Truth Report, eritas, reviews, conclusions, cartoons and Opinions provided by Robert A
This:
Example 1: Gestapo Like Power in Cleveland County. Cartoon provided by (Robert A)
Leads to THIS!!
Under the New Cleveland County Ordinances passed 4-1 by the CC Commissioners at the April 15, 2025 Commissioners Meeting.
Example 2: Gestapo Like Power in Cleveland County (cartoon provided by Robert A)
Or, even THIS!!!
Example 3: Gestapo-Like Power in Cleveland County (cartoon provided by Robert A)
Editor’s Note: By high popular demand Robert A has been requested to provide a step-by-step Summary about the brand-new Cleveland County, Ordinances 3.6 and 3.7 passed by Kevin Gordon, Johnny Hutchins, Deb Hardin and Doug Bridges OVER the single NO vote by Commissioner Tony Berry at the April 15, 2025 Commissioner’s Meeting. Robert A’s Step by Step review and analysis of CC Ordinance, Section 3.7 is provided below.
The same will be provided by Robert A for Section 3.6 Building Code Inspections in Short order and by a separate Article.
Hopefully all you Cleveland County Citizens will “enjoy” being made fully aware of what the Cleveland County Commissioner MAJORITY have done for YOU!! (Or to YOU may be a better description,) YOU DECIDE!!
Robert A says, “Here is your step-by-step summary based on your request to analyze the ordinance section-by-section (Sections 3.7-1 through 3.7-6), with each part distilled into clear explanations of the consequences, overreach, or legal concerns for citizens of Cleveland County:
Step-by-Step Breakdown of New CC Ordinances
Note that Robert A has previously provided the full text of both these two new ordinances included in Part 1 of this article.
Section 3.7 Minimum Public Health and Safety Standards
**Section 3.7-1 Conditions Deemed Dangerous and Prejudicial to Public Health and Safety
Issue:
This section defines broad conditions like “weeds,” “rank vegetation,” junk, scrap, and stagnant water as public health hazards. However, it exempts bona fide farms, creating a critical legal inconsistency. If these items truly pose a safety or health threat, they would BOTH do so regardless of land classification.
Consequence to Citizens
- Creates unequal enforcement: citizens face penalties while some farms are exempt.
- Selective regulation undermines the public safety justification. Subjective terms like “reasonably maintained,” “rank vegetation,” and “unsightliness” leave room for inconsistent and biased enforcement.
- Potential abuse: Could be used to target political opponents OR NEIGHBORS.
**Section 3.7-2 Enforcement; Right of Entry onto Premises
Issue:
This Section allows county agents to enter private property, including seeking administrative search warrants, even without a clear public risk. (Go back and see the example cartoons at the start of this article.)
Consequence to Citizens:
- Sets up a legal path to enter private land over minor aesthetic issues.
Searches and inspections can occur without a criminal violation, solely based on “reasonable cause.” And without proper definition of what a “Reasonable Cause actually is.
- Invites invasive enforcement and opens the door for warrant-based entry for subjective and poorly defined violations.
Section 3.7-3: Notice of Alleged Violation
Issue:
County staff may send a written notice of violation requiring the citizen to respond within 10 calendar days, even for subjective, questionable or non-emergency issues.
Consequence to Citizens:
- Short response window for issues that may be costly or unclear.
- Makes no distinction between emergency threats and minor property conditions.
- Citizens could face pressure to act without clarity, legal guidance, or realistic timelines.
Section 3.7-4: Right to a Hearing
Issue:
While it provides a hearing, it places the burden of appeal entirely on the citizen, requiring a formal written request in just 10 days.
Consequence to Citizens:
- Citizens must proactively fight Cleveland County just to be heard.
- Most residents/citizens are not prepared to navigate this process alone or may miss the deadline.
- The county’s decision becomes final by default if no appeal is filed on-time.
**Section 3.7-5 – Abatement of Violation by County
Issue:
Gives the county power to enter property and fix, mow, or remove items—and bill the property owner—if the issue is not resolved in-time.
Consequence to Citizens:
- The county can contract work and send the bill without owner permission.
- Residents who are elderly, ill, or unaware may lose control of their own land.
- Encourages unjustified abatement on private property over questionable/subjective violations.
**Section 3.7-6 – Charges for Abatement by County Lien
Issue:
Charges become a legal debt and lien on the property, collectible just like unpaid taxes. Including confiscation!
Consequence to Citizens:
- Homeowners face legal penalties and liens for non-criminal aesthetic issues.
- Could lead to forced sale of property if charges are not paid.
- Lien process lacks appropriate oversight or citizen protections.
**Additional Legal Concern:
- Bona Fide Farm Exemption (Section 3.7-1 Final Line):
Issue:
- This exemption contradicts the ordinance’s stated “health and safety” basis.
- It proves this is a land use issue, not a genuine safety concern.
- It is used as a tool to bypass zoning laws and the Planning Board (which includes citizen oversight).
- It Creates Constitutional concerns of unequal protection, overreach, and violation of due process rights
Folks, Address all your questions and concerns to Commissioners Kevin Gordon, Johnny Hutchins, Deb Hardin and Doug Bridges. THEY voted (4-1) to APPROVE these new County Ordinances with little to no prior notice to the citizens of Cleveland County and THEY have all the ANSWERS. Although THEY will probably not want the PUBLIC to really KNOW what is going on here. THEY are saying one thing an
d the text of these new ordinances says something very different!!
Also, notify Commissioner Tony Berry and THANK him profusely for voting NO on something that is clearly only half baked and IS totally oppressive to the citizens of Cleveland County.
Stay tuned folks, more information is on the way very soon.
