In a recent meeting of the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, significant discussions arose regarding the selection process for a new county attorney, culminating in a contentious vote on the proposal from Williams Law Group. The interviews for the four law firms were conducted on August 26 and 27, 2024, with only three commissioners participating. The scoring sheets submitted by the commissioners ranked Williams Law Group as the top choice, followed by the law offices of Craig Brown, John Reed, and Clayton Knowles, LLC.

Despite the clear ranking, the meeting revealed underlying tensions among the commissioners regarding the interview process. Commissioner Simkins expressed confusion over the lack of a formal presentation from the law firms, which he believed was initially agreed upon. He emphasized the importance of following established procedures to ensure fairness in the selection process. Other commissioners echoed similar sentiments, questioning the decision-making process and the timeline set for the interviews.

Commissioner Henson raised concerns about the scheduling of the interviews, stating that he was unable to participate due to prior commitments. He criticized the lack of communication and the perceived rush to finalize the decision without adequate input from all board members. The discussion highlighted a broader issue of transparency and collaboration within the board, with several commissioners advocating for a more inclusive approach to decision-making.

Ultimately, the board moved forward with a motion to award the contract to Williams Law Group, despite the dissenting opinions. The decision will now enter a 72-hour period for potential protests, as outlined in the county's purchasing policy. The outcome of this meeting underscores the ongoing challenges faced by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners in navigating internal dynamics while fulfilling their responsibilities to the community.