Share
Mecklenburg County Manager Harry Jones apologized on Tuesday for forwarding a critical e-mail from a private citizen to the man's employer.
Speaking during a Board of Commissioners meeting, Jones said he was wrong, but insisted "there was never any malicious intent in my action."
The comments came after an Observer story revealed that Jones sent the e-mail to Bank of America, where the citizen works. The e-mail criticizes Jones and other county leaders for their handling of alleged misspending in a Department of Social Services Christmas charity.
Some commissioners questioned why Jones forwarded the message since the man sent it from a personal account and was acting as a citizen and not on behalf of the company. They said such actions could squelch free speech.
On Tuesday, Jones said there have been "misconceptions" about why he forwarded the message, but did not divulge the reason.
Jones said he telephoned the private citizen, Harry Lomax, and apologized. He said he and Lomax agreed to meet in the near future.
"This is yet another lesson learned and a mistake that I assure you will surely not be repeated," Jones said.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the controversy erupted Sunday, Lomax said that he accepted Jones' apology and planned to meet with Jones for lunch.
Lomax said Jones read over the telephone the statement he presented to commissioners. Lomax said Jones was "very contrite."
Lomax said he did not ask Jones why he forwarded the e-mail, but doesn't believe it was retaliatory.
"He just made a mistake," Lomax said. "It's been blown out of proportion."
On July 7, Lomax sent his e-mail to commissioners, Jones and other top county administrators. "I feel duped," he wrote about the county's inability to account for thousands of dollars intended to help needy children.
A week later, Jones forwarded the e-mail to Bank of America and wrote, "Do you know Harry Lomax."
Betty Turner, the bank's government liaison, responded to Jones by writing that she was "embarrassed" by the Lomax e-mail.
"I am tracking it down, I don't know him - I have alerted charles. Will be back to you," Turner wrote.
On Tuesday, some commissioners praised Jones for apologizing. "You're a mighty big man to do what you've done, to say that you're sorry," said Vilma Leake.
Other commissioners sought to reassure the public to speak freely about issues.
Neil Cooksey cited the county's recent launch of a report line for county workers to report concerns of illegal or unethical behavior. He said officials have been told that any concerns would be handled appropriately.
Nicole Nastacie, a spokeswoman for Bank of America, said "on their personal time, employees are free to express personal opinions" to government officials on any issue unrelated to the company.
Turner, the bank's government liaison who responded to Jones, suspected that Lomax's e-mail involved issues related to the bank and appropriately looked into the situation, Nastacie said. When she determined Lomax was speaking as a private citizen, there were no further discussions, Nastacie said.
