason. I’m more concerned with why four people always vote yes together then I am why he votes no. He’s the town watchdog.
Hey Rhino, good to see you out and about up here in God’s country! One quick correction needed, Tim is a Stokesdale Councilman not Summerfield, I’m sure that’s a typo, no biggie.
I served with Tim for two years on Stokesdale Town council and I know him well. His default answer is NO. He will piss you off if you’re in a hurry and council is wanting to pencil whip an issue. He’s a facts based detail oriented person and I learned not to be pissed but listen to him. He has great knowledge of these type issues and if he’s allowed time to research the information presented, he will uncover details overlooked by most laymen. “No” should be the default vote until every part of the issue is before council. When I served as Mayor, he earned my respect by saving our rear-ends more times than I care to admit. I watched him at the last town council meeting and he saved theirs too, twice. This man should serve as our Mayor mainly because he has no personal agenda and things will get done correctly. He is polite and professional and always Keeps his cool even when he has proven them wrong but they vote “yes”anyway. Yes to incompetent book keeping procedures and a disastrous spending authority policy. Stokesdale ,for the first time in its 30 year incorporated history missed the deadline for the completion of the audit. Had council and staff listened to Tim, we would not have the train wreck we have now. Like him or not, he’s the only one up there that has a clue what’s in the councils agenda packets, if you don’t believe me, go watch.
Thanks Tim for the default “NO” until all the facts are examined.
Randy Braswell
Past Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem
Candidate for Town Council
Wow, brainwashed? Duped? So if my perspective differs, I’m attacked? Btw I am a gentlewoman. Well, here is some information for you. I saw a security cam video of Mr. Jones throwing an object at Theron Hooks car. Why did he do that, and in front of witnesses, mind you? I saw attorney bills where Mr. Jones ate up the retainer, thus charging the town $300/hour multiple times. Do you know why there is 6 TVs in town hall? Mr. Jones claims not to know, but I do. Why were past council members providing services for the town, particularly to the water system? Isn’t that outside their perview & should be left to professionals? Why was the water tower 5 years beyond its cleaning deadline? Why was town monies left in pitiful interest CDs instead of investing in higher yield accounts, like CDARS? Check out the town vendors list, not the favortism blown out of proportion. How many hours per week does Mr. Jones spend at town hall, conducting town business? How can be he prepared for meetings? I found budget documents laying out on a table in townhall, if folks want to see for themselves. If not, the townclerk will provide them to you. Just fill out the same form that I did. All Im hearing on this response page is a bunch of Cronies. I seriously wonder whose best interest you have a heart.
Unfortunately the truth about how poorly the town’s financials have been kept won’t be available until after the election. (By design). One must actually attend the meetings or listen to the audio of them to get a feel of what is going on. The official minutes have been politicized to the point of being useless. For the record I responded to Mayor Flynts ridiculous charge of former council having put the town’s money at risk during a meeting in April or May 2019. Short answer, it never was. Also, the Flynt brothers continue to take credit for President Trumps economic recovery. CDARS were not paying a lot more than CDs or money markets during the times in question. Check with a banker. Obviously all money is drawing more interest now than a few years ago. Where were all of you when council voted 3-2 Not to hire a CPA with governmental experience to come in and help sort out our finances numerous times? We went several months with no records for council members. The ones they went back and did are not correct. In fact Mr. Bruno’s $24,400 tree payment was not disclosed to two council members at all. I found it by accident 3 months later when they finally produced a checking account dispersal we had been asking for for months. Finally, as has been stated numerous times, the town’s business should be conducted in an open meeting, not behind closed doors.
This is just a copy of my recent post on Facebook. “Good Evening Stokesdale. In just 3 days, you the citizens of Stokesdale will determine the future direction of Stokesdale. I am not going to tell you who you should vote for because every person has different needs and wants. All I am requesting is before you cast your vote and haven’t had the opportunity to speak with the candidates PLEASE go to the NW Observer’s web site and take the time to view the video from the candidates forum. I believe you should be able to make the choice that fits best with your concerns. This video will give you the answers on many topics directly from each candidate. Do Something Today That Your Future Self Will Thank You For. It is time to stop the DC politics here in Stokesdale. It does not benefit anyone
Well, ain’t this just a cluster. You all are like a pack of wild dogs trying for the last piece of meat. This is not only embarrassing for yall, but it’s embarrassing for the great town of Stokesdale. This ranks up there with Summerfield and their debacle. Attacking each other is one thing, but turning on the public is another. Heard stories of this happening with a few of the candidates, guess they are true. Remember people, there are three sides to every story. Yours, theirs, and the truth. I will say there have been no comments from two of the candidates, those are two I’m voting for.
“God’s Country?” Please…nothing worse than small-town politics…Glad I don’t live in Stokesdale OR Summerfield…what a mess…
Bob Ross? I love your paintings…Happy Little Trees! Lol.
Yes USA is indeed God’s Country and we have rights because of Him, not because of people. We need to pray for unity in the Body of Christ. Unity in our country. Unity in our republic.
Stokesdale is a neat town and sweet people. We are unique: we own our water system and we do not have town property taxes. Our Mayor, council members and clerk manage our town. We are mostly zoned agricultural and have a rich farming history. And rich moonshine history too! Green Pond, as it use to be named, is really a great place to raise a family.
All this frustration and anger over politics and business is a waste of energy.
This will be my last post before election day ! I will be so glad when its over – BUT I wanted to post here a email I just sent to our Mayor and Pro team Mayor – I believe this info is vital information to every citizen of Stokesdale. This is all public record :
mary mandmjordahl@aol.comHide
To johnflynt johnflynt@stokesdale.org, drthooks drthooks@stokesdale.org
https://files.brokercheck.finra.org/individual/individual_5824274.pdf
—–Original Message—–
From: mary
To: johnflynt ; drthooks
Sent: Mon, Nov 4, 2019 9:50 am
Subject: Concerns as a citizen
Good Morning Gentleman ,
Let me start by saying I sure will be glad when this election is over tomorrow. And that I hope the right thing happens in fulfilling the seats up for election. Whatever the outcome I have to believe that someone higher then us has a plan for this time in our town government. That being said , in doing all my research to draw my own conclusions on who I would cast a vote for I have come across this info and while I may not be correct I am forwarding it because if I am reading it all correctly I believe there is more to a story here. I have contacted my attorney to help me understand it all in layman’s terms – I have contacted the N.C State attorney as well and while I know they have bigger fish to fry I am just trying to understand all of this. I am only one person in this town but I love our town and I have hated every minute of this whole ugly election. The forward is all the info I am at this time concerned about :
Sincerely ,
Mary Jordahl
Here is some more info on Frank Bruno , running to keep his seat. All info is public information
https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/5824274?fbclid=IwAR36nCHC9dOmPAg5iRkvo54XdHlF5iQZAXzbgj98YDBgNSw8Iv7Eb7z1iiM
Go to the BNI CORP website and they explain what a director is —read ” other buisness activity” says clearly he serves on Stokesdlae town hall and BNI director in Charlotte , if I am reading it correctly it means Bruno is a franchise owner
I wonder is members of council know this info ????????????
I am sure its not a conflict of interest to serve council but my concern is funneling the work through his franchise is against N.C LAW
https://brokercheck.finra.org/individual/summary/5824274?fbclid=IwAR3AHoZNzNPFw9cGcIlHBGe305JO2xVRgsaRoFsFTuSiHIm6SY6IkD7vQ7k
What is your claim Mary? BNI is a worldwide referral network, divided into “chapters”, not franchises. The chapters are ran by a Pres, VP, etc. Brunos chapter consists of 30 members. There is only one kind of service/professional per chapter, to deter competition. A member who refers another member receives recognition with referral “bucks”. In all my research, I have found NOTHING explaining any benefits or special privileges that a member receives for these bucks. If they are not active in the group, they are kicked out. Thats it!
Request a town vendors list, I have heard there are 8 BNI, but there are also 8 Stokesdale, Kernersville, Tennessee, etc.
Re: the expensive tree service. According to several council members, they tried calling other tree services before Beaver. Some didnt return their call, some did but were heading to the coast or too busy with local clean up, so they called Beaver. Bruno admitted he should have called an emergency meeting instead if being reactive. Forgive and get over it, it is sooo easy to be “perfect”.
There were children climbing on the trees that had fallen between the park and school. How much is their lives worth? How much insurance would it cost for the injury or death of those kids? Mr. Jones said, “close the park”. How much would it cost the town to hire off duty sheriffs to guard the park? Come on people! Can we try to look at the big picture instead of listening to propaganda? Or is this just an opportunity to slander Mr Bruno and blow this situation completely out of proportion in order to win an election?
Still no word, why Mr Jones threw something at Thearon Hooks car. Not one word on this feed or from the email that I sent to him.
Still no word confirming or denying old councilmen performing services for the town? No license, no insurance.
And yes, every town in America can claim Trump’s impact. Let ride the Big Red Wave!!
Grab your popcorn folks…man I’m so excited to see this electoral toxicity move away from dear ole’ Summerfield.
Lol. Thanks alot Summerfield voter! I guess we are down stream. Lol
Instead of speaking about utter nonsense and really its all nonsense to the average guy or gal out there that is just trying to survive and lamke a living! I know for a fact one subject on the table that should be talked about is all this tearing down of our wooded arreas in the community. We do not need housing built or apartment complexes our natural areas and woods are a important part of our Landscape here in Stokesdale and county this increased traffic noise air pollution and harm to our wildlifew is now beyond repair! Or close to it We do not need another Dollar General eith for 8 dollar hour jobs that matter not! Time stop this Land destruction people! the big money contributors from other parts of the south do not care but to line the pockets of others that clearely do not care! Lets start addressing the future and Restore Our Republic !