Halifax County District Attorney Melissa Pelfrey said today she is optimistic about changes that will merge two prosecutorial districts into one.
Today Governor Pat McCrory received the budget created by the current session of the General Assembly that includes in the budget bill a provision that returned Prosecutorial Districts 6A and 6B to a single, united District 6, composed of Bertie, Halifax, Hertford, and Northampton Counties.
The measure was not a part of the original budget bill, but was quietly included while the bill was being considered by a House Appropriations subcommittee, Pelfrey said in a press release.
“The redistricting measure appears to have been a total surprise for almost everyone,” said Pelfrey. “There was very little time allowed to consider and debate the consequences of such a move.”
It was quickly apparent that the consolidation would not only result in the loss of staff and resources in the District Attorney’s Office, but also would eliminate two District Court Judge positions.
Pelfrey stated, “It’s disappointing that legislation which so profoundly affects our area of the state was rushed through without the opportunity for input from our citizens and court personnel. Compared to other districts, we are already stretched thin to cover the caseload in our local courts, and this change makes it that much more challenging to ensure that our people get the justice system they deserve. I commend Representatives Annie Mobley and Michael Wray, as well as Senator Angela Bryant, in their valiant efforts to block this legislation, but, as usual, it’s a numbers game in Raleigh, and frankly, very few legislators are listening to the voice of rural North Carolina right now.”
Despite the change, Pelfrey is optimistic about the future of a reunited District 6. “In a time when so many citizens across the state are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the justice system, I’m convinced that you will not find a district that is more attentive, responsive, and effective than the one we’ve got right here at home. Since becoming District Attorney, first by the appointment of Governor Perdue, and then by the citizens of my district, I have worked diligently, both locally and at the state level, to build confidence in our local courts.”
Pelfrey continued, “In spite of the hand we’ve been dealt, I firmly believe that our new district can do better for the citizens of our four counties than just get by. We need to look on this situation as a new opportunity for service, and I am excited by the prospect of working with and for this community as we move forward together.”
Pelfrey welcomes the input and comments of all citizens, and can be reached by phone at 252-593-3010.
