news-record.com

John Flynt said Thursday night that he intends to remain on the Stokesdale Town Council through the end of his term unless told otherwise.

Earlier this week, Flynt confirmed that he had moved from his residence in Stokesdale into a Greensboro condominium, raising questions regarding residency requirements to serve on the council.

Flynt, who is not seeking re-election, said he intends to keep dual residency through the remainder of his term, which expires in December.

After privately discussing the matter with Stokesdale Mayor Randle Jones and Town Attorney Bill Trevorrow, Flynt said Thursday that the mayor has requested a memo explaining the facts, to help determine if he is violating residency requirements.

Jones was away taking classes and wasn't at the meeting.

"After he reviews that, and if he feels the council needs to have a special meeting... we will discuss it. I'm not trying to hide anything.

"We've had some situations where we had some people who had done some things that put the safety of my kids at risk," Flynt said. "I wasn't going to allow that."

Flynt declined to elaborate further.

He said despite moving, his love for the town and the amount of time he will spend there will not change.

"I will continue to represent this town until the last day that I serve, whether it be this week or in December."

Stokesdale's charter makes no reference to residency requirements for elected officials, but the matter is addressed in the state constitution, which notes that only qualified voters are eligible for office.

Under requirements for qualified voters, the constitution states "any person who has resided... in the precinct ward or other election district for 30 days next preceding an election" is entitled to vote.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7157 or rseals@news-record.com