Kenly holds emergency meeting after 7 employees resign in protest over 'hostile' work environment

Up to 50 people were outside the Town of Kenly chambers as council members met for more than an hour in closed session.

They waited in droves outside as council members met inside.

"Angry. Upset," said Josia Jackson who lives in Kenly. "This is a shock."

Sudden resignations by seven employees, including the police chief, four full-time officers, a town clerk and an assistant manager, sent shock waves through Kenly.

Mayor Tooie Hales set the record straight on current public safety efforts.

"The town still has a patrol. We still have police control," said Hales. "And we will continue to do so."

Employees who resigned cite a "hostile" work environment under town manager Justine Jones.

Jones attended Friday’s meeting with supporters behind her.

Kenly resident Cheryl Daniels supports the town manager.

“We support our town manager because we need a change," said Daniels.

Others questioned her ability to lead.

"Sounds to me that she’s trouble and she needs to go," said resident Sue Ellen Pittman.

At the end of Friday’s meeting, WRAL News asked Mayor Hales about the stress that might have been brought on for town employees.

"That’s the question council wants answered," said Hales.

While Friday’s emergency meeting was closed to the public, the mayor repeatedly said there will be another meeting open to the public.