06/05/2026
Two hundred fifty years ago, the Founding Fathers of this great nation signed their names to a document that, among other things, proclaimed "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness".
It is profoundly disappointing to see that a Wilkes County town official is proposing a resolution disparaging and degrading members of our community over who they love. To attempt to use the power of local government to say that our neighbors and family are living "disordered" lives "contrary to their fundamental happiness" is not just intolerable, it is the latest fact that makes him wholly unfit to hold office. "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" means that the government, and officials of the government, will not interfere with a private citizen's life without a vested interest. There’s no vested interest in denigrating citizens' private activities.
Mr. Reece's interest appears to be getting his name in the news. Let's remember the last few times his name was in the news, like the reports of him pleading guilty to charges such as possession of a firearm by a felon (2014) and obstruction of justice (2023)
The people of Wilkes County are mostly good, honest, level headed people and are happy to live and let live. We love people no matter who they love. We don't need anyone taking pot shots at our neighbors and family. Mr. Reece would do well to forget his hateful resolution and instead tender his resignation. The Wilkes County Democratic Party supports Gov Stein's proclamation naming June Pride Month and we support and love our LGBTQ+ family and friends every day of the year.
--John Worth Wiles
Chairman, WCDP
RONDA, N.C. (WGHP) — A town commissioner in Wilkes County plans to introduce a resolution in response after Governor Josh Stein declared June to be LGBTQ+ Pride Month. On Friday, Ronda Town Commiss…
