In our opinion: An about-face is needed

“The Mar-a-Lago face” – described uncharitably by The Hollywood Reporter as a “dolled-up Fox News anchorwoman look” – has been a thing among GOP headliners for the past year. But since last month’s Election Day, when Democrats rode to victories in key contests across the U.S., Republicans are wearing a new face: 😱

Heading into the critically important mid-term elections next November, voters can rest assured that races at all levels will be a referendum on the MAGA-based Republican party in general and Donald Trump in particular. It’s not just that the party out of power usually stands to gain seats in Congress and at the local level. It’s also an expression of disgust with the GOP sock puppets who ignore the wishes of their constituents while currying favor with the White House or moneyed special interests.

Here at home, things are no different. Consider, for example, our own county commissioners. In 2024, three incumbent commissioners facing re-election said they intended to prevent the ravages of uncontrolled development in Brunswick County. They were re-elected – with the financial support of the area’s real estate and development businesses.

Not surprisingly, little has changed in the time since their re-elections, and development continues unabated. According to the Wilmington Star-News, more than 10,000 housing units have been approved for southern Brunswick County in the past two years. Developers of another 5,000 units with storefronts are standing in line for approval.

Meanwhile, elected politicians at the county and state levels continue to ignore, delay, or stonewall residents’ concerns about cracked and congested roads, open burning’s environmental impacts, overcrowded public schools, health professional shortages, and a critical lack of clean water or sewer access in low-income neighborhoods. 

Entrenched politicians in Brunswick County, the MAGA-controlled General Assembly, and in Washington have ignored the damage unchecked growth is having on our area. In fact, elected officials are doubling down on their refusal to acknowledge citizen concerns:

• Rep. David Rouzer hasn’t held a town hall to hear constituents’ views since 2017. 

• Representatives Frank Iler and Charlie Miller are doing little to mitigate the damage caused by unchecked growth in our county, choosing instead to hide behind their party’s misguided leaders.

• And in a WHQR story, County Commissioner Mike Forte said communicating with his constituents isn’t a concern. “There's really no advantage to an incumbent getting into a debate,” he said. “Why would I give them a forum?”

These and other failings are examples of the kind of negligent leadership that fed-up voters in North Carolina oppose in ever-increasing numbers. According to a poll from the Carolina Journal, Democratic politicians, who have trailed Republicans all year, now hold a four-point advantage on a legislative generic ballot.

The survey, conducted last month, reveals that a majority of North Carolina voters don’t favor Trump either. He’s underwater in the state by six points, 53-47. And in the U.S. Senate race, former Governor Roy Cooper leads MAGA Michael Whatley by nine points.

A Catawba College poll reports similar findings. In that survey, Trump is underwater by eight points, 52-44. North Carolinians also blame Republicans in Congress or the president for the recent government shutdown. The poll also suggests a majority of North Carolinians oppose the presence of U.S. troops in American cities and have a generally negative view about the direction of our country.

No one – least of all our elected representatives – has asked us what we think about the sad state of affairs in Brunswick County. But that’s about to change. In the coming weeks, we’ll share the results of a survey being conducted by concerned Brunswick County citizens. For the first time in recent memory, we’ll have a measured accounting of voter issues to share.

Our elected representatives may view the results and make an about-face, but that’s doubtful. However, unless they change their tune, they will lose face, along with their fellow Mar-a-Lago Republicans.