PETITION FOR REMOVAL OF THE TOWN MANAGER AND MAYOR OF TAYLORTOWN GOVERNMENT
The Issue
PETITION FOR REMOVAL OF THE TOWN MANAGER AND MAYOR OF TAYLORTOWN GOVERNMENT
To the Citizens and Governing Authorities of Taylortown:
We, the undersigned residents, citizens, and concerned members of the Taylortown community, respectfully petition for the removal of the Town Manager/Town Administrator and Town Mayor from their respective positions, based upon serious concerns regarding transparency, accountability, professionalism, respectful treatment of citizens, public confidence, potential conflicts of interest, and adherence to the ethical standards expected of municipal leadership.
Our local government is entrusted with serving the people. Citizens deserve leaders who communicate openly, treat residents with dignity and courtesy, accept responsibility for decisions, and maintain a professional and respectful relationship with the community. We believe the concerns described below warrant a formal, impartial review by the appropriate governmental authorities and, where the evidence supports such action, removal of the officials involved.
Grounds for This Petition
We are requesting action based upon the following concerns:
1. Lack of transparency
Citizens have repeatedly expressed concerns that important governmental decisions, information, and communications have not been handled in a sufficiently open and transparent manner.
2. Lack of accountability
We are concerned that questions and legitimate requests for explanations have not received adequate responses and that those responsible for governmental decisions have not demonstrated an appropriate willingness to acknowledge concerns or accept accountability.
3. Disrespectful treatment of citizens
Residents should never feel belittled, dismissed, intimidated, or degraded when communicating with their elected or appointed officials. We are deeply concerned about interactions in which citizens have allegedly been treated in a discourteous or demeaning manner.
4. Concerns regarding racially offensive conduct or remarks
There have been allegations and concerns regarding language or conduct perceived by citizens as racist or racially insensitive. Such allegations deserve to be taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and addressed with transparency rather than dismissed.
5. Negative and degrading social-media communications
We are concerned about responses made by the Mayor and/or members of the Town Council on Facebook and other public forums that citizens have perceived as negative, hostile, degrading, or dismissive toward members of the community. Public officials have a responsibility to communicate professionally, even when responding to criticism.
6. Erosion of public trust
The combination of these concerns has contributed to a loss of confidence among members of the community in the current leadership of Taylortown.
Additional Specific Grounds Concerning Town Manager/Town Administrator Carolyn Cole
We further request that the appropriate governmental authority review the following specific allegations, circumstances, public records, court filings, and other documentation concerning Ms. Cole. The matters described below include active or unresolved litigation. Nothing in this petition is intended to characterize an allegation in pending litigation as an established fact. We specifically request that the appropriate authorities independently review the underlying records and evidence.
1. Pending or ongoing litigation involving Moore County and Thistle Dhu NC, LLC
Public records show that Thistle Dhu NC, LLC is an active North Carolina limited liability company formed in 2023, with its principal office in Pinehurst. North Carolina Secretary of State records identify Carolyn Cole as secretary and Patricia Baldwin Jacobs as president.
A Moore County civil matter filed in 2025 identifies Samuel Carubba, Julie McNicol, Thistle Dhu NC, LLC, Patricia Jacobs, Carolyn Cole, Beverly McDonald, Lana Allen, and North Carolina Historic Sites Alliance, Inc. as parties. The matter was filed in August 2025 and was still identified as pending in the publicly available record reviewed for this petition.
Because this litigation remains subject to judicial proceedings, we do not ask citizens or this petition to determine the merits of the parties' competing claims. Instead, we request that the appropriate authority review the court filings, pleadings, orders, corporate records, financial records, and other publicly available documents to determine whether any facts disclosed by the litigation are relevant to the administration of Taylortown.
2. Thistle Dhu and the Pinehurst business dispute
As described in the litigation materials reviewed for purposes of this petition, the dispute concerns business activities connected with Thistle Dhu NC, LLC and activities associated with Pinehurst and the 2024 U.S. Open.
The plaintiffs' allegations reportedly concern ownership, management, financial control, corporate records, corporate filings, and transactions involving Thistle Dhu NC, LLC. The allegations further concern whether the ownership and management interests claimed by Samuel Carubba and Julie McNicol were altered, disregarded, or otherwise affected through corporate filings and management actions.
The litigation materials reportedly identify Carolyn Cole and Patricia Jacobs among the individuals alleged by plaintiffs to have exercised control over the company or its business affairs. The plaintiffs also reportedly challenged the handling of company funds, financial records, expenditures, and transactions involving outside or related entities.
These allegations are disputed matters in litigation and should not be treated as established facts by this petition.
3. Alleged corporate filings and disputed ownership interests
According to the allegations described in the litigation materials, plaintiffs contend that corporate filings submitted to the State of North Carolina changed or misrepresented the company's ownership or membership interests.
The plaintiffs reportedly seek judicial relief concerning the ownership and governance of Thistle Dhu NC, LLC, access to corporate and financial records, an accounting, and review of transactions involving company funds.
We request that the appropriate authority determine whether any of these allegations, if substantiated by official records or judicial findings, have any bearing on the fitness, disclosure obligations, conflicts of interest, or ethical responsibilities of an individual serving as a senior official of Taylortown.
4. Alleged transactions involving Thistle Dhu and RGJ
The litigation materials reportedly identify financial transactions, including checks, involving Thistle Dhu and Reiko, Gandy, and Jones (RGJ).
The plaintiffs reportedly allege that Carolyn Cole and Patricia Jacobs participated in transactions involving Thistle Dhu and RGJ and that RGJ was another business associated with Cole and Jacobs in South Carolina.
The plaintiffs characterize these transactions as part of an alleged effort to exercise unauthorized control over Thistle Dhu NC, LLC.
We expressly recognize that these are allegations made in active litigation. We do not make an independent assessment of the merits of those allegations. Instead, we request review of the underlying checks, bank records, corporate records, filings, ownership documents, and court pleadings to determine what actually occurred.
5. Request for review of potential financial and organizational conflicts
The concern raised by the Thistle Dhu matter is not that the existence of litigation, standing alone, establishes misconduct. Rather, the concern is whether the underlying facts reveal a pattern of financial or organizational relationships that should have been disclosed or evaluated when Ms. Cole assumed or exercised municipal authority in Taylortown.
We therefore request a review of whether any outside business interests, ownership interests, financial relationships, or transactions involving Ms. Cole or persons closely associated with her created actual or potential conflicts with her responsibilities to the Town of Taylortown.
6. Alleged contempt of court and failure to comply with court orders
The petitioners have been provided with litigation materials concerning allegations that Ms. Cole, Patricia Jacobs, and another individual were held in civil contempt in connection with litigation and were ordered to provide responses or information to a court-appointed receiver.
The materials provided to the petitioners reportedly describe judicial findings using terms including “substantial misconduct,” “purposeful disobedience,” and “disregard for the judicial process,” and reportedly state that the court ordered compliance within ten days.
Because the precise scope, status, and legal effect of any such order should be determined from the actual court record, we do not ask this petition to independently characterize the proceedings. We request that the appropriate authority obtain and review the complete court order, docket, findings of fact, subsequent compliance filings, and any appellate proceedings.
If an official court record establishes that Ms. Cole was personally found in civil contempt, we request that the Town determine whether that finding is relevant to the standards applicable to her position as Town Administrator/Manager.
7. Concerns regarding the relationship between Carolyn Cole and Patricia Jacobs
We are concerned that the relationship between Ms. Cole and Patricia Jacobs may extend beyond an ordinary professional association.
Patricia Jacobs has reportedly participated in Taylortown human-resources and administrative matters. The issue requiring review is whether Ms. Cole's outside personal or professional relationship with Ms. Jacobs was disclosed to the Town Council and whether Ms. Jacobs participated in matters involving Ms. Cole personally or matters in which Ms. Cole had a direct or indirect interest.
These concerns are particularly significant if Ms. Jacobs became involved in Town human-resources matters after allegations or disputes involving Ms. Cole and Town employees.
We request review of Town records, personnel documentation, meeting minutes, communications, contracts, policies, disclosures, and other records necessary to determine whether any actual or potential conflict existed and whether appropriate disclosures or recusals occurred.
8. Alleged relationships involving Town personnel and potential conflicts of interest
We are also concerned about reported personal and/or professional relationships between Ms. Cole and other individuals connected with Taylortown government.
In particular, allegations have been raised concerning a close relationship between Ms. Cole and Public Works Director Darnell Price, including claims concerning transportation, residence, or other personal arrangements.
We do not ask this petition to assume that a personal relationship itself constitutes wrongdoing. We request that the responsible authority determine whether any such relationship exists, whether it was disclosed as required, whether any municipal decisions or employment actions involved persons with whom Ms. Cole had a close personal relationship, and whether applicable ethics, conflict-of-interest, personnel, or municipal policies were followed.
9. Alleged prior ethics scrutiny involving Ms. Cole
There have been allegations that Ms. Cole previously appeared before or was the subject of proceedings involving the South Carolina Ethics Commission on multiple occasions.
We request verification from the South Carolina Ethics Commission and other official records concerning the number, nature, disposition, and outcome of any such matters.
We specifically request that any dismissed, unfounded, resolved, or otherwise concluded matters be accurately distinguished from matters in which a violation was actually established.
For example, public judicial records confirm that Carolyn Cole and Windy Price were involved in litigation concerning the 2009 Atlantic Beach, South Carolina municipal election, and the South Carolina Supreme Court ultimately reversed the lower court's decision and restored the original election certification.
Accordingly, this petition requests verification rather than assuming that prior allegations necessarily establish misconduct.
10. History involving Atlantic Beach, South Carolina
The petitioners are concerned about the professional and political relationships that reportedly developed in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, before Ms. Cole became a senior administrator in Taylortown.
Public judicial records establish that Carolyn Cole and Windy Price were candidates and political allies in the 2009 Atlantic Beach municipal election and that both were ultimately recognized as elected councilmembers following litigation.
We request further review of the documented history of Ms. Cole's public service, business relationships, financial interests, and professional associations in Atlantic Beach to determine whether any relationships carried forward into Taylortown and whether any such relationships create current conflicts or disclosure issues.
11. Alleged business and property relationships involving Windy Price
The petitioners have been informed of allegations that Ms. Cole and Windy Price maintained political, personal, and/or business relationships extending back to their time in Atlantic Beach, including allegations concerning property and renovation work.
We request verification of these allegations through available public records and, where relevant, a determination of whether any such relationships have a present connection to Taylortown government.
The existence of a prior political or personal relationship should not itself be treated as proof of wrongdoing. The concern is whether undisclosed relationships or financial interests affected municipal decision-making.
12. Alleged prior ethics matter concerning payment of judgments
The petitioners have also that Ms. Cole was previously the subject of ethics allegations involving payment of judgments allegedly owed to her by the Town of Atlantic Beach.
We request verification of the underlying South Carolina Ethics Commission records and the ultimate disposition of those allegations.
Any prior matter should be accurately reported according to the official record, including whether the matter was dismissed, resolved without a finding of violation, or resulted in an actual finding of misconduct.
13. Alleged concentration of leadership and reduced community input
It is alleged that Ms. Cole, Darnell Price, and other individuals associated with Taylortown government previously worked or served in Atlantic Beach and that these relationships have resulted in a concentration of influence over Taylortown government.
We request an objective review of whether the Town Council retains and exercises its lawful authority, whether administrative decisions are being made consistent with applicable municipal law and Town policy, and whether citizens are receiving meaningful opportunities for public participation.
14. Alleged YouTube and other publicly available materials
It has been alleged that videos and other publicly available materials from Atlantic Beach depict conduct or performance involving Ms. Cole, Darnell Price, or others that citizens believe should be considered when evaluating their professional history.
We do not ask the Town to rely upon unverified internet commentary or social-media claims.
Instead, we request that any such material be reviewed only when its authenticity, context, date, and relevance can be independently established, and that official records and verified evidence be given appropriate weight.
15. Concerns regarding police personnel and law-enforcement administration
There have also been allegations that Ms. Cole has previously been involved in circumstances in which police departments or officers were dismantled, reorganized, pressured to leave, or otherwise experienced significant personnel turnover.
We request that any such allegation concerning prior employment or governmental service be verified through official employment records, municipal records, police records, court filings, personnel documents where legally available, and other reliable sources.
If evidence establishes a pattern relevant to the administration of Taylortown's police department or public-safety operations, we request that the Town Council consider that evidence through the appropriate legal process.
Relationship Between the Matters Raised
The petitioners recognize that the matters described above arise from different circumstances, different jurisdictions, and different periods of time.
We are not asking the Town to assume that every allegation is true or that every prior dispute establishes misconduct.
Rather, the concern is whether the documented record, taken as a whole and after appropriate verification, demonstrates recurring issues involving:
financial and organizational relationships;
disclosure of outside business interests;
potential conflicts of interest;
treatment of employees and citizens;
transparency in municipal administration;
compliance with applicable policies and legal obligations;
relationships between Town officials and outside individuals or businesses; and
the exercise of municipal authority.
We believe these questions warrant an impartial review rather than dismissal without examination.
Our Request
We respectfully request that the appropriate governmental authority conduct a formal, impartial review or investigation into these concerns, including—where applicable and consistent with law—the review of:
relevant public records, meeting minutes, and decisions;
official communications and statements;
social-media posts and communications by the Mayor and/or Town Council members;
documented interactions with citizens;
applicable court filings, orders, judgments, and contempt findings;
corporate filings and records concerning Thistle Dhu NC, LLC and other entities identified in the relevant litigation;
financial records, checks, transactions, and other documents that are lawfully available for review;
ethics and conflict-of-interest considerations related to Town leadership;
disclosures of outside business, financial, personal, and professional relationships;
personnel-related matters connected to the concerns described above;
prior governmental and ethics proceedings involving the individuals identified in this petition; and
any other documentation necessary to determine whether Taylortown's governmental operations have been conducted in accordance with applicable law and Town policy.
We further request that, following appropriate review and consistent with applicable law and the Town's governing procedures, the Town Manager/Town Administrator and Town Mayor be removed from their positions if the allegations and documented conduct demonstrate that they have failed to meet the standards of professionalism, transparency, accountability, respectful public service, and ethical public leadership expected of Taylortown officials.
Statement of Intent
This petition is intended to request responsible, transparent, respectful, and accountable government. It is not intended to target individuals because of personal disagreement.
Citizens should not have to fear retaliation, ridicule, disrespect, or dismissal simply because they ask questions, disagree with officials, or demand accountability.
Likewise, allegations concerning individuals should not be treated as established facts without appropriate evidence. Our request is for the responsible governmental authorities to obtain the records, examine the evidence, hear all relevant sides, and make determinations through the proper legal and governmental process.
Conclusion
We ask that the concerns of Taylortown citizens be heard, documented, investigated, and addressed through the proper legal and governmental process.
We respectfully request immediate action to restore public confidence, transparency, accountability, and integrity to Taylortown Government.
The Citizens of Taylortown Deserve Better Leadership and Transparency.
69
The Issue
PETITION FOR REMOVAL OF THE TOWN MANAGER AND MAYOR OF TAYLORTOWN GOVERNMENT
To the Citizens and Governing Authorities of Taylortown:
We, the undersigned residents, citizens, and concerned members of the Taylortown community, respectfully petition for the removal of the Town Manager/Town Administrator and Town Mayor from their respective positions, based upon serious concerns regarding transparency, accountability, professionalism, respectful treatment of citizens, public confidence, potential conflicts of interest, and adherence to the ethical standards expected of municipal leadership.
Our local government is entrusted with serving the people. Citizens deserve leaders who communicate openly, treat residents with dignity and courtesy, accept responsibility for decisions, and maintain a professional and respectful relationship with the community. We believe the concerns described below warrant a formal, impartial review by the appropriate governmental authorities and, where the evidence supports such action, removal of the officials involved.
Grounds for This Petition
We are requesting action based upon the following concerns:
1. Lack of transparency
Citizens have repeatedly expressed concerns that important governmental decisions, information, and communications have not been handled in a sufficiently open and transparent manner.
2. Lack of accountability
We are concerned that questions and legitimate requests for explanations have not received adequate responses and that those responsible for governmental decisions have not demonstrated an appropriate willingness to acknowledge concerns or accept accountability.
3. Disrespectful treatment of citizens
Residents should never feel belittled, dismissed, intimidated, or degraded when communicating with their elected or appointed officials. We are deeply concerned about interactions in which citizens have allegedly been treated in a discourteous or demeaning manner.
4. Concerns regarding racially offensive conduct or remarks
There have been allegations and concerns regarding language or conduct perceived by citizens as racist or racially insensitive. Such allegations deserve to be taken seriously, investigated appropriately, and addressed with transparency rather than dismissed.
5. Negative and degrading social-media communications
We are concerned about responses made by the Mayor and/or members of the Town Council on Facebook and other public forums that citizens have perceived as negative, hostile, degrading, or dismissive toward members of the community. Public officials have a responsibility to communicate professionally, even when responding to criticism.
6. Erosion of public trust
The combination of these concerns has contributed to a loss of confidence among members of the community in the current leadership of Taylortown.
Additional Specific Grounds Concerning Town Manager/Town Administrator Carolyn Cole
We further request that the appropriate governmental authority review the following specific allegations, circumstances, public records, court filings, and other documentation concerning Ms. Cole. The matters described below include active or unresolved litigation. Nothing in this petition is intended to characterize an allegation in pending litigation as an established fact. We specifically request that the appropriate authorities independently review the underlying records and evidence.
1. Pending or ongoing litigation involving Moore County and Thistle Dhu NC, LLC
Public records show that Thistle Dhu NC, LLC is an active North Carolina limited liability company formed in 2023, with its principal office in Pinehurst. North Carolina Secretary of State records identify Carolyn Cole as secretary and Patricia Baldwin Jacobs as president.
A Moore County civil matter filed in 2025 identifies Samuel Carubba, Julie McNicol, Thistle Dhu NC, LLC, Patricia Jacobs, Carolyn Cole, Beverly McDonald, Lana Allen, and North Carolina Historic Sites Alliance, Inc. as parties. The matter was filed in August 2025 and was still identified as pending in the publicly available record reviewed for this petition.
Because this litigation remains subject to judicial proceedings, we do not ask citizens or this petition to determine the merits of the parties' competing claims. Instead, we request that the appropriate authority review the court filings, pleadings, orders, corporate records, financial records, and other publicly available documents to determine whether any facts disclosed by the litigation are relevant to the administration of Taylortown.
2. Thistle Dhu and the Pinehurst business dispute
As described in the litigation materials reviewed for purposes of this petition, the dispute concerns business activities connected with Thistle Dhu NC, LLC and activities associated with Pinehurst and the 2024 U.S. Open.
The plaintiffs' allegations reportedly concern ownership, management, financial control, corporate records, corporate filings, and transactions involving Thistle Dhu NC, LLC. The allegations further concern whether the ownership and management interests claimed by Samuel Carubba and Julie McNicol were altered, disregarded, or otherwise affected through corporate filings and management actions.
The litigation materials reportedly identify Carolyn Cole and Patricia Jacobs among the individuals alleged by plaintiffs to have exercised control over the company or its business affairs. The plaintiffs also reportedly challenged the handling of company funds, financial records, expenditures, and transactions involving outside or related entities.
These allegations are disputed matters in litigation and should not be treated as established facts by this petition.
3. Alleged corporate filings and disputed ownership interests
According to the allegations described in the litigation materials, plaintiffs contend that corporate filings submitted to the State of North Carolina changed or misrepresented the company's ownership or membership interests.
The plaintiffs reportedly seek judicial relief concerning the ownership and governance of Thistle Dhu NC, LLC, access to corporate and financial records, an accounting, and review of transactions involving company funds.
We request that the appropriate authority determine whether any of these allegations, if substantiated by official records or judicial findings, have any bearing on the fitness, disclosure obligations, conflicts of interest, or ethical responsibilities of an individual serving as a senior official of Taylortown.
4. Alleged transactions involving Thistle Dhu and RGJ
The litigation materials reportedly identify financial transactions, including checks, involving Thistle Dhu and Reiko, Gandy, and Jones (RGJ).
The plaintiffs reportedly allege that Carolyn Cole and Patricia Jacobs participated in transactions involving Thistle Dhu and RGJ and that RGJ was another business associated with Cole and Jacobs in South Carolina.
The plaintiffs characterize these transactions as part of an alleged effort to exercise unauthorized control over Thistle Dhu NC, LLC.
We expressly recognize that these are allegations made in active litigation. We do not make an independent assessment of the merits of those allegations. Instead, we request review of the underlying checks, bank records, corporate records, filings, ownership documents, and court pleadings to determine what actually occurred.
5. Request for review of potential financial and organizational conflicts
The concern raised by the Thistle Dhu matter is not that the existence of litigation, standing alone, establishes misconduct. Rather, the concern is whether the underlying facts reveal a pattern of financial or organizational relationships that should have been disclosed or evaluated when Ms. Cole assumed or exercised municipal authority in Taylortown.
We therefore request a review of whether any outside business interests, ownership interests, financial relationships, or transactions involving Ms. Cole or persons closely associated with her created actual or potential conflicts with her responsibilities to the Town of Taylortown.
6. Alleged contempt of court and failure to comply with court orders
The petitioners have been provided with litigation materials concerning allegations that Ms. Cole, Patricia Jacobs, and another individual were held in civil contempt in connection with litigation and were ordered to provide responses or information to a court-appointed receiver.
The materials provided to the petitioners reportedly describe judicial findings using terms including “substantial misconduct,” “purposeful disobedience,” and “disregard for the judicial process,” and reportedly state that the court ordered compliance within ten days.
Because the precise scope, status, and legal effect of any such order should be determined from the actual court record, we do not ask this petition to independently characterize the proceedings. We request that the appropriate authority obtain and review the complete court order, docket, findings of fact, subsequent compliance filings, and any appellate proceedings.
If an official court record establishes that Ms. Cole was personally found in civil contempt, we request that the Town determine whether that finding is relevant to the standards applicable to her position as Town Administrator/Manager.
7. Concerns regarding the relationship between Carolyn Cole and Patricia Jacobs
We are concerned that the relationship between Ms. Cole and Patricia Jacobs may extend beyond an ordinary professional association.
Patricia Jacobs has reportedly participated in Taylortown human-resources and administrative matters. The issue requiring review is whether Ms. Cole's outside personal or professional relationship with Ms. Jacobs was disclosed to the Town Council and whether Ms. Jacobs participated in matters involving Ms. Cole personally or matters in which Ms. Cole had a direct or indirect interest.
These concerns are particularly significant if Ms. Jacobs became involved in Town human-resources matters after allegations or disputes involving Ms. Cole and Town employees.
We request review of Town records, personnel documentation, meeting minutes, communications, contracts, policies, disclosures, and other records necessary to determine whether any actual or potential conflict existed and whether appropriate disclosures or recusals occurred.
8. Alleged relationships involving Town personnel and potential conflicts of interest
We are also concerned about reported personal and/or professional relationships between Ms. Cole and other individuals connected with Taylortown government.
In particular, allegations have been raised concerning a close relationship between Ms. Cole and Public Works Director Darnell Price, including claims concerning transportation, residence, or other personal arrangements.
We do not ask this petition to assume that a personal relationship itself constitutes wrongdoing. We request that the responsible authority determine whether any such relationship exists, whether it was disclosed as required, whether any municipal decisions or employment actions involved persons with whom Ms. Cole had a close personal relationship, and whether applicable ethics, conflict-of-interest, personnel, or municipal policies were followed.
9. Alleged prior ethics scrutiny involving Ms. Cole
There have been allegations that Ms. Cole previously appeared before or was the subject of proceedings involving the South Carolina Ethics Commission on multiple occasions.
We request verification from the South Carolina Ethics Commission and other official records concerning the number, nature, disposition, and outcome of any such matters.
We specifically request that any dismissed, unfounded, resolved, or otherwise concluded matters be accurately distinguished from matters in which a violation was actually established.
For example, public judicial records confirm that Carolyn Cole and Windy Price were involved in litigation concerning the 2009 Atlantic Beach, South Carolina municipal election, and the South Carolina Supreme Court ultimately reversed the lower court's decision and restored the original election certification.
Accordingly, this petition requests verification rather than assuming that prior allegations necessarily establish misconduct.
10. History involving Atlantic Beach, South Carolina
The petitioners are concerned about the professional and political relationships that reportedly developed in Atlantic Beach, South Carolina, before Ms. Cole became a senior administrator in Taylortown.
Public judicial records establish that Carolyn Cole and Windy Price were candidates and political allies in the 2009 Atlantic Beach municipal election and that both were ultimately recognized as elected councilmembers following litigation.
We request further review of the documented history of Ms. Cole's public service, business relationships, financial interests, and professional associations in Atlantic Beach to determine whether any relationships carried forward into Taylortown and whether any such relationships create current conflicts or disclosure issues.
11. Alleged business and property relationships involving Windy Price
The petitioners have been informed of allegations that Ms. Cole and Windy Price maintained political, personal, and/or business relationships extending back to their time in Atlantic Beach, including allegations concerning property and renovation work.
We request verification of these allegations through available public records and, where relevant, a determination of whether any such relationships have a present connection to Taylortown government.
The existence of a prior political or personal relationship should not itself be treated as proof of wrongdoing. The concern is whether undisclosed relationships or financial interests affected municipal decision-making.
12. Alleged prior ethics matter concerning payment of judgments
The petitioners have also that Ms. Cole was previously the subject of ethics allegations involving payment of judgments allegedly owed to her by the Town of Atlantic Beach.
We request verification of the underlying South Carolina Ethics Commission records and the ultimate disposition of those allegations.
Any prior matter should be accurately reported according to the official record, including whether the matter was dismissed, resolved without a finding of violation, or resulted in an actual finding of misconduct.
13. Alleged concentration of leadership and reduced community input
It is alleged that Ms. Cole, Darnell Price, and other individuals associated with Taylortown government previously worked or served in Atlantic Beach and that these relationships have resulted in a concentration of influence over Taylortown government.
We request an objective review of whether the Town Council retains and exercises its lawful authority, whether administrative decisions are being made consistent with applicable municipal law and Town policy, and whether citizens are receiving meaningful opportunities for public participation.
14. Alleged YouTube and other publicly available materials
It has been alleged that videos and other publicly available materials from Atlantic Beach depict conduct or performance involving Ms. Cole, Darnell Price, or others that citizens believe should be considered when evaluating their professional history.
We do not ask the Town to rely upon unverified internet commentary or social-media claims.
Instead, we request that any such material be reviewed only when its authenticity, context, date, and relevance can be independently established, and that official records and verified evidence be given appropriate weight.
15. Concerns regarding police personnel and law-enforcement administration
There have also been allegations that Ms. Cole has previously been involved in circumstances in which police departments or officers were dismantled, reorganized, pressured to leave, or otherwise experienced significant personnel turnover.
We request that any such allegation concerning prior employment or governmental service be verified through official employment records, municipal records, police records, court filings, personnel documents where legally available, and other reliable sources.
If evidence establishes a pattern relevant to the administration of Taylortown's police department or public-safety operations, we request that the Town Council consider that evidence through the appropriate legal process.
Relationship Between the Matters Raised
The petitioners recognize that the matters described above arise from different circumstances, different jurisdictions, and different periods of time.
We are not asking the Town to assume that every allegation is true or that every prior dispute establishes misconduct.
Rather, the concern is whether the documented record, taken as a whole and after appropriate verification, demonstrates recurring issues involving:
financial and organizational relationships;
disclosure of outside business interests;
potential conflicts of interest;
treatment of employees and citizens;
transparency in municipal administration;
compliance with applicable policies and legal obligations;
relationships between Town officials and outside individuals or businesses; and
the exercise of municipal authority.
We believe these questions warrant an impartial review rather than dismissal without examination.
Our Request
We respectfully request that the appropriate governmental authority conduct a formal, impartial review or investigation into these concerns, including—where applicable and consistent with law—the review of:
relevant public records, meeting minutes, and decisions;
official communications and statements;
social-media posts and communications by the Mayor and/or Town Council members;
documented interactions with citizens;
applicable court filings, orders, judgments, and contempt findings;
corporate filings and records concerning Thistle Dhu NC, LLC and other entities identified in the relevant litigation;
financial records, checks, transactions, and other documents that are lawfully available for review;
ethics and conflict-of-interest considerations related to Town leadership;
disclosures of outside business, financial, personal, and professional relationships;
personnel-related matters connected to the concerns described above;
prior governmental and ethics proceedings involving the individuals identified in this petition; and
any other documentation necessary to determine whether Taylortown's governmental operations have been conducted in accordance with applicable law and Town policy.
We further request that, following appropriate review and consistent with applicable law and the Town's governing procedures, the Town Manager/Town Administrator and Town Mayor be removed from their positions if the allegations and documented conduct demonstrate that they have failed to meet the standards of professionalism, transparency, accountability, respectful public service, and ethical public leadership expected of Taylortown officials.
Statement of Intent
This petition is intended to request responsible, transparent, respectful, and accountable government. It is not intended to target individuals because of personal disagreement.
Citizens should not have to fear retaliation, ridicule, disrespect, or dismissal simply because they ask questions, disagree with officials, or demand accountability.
Likewise, allegations concerning individuals should not be treated as established facts without appropriate evidence. Our request is for the responsible governmental authorities to obtain the records, examine the evidence, hear all relevant sides, and make determinations through the proper legal and governmental process.
Conclusion
We ask that the concerns of Taylortown citizens be heard, documented, investigated, and addressed through the proper legal and governmental process.
We respectfully request immediate action to restore public confidence, transparency, accountability, and integrity to Taylortown Government.
The Citizens of Taylortown Deserve Better Leadership and Transparency.
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Petition created on September 23, 2026