McQueen resigns from Hamlet City Council

HAMLET — Jesse McQueen took his seat at the city council dais Tuesday evening — but not for long.

McQueen, who was elected to several terms on Hamlet’s governing board, said goodbye to the city he has served for three decades.

The former police officer-turned-politician had to step down from the council after moving outside the city limits.

According to N.C. General Statute 160A-59: “…when a council member ceases to reside in an electoral district that he was elected to represent, the office is ipso facto vacant.”

McQueen said the property he and his wife moved to in the Rockingham area had “a little more privacy” and “a whole lot quieter.”

“I did just want to thank everyone in the town that’s supported me over the years,” McQueen said.

His service to the Seaboard City started in late 1991 at the age of 21 when he joined the Hamlet Police Department.

McQueen was first elected to the Hamlet City Council in 2005, serving one term, and rejoined the board when he was elected in 2013 and has won subsequent reelections, serving a total of 14 years and 10 months.

“I’m very proud of my accomplishments that I’ve had,” McQueen said. “This is home … I really enjoyed serving the people in Hamlet.

“Some of my best times have been in this town, some of my worst times have been in this town,” McQueen continued. “As I walk out of the door tonight, I can tell you that this is one of the best times.”

McQueen said he’s had some great relationships — and some not so great — with the other councilmembers with whom he’s served over the years, adding that some have “healed and got back on track.”

“I’ve learned … that you’re never going to make everybody happy, you’re going to make a lot of people angry,” McQueen said. “But if you do what is laid on your heart to do and you do it in a manner that you’re doing what you think is the right thing, then it all works itself out.”

McQueen then extended his gratitude to the other sitting council members (except Maurice Stuart who was not present), other city leaders and former councilman Pat Preslar who was in the audience, before hinting at remaining in politics.

“I love Hamlet, I will always consider Hamlet my home,” McQueen said. “In my next elected office, hopefully, I will continue to look out for Hamlet.”

Each of the present council members then said a few words about McQueen’s service and departure, with Mayor Amy Guinn presenting McQueen with a plaque and key to the city.

Now the council has the task of filling McQueen’s seat, which is up for reelection in 2025.

Anyone interested in filling out the remainder of the term is encouraged to submit a letter to the mayor by Oct. 31 and the board is slated to make an appointment at the November meeting.