RESPONSE TO PUBLIC STATEMENT BY TOWN OF KENLY ON JUSTINE JONES PRESS RELEASE – CLAYTON, NC -
November 22, 2022
On November 16, 2022, the Town of Kenly released, via their website, the following public statement regarding my brief tenure:
“The Town would like to offer clarifying information regarding the recent personnel issues in Kenly. The Town hired an outside investigator to conduct an investigation into allegations that the former manager, Justine Jones, created a hostile work environment. This matter was fully investigated and the allegations of hostile work environment against Justine Jones were not substantiated, and there was no finding of wrongdoing or misconduct by Ms. Jones. The unsubstantiated allegations against Ms. Jones which subjected her and the Town to unfair and unwarranted media attention were not the basis for the Town’s decision to terminate her contract. Instead, the Town opted to move in a different direction with its leadership in an effort to improve efficiency and reduce distractions. The Town wishes Ms. Jones the best as she continues her career in public service.”
I would like to first express my gratitude for the outpouring of private and public support and encouragement I have received from my family, friends, and the public regarding this matter. The Town of Kenly’s decision to abruptly separate at the conclusion of the investigation, without stating a reason, certainly led to confusion and inaccurate assumptions being made. I formally departed on September 2, 2022 and was finally allowed to inspect the investigation report on October 5, 2022, after making several requests. While the investigation report clearly confirms that the complaints against me were unsubstantiated, the Town has stated that it cannot release the report to the public nor provide me with a physical or electronic copy, citing privacy of personnel records.
My term in Kenly began with me listening and learning about how best to deliver efficient and effective services to the Town’s residents. The information gathered during these meetings demonstrated that there was a clear need for operational improvements and accountability in several areas. I began promoting transparency and accountability within each department by requesting monthly performance metrics, improving the safety and security of Town Hall, introducing departmental financial forecasting in preparation for upcoming projects, generating audits, and drafting a purchasing policy designed to control costs by increasing pricing competition and decreasing the opportunity for fraud, waste and abuse. These changes and improvements were made in full transparency with the Town and its people.
Leading in the public eye is not always easy and doing so while effecting change is even more challenging. While the controversy in the Town of Kenly was disappointing and unexpected, I remain steadfast in my dedication to public service and in striving for excellence. I understand that being a public servant requires resilience and an unwavering focus on the big picture. I am eager to get back to work and I am enthusiastic about the prospect of providing my services to another community and continuing to serve in this noble profession.