Lake Gaston, NC — The President of the Lake Gaston Association, Scooter Boham, attended an emergency meeting called by the Halifax County Manager, Dia Denton, on Thursday, April 24, 2026, at 6 pm at the Halifax County Courthouse Commissioners' Room to hear a resolution passed unanimously by the county commissioners to oppose House Bill 214 in its current manner. The Lake Gaston Association (LGA) strongly opposes the recent and deeply concerning actions by Franklin County officials to advance House Bill 214 through a last-minute legislative insertion. This maneuver represents a troubling disregard for transparency, inter-county cooperation, and the fundamental principle of local governance.
House Bill 214, as introduced under these circumstances, appears to enable Franklin County to pursue the acquisition of property located within Halifax, Warren, and Vance Counties—without the knowledge, consent, or approval of the duly elected officials representing those jurisdictions. Such an approach undermines the authority of neighboring counties and sets a dangerous precedent for unilateral action that bypasses established processes of regional collaboration.
The Lake Gaston region thrives because of the cooperative relationships among its counties, residents, and stakeholders. Any effort to alter that balance—particularly through legislative shortcuts—risks eroding trust and destabilizing the shared stewardship of our natural and economic resources.
This is not simply a procedural concern; it is a matter of mutual respect, transparency, cooperation, accountability, and the rule of law. The people and governments of Halifax, Warren, and Vance Counties deserve a seat at the table when decisions of this magnitude are being considered.
The LGA calls upon members of the North Carolina General Assembly to reject House Bill 214 in its current form and to insist on a transparent, inclusive process that honors the rights and voices of all affected counties. We also urge Franklin County to engage in good-faith dialogue with its neighboring jurisdictions before pursuing any initiatives with cross-county implications.
The Lake Gaston Association remains committed to protecting the interests of the Lake Gaston community and ensuring that all actions impacting the region are conducted with integrity, openness, and mutual respect.
Thank you for your support,
Scooter Boham
LGA President
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