Former Elizabeth City councilman won't pursue election complaint

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.

Former Councilman Michael Brooks said today he withdrew his appeal to the North Carolina State Board of Elections because he doesn’t want to add to the negativity swirling around City Council.

In February, shortly after losing a special election for an open 3rd Ward City Council seat, Brooks filed an election protest with the Pasquotank County Board of Elections, saying he was disappointed with another council member’s behavior during the campaign. He said Mayor Pro Tem Jean Baker violated the city code and a state general statute when she hosted a reception for Brooks’ opponent, Daniel Evans, and made a comment during a televised City Council meeting that reflected poorly on Brooks.

The local board of elections dismissed the protest because they said the board didn’t have the authority to enforce the city code or the state general statue that he cited. There was also no probable cause to indicate an election violation.

Brooks appealed to the state board, saying there should be a new election because the law was broken.

The appeal was scheduled to be heard Wednesday in Raleigh.

Evans, who placed fourth in the October city council elections for the two 3rd Ward seats, easily beat Brooks, who had placed third in the October elections.

Evans' win has not been certified by the local board of elections because of the protest and appeal.